So you’ve done a search for a nanny for your home and you’re getting ready to conduct interviews. What should you look for when you’re screening a nanny?

When you’re screening a nanny, three things are helpful in the hiring process: being prepared, asking investigative questions, and paying attention to the details.

Being prepared – The process of screening a nanny can be a flurry of events. You’ve done a search through online referral services, such as NannyFindersCanada.com, nanny agencies, or through friends and family. You’ve scheduled times to speak with several different candidates. But before you get to the interview stage of the hiring process, be prepared with a list of what your expectations are and what you’re looking for in a nanny.

Ask investigative questions – Standard questions such as a nanny’s availability, the amount of experience she’s had, and even why she’s interested in being a nanny can give you an overall picture. But don’t forget to dig deeper and address any concerns when you’re screening a nanny. Ask questions such as how a nanny would deal with emergency situations, how she views her role as a nanny, and what some of the most difficult situations are that she’s faced working as a childcare provider.

Paying attention to the details – When you’re going through the interview process, listen to not only what the applicant is saying, but how she is saying it. Is she giving you canned answers that you want to hear? Is she enthusiastic about working with children? How well does she interact with your child? Paying attention to the little things could well mean the difference between hiring a nanny who is adequate and one who will be an excellent caregiver for your child.

Run your background checks - Make sure you run background checks such as criminal histories, driving records, credit reports, etc in most cases with live-out nannies/caregiver that are no longer under the live-in caregiver program. Get a full history of the care provider.