Nanny Trial Periods
Starting a new nanny job can, like any other job, be intimidating. It may take a few days or even a week to get your bearings, so be patient with yourself. Getting to know the children and establish you as an authority figure does not happen over night, either. Stick with it and go about your job as if you had been in it for two years! Confidence is the key to success.
Here are some useful tips to help you get off the ground:
- Learn the house rules your employers have implemented and be sure to stick to them firmly. If the family is of a different religious or cultural background than you, respect all practices and differences.
- Ask for a set of the house keys to use throughout the day in case you and your charges are in and out.
- Make sure your duties are clearly outlined in your nanny contract so you can tackle them during the down time of your day. Also make sure your pay day and days off are also clearly stated there.
- Ask where the fuse box, first aid kit and stopcock are.
- Make a list or the children’s allergies, special dietary needs and any medical conditions. Do you know where the medication is kept? If not, be sure to find out!
Most importantly, if you need further guidance or help settling in your consultant at the London Nanny Agency will be happy to help!
Nanny Interview Techniques
The London Nanny Agency assists each of our nannies in preparing for their nanny job interviews. Our clients are looking for those nannies that are well-spoken, genuine in their love and enthusiasm for their job, experienced and nicely presented. Our guidance is tailored for each job and nanny, but the following advice applies to all:
- Have an organised, clear and easy-to-read CV free of spelling and grammatical errors. Bring a cleanly printed copy to your interview!
- Your dynamic experience as a nanny should be communicated in your CV. What were your responsibilities? Were you required to go above and beyond standard nanny duties?
- Ensure that the contact details for your referees are current and accurate. If you have written references, bring copies of those as well.
- Bring your certificates and diplomas in a folder to show the parents.
- Dress neatly and conservatively for your nanny job interview. You should not be too dressed up as it’s impractical and not reflective of the job you are seeking, but nor should you dress as if you were going out to a club. Nice trousers (no jeans or trainers!) or a skirt and sweater are always reliable choices.
- Smile, have a firm handshake, and be open and friendly. After all, you are going to be looking after children!
- Be open and honest, but be sure to share the positive aspects of your previous nanny jobs. All negatives or bad experiences are actually opportunities to learn and grow!
- Speak clearly and slowly. Articulation is key.
- Do not inquire about salaries or accommodations in your first interview. These are handled in the second interview. It is more important to get to know the family with whom you are interviewing. Remember, you are trying to determine whether they are the right fit for you as well!
- Most importantly, ask lots of questions about the family, the children’s interests, their daily routines and activities. If the children are present, be friendly, introduce yourself, and ask them about themselves. Connecting with the children should be your primary goal.
Ultimately, The London Nanny Agency is here to set you up for long-term success. We provide all of our nannies with a thorough interview preparation session, explicit directions to their interviews, along with a detailed job description. After our nannies complete an interview, we are on the phone with them immediately collecting feedback to gauge how we move forward together.