What are good questions to ask when hiring a Nanny in Chicago
The best questions to ask when hiring a nanny in Chicago should provide insight to the work experiences, certifications, schedule, and personality of your prospective hire. You must make sure the caregiver you choose is reliable, trustworthy, and fit your family's needs.
If this is your first time hiring a nanny, you may be worried about choosing the wrong person which in many cases may lead to an unpleasant experience.
Here's a breakdown of the 4 most important interview questions to ask before confidently hiring a nanny.
Tell Me About Yourself
You can learn a lot more than you think about a potential caregiver when they talk about themselves.
Pay attention to how long they've been nannying, why they love kids, and if they work well with single or multiple kids and specific age groups. In addition, you can throw in questions about their willingness to help out with child-related tasks such as laundry, meal preps, homework, and other important activities.
What Did You Find Challenging About Your Previous Role?
A caregiver's experience with challenges and the solution methods will help you feel confident about making a decision. An excellent tip is to ask about any conflicts with previous parents, emergency situations and accidents concerning the kids. Listen intently to the resolution steps to improve the situation.
What Would You Do If My Child Fell Ill?
The safety of your kids is paramount when hiring a nanny, so you must ask questions that ensure you can trust a new hire. Asking situational questions is always an excellent idea.
You could ask;
What would you do if my baby swallowed a crayon?
What would you do if my child hits or gets hit by another kid at the park?
What would you do if my child fell and banged their head?
Do you have the necessary training to offer infant CPR? Have you ever used it?
Do you have experience taking care of infants that refuse the bottle? How do you handle that
Would You Be Willing to Work Extra Hours?
It's important to consider logistical questions to manage your expectations of a new nanny. For instance, some nannies are willing to work extra hours because they live close by. In addition, there are caregivers that drive and can make a longer commute to your home. Be transparent about your needs. If you work remotely, work weekends, or late nights, ensure you let them know.
Finally, be upfront about your expectations; talk about outdoor time, meal preferences, walks, shopping, and others.
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