Interview Tips | Nannies LMM 2024

It is essential before interviewing saving everyone time that a Parent know the maximum Gross per hour salary rate they can budget up to as that determines which Childcarers we can actually introduce for interview.

1st Face-to-Face Interview:

This needs to be in the family home for about 40 - 60 minutes and without curious Child (ren).
On arrival, Nannies are told by LMM to offer their passport as identification.
Nannies are told by LMM to take to all interviews to give on arrival folder displaying first from the front Childcare Qualification Certificate (s) then most recently dated Childcare written references, DBS, Childcare Work Insurance, and Ofsted Certificates.
Professional and genuine Childcarers expect Parents to question them about the length of their Childcare Qualification training and Childcare work experience as they want to reassure Parent`s they take the responsibility of caring for their Child (ren) and job seriously.
It is important to discuss contract points clearly and with some flexibility as agreements are made solely between a Parent and Childcarer.

Top Tips for Childcarers:

A huge proportion of a Parent`s decision to consider them for their job vacancy rests in the first minutes of speaking to then in the first minutes of meeting in person as in how they present themselves as all Parents naturally especially when paying for the most expensive form of Childcare will be seeking someone to set their Child a reasonable example in their dress, spoken English, and hygiene as a Childcarers personal choices can affect and influence their Child.
Not turning up on time or at all to an interview (or agreed work day) is unprofessional and upsets Parents so may warn other Parents of unreliable and unpunctual people friends WhatsApp groups or social media. Parents appreciate a voice telephone call of an unavoidable circumstance and may be flexible to rearrange.
Offer and only accept to do Child-related housekeeping duties.

Both after a family interview:

Should mention "let’s think about our discussion overnight" as neither should feel pressured to immediately offer or accept.
Next day email LMM of each interview outcome especially if you know you are not going to consider a Childcarer so we can let them know.

2nd Interview:

Must happen for 2 - 3 hours during the day if the job vacancy is for a permanent Nanny with the Children.

Parents get to see how a Childcarer communicates and plays with their Child (ren). Child (ren) can show their bedroom, toys, garden, pet, play areas and do a 20-minute craft/play activity and in a more relaxed way everyone gets to know each other.

If the vacancy is for a Temporary Nanny or Evening Babysitter the Children can meet the Childcarer in the 1st interview.

Job Offers - should be done asap.

It is a registration condition a Parent:

Does to their satisfaction their own Reference Checks. Ask for the phone numbers of past Employers who know them personally (unlike LMM) and ask were their Children happy and the Childcarer punctual, reliable, honest, and gave good general Child care.
Voice (not text or email as words get misunderstood) telephones the Nanny as it is reassuring to hear a delighted acceptance reaction to know both are making the right decision and discuss any questions you or they may have.
We also telephone the Nanny to check are truly happy with the contract hours and Gross per-hour rate offered.

Agree a 4 - 6 week probationary where the Nanny is paid weekly and during have an end-of- each week discussion without either taking offense if have different opinions to resolve minor points. The Employer is responsible to provide a written Contract and the Nanny must insist on receiving to sign if asked to stay on within 2 months from the start date.

Understandably Parents are worried due to difficult financial times to committing to a one-year contract but we are hearing of Parents offering then after they start within weeks telling the Nanny who is devastated and stressed by the news as also has a mortgage or rent to pay that the Child is going to Nursery. It is best to be honest about this and employ a Nanny happy to do a 3 or 6-month contract in the hope they can continue as long as you need but if not we can easily if need introduce a 2nd Nanny, we understand not ideal but fairer to the Nanny.