Nannies/Sitters is it okay if I ask the family these question? Is there anything I missed?

Question

Family Questions

1. Are days off paid?
2. Can we go out as we like?
3. What doesn’t the family eat?
4. How is the child disciplined?
5. Is the vehicle for the job only?
6. What is your policy as far as bonuses?
7. What is your policy as far as Holidays?
8. Is it possible that I can be paid weekly?
9. Are Will I be taught to make Indian food?
10. Describe the ideal Nanny for your family?
11. What are the likes & dislikes of the child?
12. Why was the last Nanny relieved of duties?
13. What specifically are the house cleaning duties?
14. What is the pay rate for extra Saturdays worked?
15. Are there any areas in your home that is off limits?
16. Does the child have any allergies, special needs or medical conditions that I should know about?
17. What is the proper procedure for medical emergencies?
18. If I decide to do the house cleaning for the family, how much more will the pay increase?

I am interviewing Sunday with a Indian family who wants me to cook and do light housekeeping.

Answer 1

fantastic questions and I suggest you get the answers in writing so you can referance them later as often the families will all of a sudden claim that they gave you differant intructions than they actually did. and down the road as they or you change some of these rules, write it on the same paper and have the family sign by the change. It's always better to have virtualy everything in writing just so they cannot change later and you can be sure exactly what they expect from you. great questions though. I would address also the fact that you need privacy in your room and that no one enters without knocking and you answer the door. also have them install a lock on the inside of your door that you can lock if you'd like to. that way you can be comfortable that you have total privacy. also a lock on the inside of the bathroom you use if it is not in your room. you might even ask for a bolt lock that does not open with a key from the outside so it eliminates them having a key that might negate the lock. good luck and again, get it all in writing and make them sign it as a contract.

Answer 2

Ok #1 should be self explanatory, do you get paid on your days off at any job? #2 is ok but ask something more should i call if we leave the house or should i call and ask permission to leave. 6 and 7 i wouldn't bother asking. Don't ask 12 b/c that's really not your business b/c if you're a good nanny to begin with you shouldn't worry about what happened to the other nanny b/c you're they're nanny now just ask that if you are doing something wrong you hope they will tell you. The rest of the questions are good to ask especially 16 and 17. If you were told before the interview there would be house cleaning, don't ask #18 b/c your pay rate they promised is including the house cleaning. Make sure you ask about bedtimes and bedtime procedures e.g. story telling, nightlights stuff like that

Answer 3

# 1, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 are relivant questions

#2 - What do you mean? You and the kids? Just you?

#6 & 7 - Do families really have policies? Mine doesn't...

#9 - I would incorportate this in with #3: "What does the family eat? If they eat Indian food, and you don't know how to cook it, ask them if they will teach you how.

#18...sounds like the family wants someone to do some housework, and that will be incorporated into the salary...so don't ask about pay raises before you are even hired

Answer 4

Those questions sound great and it seems like you covered everything; however, I would leave out the "What is your policy as far as bonuses" because not everyone gives bonuses. Also, I wouldn't ask why the previous caregiver was fired just because that's a personal thing- don't ask unless they bring it up.
Also, if the family lets you use a vehicle then it is usually always just for the job duties and not for extra use.
As for the Indian food, just mention that you are willing to learn to cook a few Indian dishes if they would like you to do so for the children.

Answer 5

I think your list is great. I would say you might want to reorder them so it is clear that your main concerns are for the children.
I have had a hard time keeping someone qualified in this type of position in my household.
I have always respected someone who comes with more then a " I don't know/don't care" attitude.
Any family looking seriously for a nanny/housekeeper should be able to answer your questions without feeling like you're being forward or rude for asking.

Most of all the family is looking for a personality that fits. Of course ability to do the job and references are very important.

Hope this helps you.

Answer 6

All of the qustion,s are fine to ask but from what i have done in the past most families don,t pay extra for cleaning, and the day,s off are never paid with the families that i have worked for.

Answer 7

Where do u NOT want me to take ur children?
If u use their car it should only be use while ur working for them. If u ask for it for any other reason be expectin ur job to be gone..
Don't ask why the other nanny left. U can ask for refences just like they ask u for some.
U can do back ground checks on them to be4 becoming a nanny to them.
To be safe go to www.nanny.com and get more ideas and u can join in on the protection services for urself.
Can u be bonded if u become a nanny?
Have they gave u phone numbers in case of emergencies and have u got a cell phone for them to reach u?
U don't get paid on ur days off..so don't ask that. Would u want to pay for ur nanny on her/his days off?
Thats all I can think of.
Oh yeah be4 u become a nanny to any family, think about getting registered with the state u live in. For ur protection and ruputation.
Good luck!!

Answer 8

Hi Chicago! I think your list is wonderful! They are all responsible, genuine questions. I think the most important thing during the interview, besides addressing all of these topics, is your delivery of the questions. Make sure the timing is appropriate when you start asking about pay. Good luck with the interview!

Answer 9

Here's the question that you should not ask is #12, That's really none of your business. Most tradition Indian (not native American I assume) do not celebrate Thankgiving/Christmas/4th of July so I wouldn't expect to be paid more for those days.

Answer 10

I would keep the questions down to about 10, any more and they will feel like they are being interrogated. Are they Indian or Native Americans? or are they from India?

Are there any known allergies?
Are there smoke detectors in the home/fire extinguishers?
Location of fist aid kits?