Nanny test run?

TheBorg7of9

We are in the process of interviewing nannies right now. Have any of you ever done a test run with the nanny after an interview? Do you stay in the house? If you leave how do you judge how they did? Any tips? What should I be looking for?

PSU_Texan

My typical interview process is to phone screen for initial fit (salary, duties, location, etc).  Then I bring in a small subset to interview in person.  Typically the first 30-45 minutes of the in person interview is just between me, DH and the candidate.  After that, I observe them interact with my children for 30-45 minutes.  I'm looking for how easily do they win over my shy child, are they comfortable getting on the floor playing, are they creative with play, how do they speak to my child, etc.  After that, I check references/background check the candidates we are most interested in. 

As to a trial run, I did not do one until we hired a lady.  Then I had her come 4 Saturdays in a row (for which I paid her) while our former nanny still worked with us during the week (she was the one leaving, we didn't fire).  For the first Saturday, I worked side by side with her to make sure she understood routines, etc.  The next, I turned over the reins to her but stayed in the house, the final two I would leave to run errands and return unexpectedly to see how it was going.  I figured if there were warning signs in the first 2 weeks, I still had time to find someone else.

I think you could do a 4-hour trial run during the interview process.  But be prepared to pay her for her time. 

NicoleWI

Yes, I did. I had them come over on a weekend for a few hours. I stuck around a bit at the beginning and end but left in the middle. I think it's a super good idea, if you can work it out. And I did pay them.

TheBorg7of9

Thanks for your input!