Pre-employment questions are easy tests you can perform when screening some one to take care of your kids. The more you know about someone, the more you reduce that person’s anonymity. After all, it is about taking care of the most precious prized possessions in your life.

Make a short list of potential nanny candidates from applications received. Speak with each potential candidate on the phone. Set up interview appointments, allowing at least one hour for each nanny candidate to do a family/nanny interview in your home or another designated place where both parties feel comfortable.

Here are a few important questions to ask when you are interviewing nannies. If you are interviewing several nannies, it is better to take note of each candidate’s answers as you go along.

1. What were some of your duties/expectations of your last position? Why did you leave your last job and how long were you there for? May we contact these employers?
2. What are your strongest qualifications? What do you feel are your qualifications for this job? Can you provide a resume?
3. Do you have excellent child-care related references? Will you be able to provide at least two references and phone numbers to whom I can call and speak with?
4. What is your experience in the childcare field- Do you have any experience with children the same age/ages as mine? What age group do you feel most comfortable caring for?
5. What age appropriate activities would you do with my children? -Do you like to plan activities and projects? Do you like to do arts and crafts? Puzzles, singing, reading, going to the park?
6. What are your hobbies? Tell me about your interests. Do you play any musical instruments? Are you involved in any extracurricular activities?
7. About discipline-What is your philosophy when it comes to punishing a child?  Would you every use physical punishment?
8. How would you rate your cooking skills? Would you feel comfortable preparing some simple meals for children? Are you a vegetarian or non-vegetarian?
9. Are you a good driver? Do you have a clean driving record? Do you have a safe and reliable vehicle?  Do you feel comfortable transporting children to and from activities in your vehicle? Do you have car insurance?
10. Do you have any children of your own? If you answered yes, what ages are they, and do you have childcare provided for them? Would you need to bring them to work?
11. What would you do in the event of an emergency?
12. Are you CPR/First aid certified? If yes, when does it expire?  If not, would you be willing to get it before you start a position?

    You can add more questions on other topics that are important for you.