Log In | Join Now
Hi there!
How would you like to log in?
|
Forgot password?
link
Businesses & Organizations | Help
Post a Job Today!
Get Started
Find a in ZIP   within
News & Views > Child Care & Family Articles and Resources > Parenting Blogger Advice > How to interview a babysitter

How to interview a babysitter

  |  Saturday, Dec 01, 2007  |   18 Comments
Advice on how to interview a potential babysitter or nanny from Sheila Lirio Marcelo, Founder and CEO of Care.com

Like this? Get more. Sign up for the latest articles, news and tips of your choice. All delivered weekly to your inbox.
Enter your email address:
Related Topics:
Comments (18)
Post a Comment
Photo of Bonnie L.
Bonnie L.
Sheila you are awesome, I am taking my first official nanny position this weekend, i believe... so I am nervous and I want to come prepared to do a good job. Your website is very enlightening and reminding. I am so excited but nervous because I am 43. Your information and knowledge is a great reminder.
Posted: April 15, 2011 at 1:25 AM
Photo of Leah L.
Leah L.
Thank God for all the videos! I will go into my next interviews way more prepared!
Posted: June 15, 2011 at 12:58 AM
Amanda H.
I agree with you Leah. The videos are awesome!! Thank you!!
Posted: September 14, 2011 at 6:13 PM
Kstie H.
Thankyou for a very efficient video
Posted: November 21, 2011 at 2:09 PM
Photo of Janna C.
Janna C.
I thought that was great! I pick up some more vital questions for my interview process.
Posted: December 11, 2011 at 10:18 PM
Photo of Sara P.
Sara P.
Has anyone ever considered checking photo ID from the person you meet with? Maybe its just the paranoid mom in me, but you never know who is sitting in front of you. Sure they say their name is ___ but its always good to check to make sure it matches with their profile and background check info. :)
Posted: January 19, 2012 at 1:18 PM
Photo of Sarah L.
Sarah L.
Short and Sweet but very Helpful
Posted: January 19, 2012 at 11:13 PM
Karla C.
Should you pay the sitter for the interview if they come to the house?
Posted: January 23, 2012 at 6:17 PM
Shana A.
@ Sara P. I believe checking id on a potential child care provider is an excellent idea. I work for a police department and I say you can never be too cautious when considering someone to care for you child. If the person being interviewed seems hesistant or reluctant to provide that information (as well as insurance cards if they will be traveling with your child, CPR certifications, etc. ) then maybe that should be your first indicator they are not the right one for the job. Good luck!!!
Posted: January 26, 2012 at 12:44 PM
Zarabeth A.
thank you god
Posted: March 06, 2012 at 2:58 PM
Photo of Cassandra L.
Cassandra L.
Facebook is always a good way to find out about someone.....you can learn alot about them beyond what they put on their profile here.
Posted: March 12, 2012 at 12:13 AM
Photo of Heather W.
Heather W.
I have asked for ID and they cancelled babysitting for me. I would definately ask for ID and for anyone that they will have around my kids. I choose to use Care.com to be able to verify who ppl are that are around my kids so if they want a friend, or whom ever I want to be able to verify that they are who they say they are.
Posted: March 13, 2012 at 10:21 PM
Delphine C.
Of course you should ask for ID. You will need it anyway, as well as social security number, when you prepare the tax forms.
Posted: March 27, 2012 at 10:25 AM
Photo of Kim G.
Kim G.
Asking for ID is a excellent idea. The first time I interviewed the sitter was at a local cafe. I then arranged a second meeting and I brought the kids to meet her.
Everyone uses social media, I checked out their Facebook page and insisted that texting and tweeting are not allowed when the kids are bathing or in the pool !
Posted: April 10, 2012 at 9:53 AM
Photo of Carolyn C.
Carolyn C.
Pretty useless video. That is just basic job interview skills 101.
Posted: August 07, 2012 at 3:25 PM
Photo of Jessica B.
Jessica B.
Sure meeting in a public place is alright but you will need to do a second interview in your home or theirs depending on where they will be watching your kids.
Posted: August 16, 2012 at 2:00 PM
Liz B.
I am sorry but I would NEVER give my SS number to a family. That information is just too much and I do my own taxes so its not a problem at all. If I am just starting for the family there is no way I would do it. Once people have that and your ID they can do anything with it. Has anyone every asked for a families ID?
Posted: September 28, 2012 at 10:04 AM
Photo of Gina V.
Gina V.
When we have a sitter come over for the first time to babysit we make a photo copy of their ID and keep it with us. Once we return we give that copy back to them for them to dispose of. If I am leaving them with my child I need to have it so that if (God forbid) something happened to my child I can provide that to the police. I have never run into an issue with any sitter being willing to do this as I return it back to them once we return home.
Posted: October 08, 2012 at 12:10 PM
Leave a Comment
You can post a comment by logging in to your Care.com account or continue as a guest below.
errortext
Email*
Display Name*
Comment*
Success! Your comment is waiting to be approved. It will post soon.
Post another comment

Connect with Care.com

Join Free Today!
What would you like to do?
Membership Type*
By clicking Join Now, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Put Safety first
Read our Safety Guide for tools and tips to keep you and your family safe.
Learn more »
Visit Sheila's Blog
Get advice for your family from our founder (and chief mom officer), Sheila Lirio Marcelo.
Read Sheila's Blog »
Sponsored Listings

Company

Popular in Child Care

Change Country

Care.com in My Town

Discover

Care.com does not employ, recommend or endorse any care provider or care seeker nor is it responsible for the conduct of any care provider or care seeker. Care.com provides information and tools to help care seekers and care providers connect and make informed decisions. However, each individual is solely responsible for selecting an appropriate care provider or care seeker for themselves or their families and for complying with all applicable laws in connection with any employment relationship they establish. Care.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment or engage in any conduct that requires a professional license.

Care.com and "There for you" are service marks or registered service marks of Care.com, Inc. © 2007-2013 Care.com, Inc. All rights reserved.