Sitter Interview Questions: What to Ask

Stumped on what to ask? Here's a good guide!

When meeting a parent for the first time, you're interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you. You'll want to find out various things about the job to make sure you're as prepared as possible (there's nothing worse finding out that the kids throw hourly tantrums and have the tendency to color the white walls before naptime).

What's more, parents respect sitters who ask intelligent questions, and appear responsible and timely. These questions should help you get a feel for the family's values, structure, priorities, methods and more.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

• Why, exactly, do you need a babysitter? (So you can get errands done? Because you have a full-time job?)
• Have you had any sitters before? If so, why was your favorite sitter the "favorite"?
• Have you ever terminated a relationship with a sitter? Why?
• What do you look for in a sitter?
• Do you have any pets? What should I know about them?

BUSINESS

• What do you pay a sitter? Have you ever paid overtime or seasonal bonuses?
• Do you expect to have many occasions where you won't know what time you'll be home and will need me to be flexible?
• Can you drive me home if I don't have a car or would you prefer I make my own arrangements?
• Would you provide a taxi for me if you're unable to drive in a rare situation?
• Would you like to run a background check on me?
• Would you like any more references than those I have already provided?
• Would you be willing to set up a monthly meeting or phone call with me so we can touch base on how I am doing?

THE KIDS

• How many children do you have and what are their ages?
• Tell me a little about the children -- what are their likes and dislikes?
• What are your children's favorite books, toys and movies?
• What allergies do your children have, if any?
• What medical or physical conditions do your children have, if any?

CHILD CARE PHILOSOPHIES

• What is your approach to allowing the children to watch TV? Do the children have a limit?
• Are your kids allowed to play video games?
• Are they allowed to play on the computer?
• What foods can the children have? What can they not have?
• What are your rules for bath time?
• What are your rules for bedtime?
• What is your philosophy on discipline?
• Are there any topics that are off-limits for discussion with/among the children?
• Are there any TV shows, movies, books or websites that are off limits?
• Do the children have any chores I should make sure they complete?

HOME RULES

• What is your recommendation for answering the door during a job if I don't know the person knocking?
• Do you have any rules for phone usage?
• What are your rules for visitors?
• Are there any particular visitors or kids' friends who are not welcome in the home?

RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

• What are your children's daily routines I should be aware of?
• Will I ever be driving your kids? What are your rules for the car, car seats, etc.?
• Would you like me to arrange play dates for your kids?
• Would you like play dates to be hosted at your house or at another's?
• Is light housework involved in this job? If so, what will you expect me to do?
• Will you ever be at home while I am sitting?