7. Unique Skill Set
I once interviewed for a nanny position in a luxurious downtown high-rise building. The divorced father of two school-age children was looking to replace their current nanny who had given notice. The job required staying overnight four times a week when the father had custody of the kids. Initially, I wasn’t keen on the idea. Because it would mean being away from my cats for half the week, disrupting my routine.
However, I agreed to meet with them to provide some options for candidates. The assistant who interviewed me was a woman in her 60s. She seemed to have a very maternal relationship with her boss. As time went on, the situation became increasingly strange and uncomfortable.
During the interview, I was asked how I would feel. If I were asked to go on a trip to Florida. But ended up having to go to Aspen at the last minute instead. These questions were posed because the family, looking for a nanny, had access to their own private jet.
One interesting anecdote shared during the interview illustrated the executive father’s apparent struggle with parental duties. On one occasion, he found himself unexpectedly caring for his children overnight when they had stomach flu. Allegedly, he called his assistant to express how challenging it was to handle the situation. But he managed to get through it the next morning.
During the interview, the woman appeared charmed as she shared anecdotes with the proud smile of a mother. She stressed the job’s requirement for frequent overnights, highlighting the importance of dependable support. As we concluded, she escorted me to the elevator, where she commented uneasily on my choice of jeans. Attributing it to the messy streets from a recent snowstorm.
I opted for new dark skinny jeans paired with a cashmere sweater, makeup. And jewelry, aiming for a blend of practicality and professionalism. In nanny interviews, readiness to interact with children at any moment is crucial. Emphasizing comfort and adaptability over formal attire suited for office roles. This understanding was pivotal during interviews across various agencies in the city.
The selected candidate would meet with the father, who favored her and arranged additional interviews, including a lunch meeting. She spent weeks with the family, even declining another job offer in hopes of securing this position. Eventually, their current nanny decided to work for only a year. Reflecting on this, I felt relieved not to proceed to the next round of interviews.
