Many families require two working partners to keep the finances and home afloat, which means that a lot of people turn to nannies to care for their children while they are at work. Hiring a nanny is an important decision for parents to make. After all, this person is a stranger at first, and he or she will be partially responsible for your child's development.

Pre-hiring tips

According to Parenthood, it's important to first communicate what type of childcare you wish for your daughter or son to receive. You will want to be upfront about your parenting style beforehand so you can bring in the right candidates. Explain any education or experience requirements you may have, and also describe your children's schedules, characteristics and needs. Lastly, be clear about the type of hours, compensation and benefits you will be offering.

Your nanny must prove that he or she is eligible to work in the U.S. You must also provide Social Security taxes and keep track of tax deductions, medical insurance and any other benefits. Keeping all records after the hiring process (including U.S citizen requirements, state documents and IRS forms) will make things a lot smoother down the road for both you and your nanny during tax season. If you have any other questions about the legalities of hiring a nanny, it might be a good idea to contact your lawyer and/or accountant for further details.

The interview process

Like any other job, you will need to screen and narrow down to candidates who best suit your requirements and needs. Care.com recommends choosing five to 10 candidates, starting with phone interviews. When you find two to three who seem like a good match, bring them in for in-person interviews, complete with meeting the children. During this time, observe how they act with your children. Also, run through the candidate's background and ask questions about his or her views on childcare and upbringing. By doing all of these things during the interview process, you will usually be able to trust your instincts.

Post-interview

After you have finally chosen your candidate, it's important to conduct a background check and check the references that the candidate has left on his or her resume. Then, make the offer to your chosen candidate. Usually, once your new nanny has accepted the offer, it's a good idea to put in writing a description of how you want the role to proceed, as well as salary and benefits details. This way, you can negotiate financial terms and clear up any confusion about the job beforehand. For instance, if you require light housekeeping or errand running, this should be included in the written agreement. You should also list what to expect in terms of overtime pay, time off or transportation costs while he or she is caring for your children.

Hiring a nanny is a big decision, so make sure to vet your candidates carefully. Communicating all of your expectations and needs in an upfront manner can ensure you find the right person for the job.