remember, this is an interview and appearances are important. You should be dressed just as neatly as you would be for a day on the job. Panty hose and heels are not required, but a clean, neat conservative top and slacks are appropriate. Something a baby could burp on and that you can stay modestly covered if you get on the floor to play with legos.

Being on time is critical. If you can't manage to be on time for an interview, it is assumed you will be unable to be on time for work. The family depends on the punctuality of the nanny so they can meet their professional and personal commitments. On those rare occasions when there is a real reason for being late, be appropriately apologetic, and call at the earliest possible moment to let them know you will be late. Be prepared. You should have a good idea of the family's needs and expectations before the initial interview. You should have an equally good idea of how your skills and expertise might fit into this particular job. No two nanny jobs are alike. Make sure to have several questions prepared for the family. It is hard to appear interested if you can't come up with a single question. Questions that refer to specific family or child needs and expectations will be impressive and will demonstrate you have considered this position carefully. Be warm, friendly and direct, but maintain appropriate boundaries. The family doesn't want to hear the sagas of your personal life. If you cross those boundaries, even the most laid-back of interviewers will be left with the impression that your personal life will interfere with your work. Many parents are not good interviewers. The parent may ask simple questions, such as, "Do you have experience in diaper changing?" You may need to take some initiative to make this a good interview. Don't just answer "yes." Give examples of times you've had to perform that particular task and why you were successful or had an impact. If the answer is "no," tell the parent about a transferable skill or experience, or how you will take the initiative and responsibility for learning the skill to prepare for the job because you want it so badly.

Many families will ask questions like "Tell me about your upbringing." They look to how you describe your parents and siblings and life events for clues on how you see yourself -- as a winner or loser, as empowered or oppressed. Be prepared for this type of question. Families also look for you to display a positive, can-do attitude - to demonstrate the flexibility to adjust your behavior to the family's expectations regardless on how you may have worked in the past. Caregivers need to be consistent in messages to the children; the families are looking for team players.

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