5. If the child is older, let him or her spend some time with the potential sitter while you are present. Watch how they interact and how the child seems to get along with the sitter. If it is an infant or younger baby you can still watch the interaction the interviewee has with the baby.
6. Take note on the punctuality of the potential sitter if the interview is at your home. Being on time will be important when arriving to the job, so see if she arrives for the interview in a timely manner.
7. If the potential sitter is a teen, find out if she has taken any of the readily available babysitting classes that many areas offer. Has she had first aid or CPR training? The Red Cross offers a babysitting course (mentioned above) and it is definitely a plus if you can find someone who has taken the time to utilize such a course.
8. Don't be afraid to ask questions at the interview. How long has she been babysitting? What are the ages of children she has watched? If your interviewee is a teen, are there younger siblings in the house that she helps to care for?
9. Get references and make use of them. Know the questions that you want to ask the references, especially those people she has babysat for in the past.
10. Ask her if she has a disaster plan if something happens while she is staying with the children. (Some parents choose to ignore this one so it doesn't scare the potential sitter, but it is good to know, especially if your home is in earthquake or tornado areas, or in one of the spots terrorism is more likely to occur).
11. Find out what times and days she will be available so there isn't a last minute misunderstanding.
12. Tell her right away how much you will be paying, again to avoid misunderstandings later.