Deluxe Set of Nanny Interview Questions

Let’s Do This

We have just the thing to get your nanny interviews started! Below is a mega-list of nanny interview questions. Choose relevant questions to give structure to your nanny interviews. Remember to listen carefully and follow your intuition!

Start Here

The first question should always be this: Why are you interested in this opportunity? This will shine a light on the candidate’s professionalism and dedication.

Questions About Being a Nanny

• Why did you choose to become a nanny?
• What are the most important qualities of a nanny?
• Do you have professional childcare training?
• Do you have current CPR certification and first aid training?
• Do you feel comfortable submitting to a background check?
• What would you look for in hiring a nanny for your own family?
• Why is caring for children in the home appealing to you?
• What duties do you typically perform while children are in school?
• How does a nanny’s role change as the children get older?
• What are you looking for in an employer?
• What would your former employers say are your strengths?
• Are you comfortable voicing concerns with your employers?
• Have you had to work out issues with a former employer? If so, how did you handle the situation?
• How would you handle a difference in behavior management style?
• Are you willing to do occasional overnight stays with the children?
• Are you willing to travel with our family on vacation?
• What do you see as a nanny’s responsibilities when traveling with the family?
• What are some helpful ways you manage the children when traveling?
• What do you pack in a carry-on for children for a long plane flight?
• Are you a member of any nanny associations or social groups?
• Is it appropriate for a nanny to sleep during a child’s nap?
• Is it appropriate to make personal phone calls during work?
• Would you be willing to sign a confidentiality agreement?

Questions About the Nanny’s Experience

• Describe your previous childcare positions and why they ended.
• What would your former employers and/or personal references say about you?
• What were the most rewarding parts of your previous jobs?
• What is the most challenging aspect of working with children?
• What was your most challenging childcare problem and how did you resolve it?
• Have you ever lost motivation in a childcare job?
• Have you ever had to handle a medical emergency? If so, what steps and actions did you take?
• How do you like to communicate with your employer about the child’s day? Do you use a journal? Talk about the day in person? Make phone calls throughout the day? Send texts?
• What additional household responsibilities are you comfortable taking on as a nanny? For example: meal prep, laundry, cleaning, setting up appointments, pet care, etc.
• Would you care for a sick child?
• What would you do if a child made a mess because of an illness or bathroom accident?
• How do you keep a child safe out in public?
• How do you keep children safe at home?
• How do you handle stopping for a quick errand when you have children in the car?
• Have you worked with other household staff before? 
• Have you ever worked for parents who work at home? What pros and cons do you see working for WFH parents?

Questions about the Nanny’s Childcare Style

• What is your overall childcare philosophy?
• What child development books/authors do you like?
• What is your view on nutrition for children?
• What is your general philosophy on manners for children?
• What is your basic philosophy on discipline?
• What would you do if a child hit or hurt another child?
• What would you do if a child hit or hurt you?
• How would you handle it if a child lied to you?
• What are your thoughts on sunscreen and protection from the sun for children?
• Do you feel comfortable arranging play dates? How would you go about setting them up?

Age-Appropriate Questions

Newborn to Age 1

• How do you handle a crying baby?
• What do you do if the baby won’t stop crying?
• How long do you think a baby should be allowed to cry?
• How long do you think a newborn should be left before being fed?
• How long do you think a newborn should be held?
• What about rocking to sleep?
• What methods do you like to use to help a baby learn to sleep through the night?
• Do you know baby sign language?
• What would you do to encourage the baby to bond with you?

1 to 2 years

• What do you think is your primary responsibility to a child this age?
• What activities would you engage in with a child this age?
• What is your general philosophy on discipline at this age?
• How would you handle the following: throwing things or tearing books?
• If our child wanted to play/read/etc while you were cleaning up something, what would you do?
• How would you handle a tantrum in a grocery store?
• How would you handle a tantrum in our home?
• What is your philosophy on letting children explore their surroundings?
• What would you do to encourage the child to bond with you?

2 to 3 years

• What role should outdoor play and interaction with other toddlers have in a child’s day?
• What types of educational activities would you engage in at this age?
• What indoor/rainy day activities would you engage in at this age?
• What is your general philosophy on discipline at this age?
• How would you handle a tantrum in a grocery store?
• How would you handle a tantrum in our home?
• How do you feel potty training should be approached?
• What would you do to encourage the child to bond with you?

3 to 5 years

• What methods of limit setting or discipline do you find effective for this age?
• What types of educational activities would you engage in at this age?
• What is your opinion on preschool for children this age?
• Are you willing to supervise playtime with other children in our home and/or take our child to gymnastics/activity groups, which may or may not require your active participation?

5 to 12 years

• What are your feelings about outdoor play without direct supervision (i.e., the child is outside and the caregiver is in the house with a younger child)?
• Are you comfortable reviewing and assisting with homework?
• Are you willing to supervise friends of our child who are invited to our home while you are in charge?

Last Steps

The last question should be open-ended, such as: Do you have any questions for us? Let the nanny candidate ask about your parenting style and children’s personalities so they are certain the partnership is compatible as well!

Starling is a stellar nanny placement agency proudly serving Greater Seattle and the Eastside. Starling nannies are passionate about education and child development! We represent professional nannies, private teachers, newborn care specialists, household managers, family assistants, personal assistants, and more. Learn more about Starling’s core values.