Deluxe Set of Nanny Interview Questions
Are you about to begin interviewing nannies? We have just the thing to get you started! Below is a mega-extensive list of nanny interview questions. Choosing relevant questions from this list will give your interview great structure and help you get to know your potential nanny. Remember to listen carefully and follow your intuition!
First Things First
The first and most important question should always be this: Why are you interested in this job? (This will give you insight into their professionalism and dedication)
Questions About Being a Nanny
Why did you choose to become a nanny?
What is the difference between a babysitter and a nanny?
What are the most important qualities in a nanny?
Do you have professional childcare training?
Do you have current CPR certification and first aid training?
Do you have any accidents on your driving record?
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? How did you handle the situation?
If there was a difference of opinion on a childcare issue, would you be able to follow the parents lead despite your personal feelings?
Are you willing to do occasional overnight stays with the children?
Are you willing to stay with the children for an extended amount of time if we go on a parents vacation?
Do you feel it’s appropriate to invite friends over during work time or overnights?
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.
How many children have you cared for at a time?
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 worked with a challenging parent? How did you handle it?
Have you ever been accused of abusing a child?
Have you ever had to handle a medical emergency? If so, what steps and actions did you take?
How many hours at a time are you used to caring for a child? What would be the maximum number of hours you could care for a child before needing a break?
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 would you keep my child safe out in public?
How would you keep my child safe at home?
How do you handle stopping at the gas station, bank or convenience store for a quick errand when you have children in the car? What is your rule for the children being able to stay in the car?
Have you worked with other household staff before? Please describe some positives and negatives you’ve experienced working with household staff.
If you work at home: Have you ever worked for parents who work at home? Are you comfortable with that? What pros and cons do you see working for WAH parents?
Questions about the Nanny’s Views on Child Rearing and Discipline Style
What is your overall child rearing philosophy?
What child development books/authors do you like?
What is your view on nutrition for children?
What is your general philosophy on etiquette for children?
What is your basic philosophy on discipline?
What is your opinion on spanking?
How do you feel about imaginative play that includes the use of toy guns as props?
What would you do if my child hit or hurt another child? What would you do if my child hit or hurt you?
How would you handle it if my 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 Group-Appropriate Questions
Newborn to age 1
How do you handle a crying baby?
What would you do if the baby won’t stop crying?
How long do you think a baby should be left 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 massage? Baby sign language?
What would you do to encourage the baby to bond to you?
Children 1 to 2 years old
What do you think is your primary responsibility to a child this age?
What activities would you engage in with a child this age?
How much television do you think is appropriate for this age? What kinds of shows?
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 temper tantrum in a grocery store? In our home?
What is your philosophy on letting children explore their surroundings?
What would you do to encourage the child to bond to you?
Children 2 to 3 years old
What role should outdoor play and interaction with other toddlers have in a child’s day?
What types of educational activities would you engage a child this age in?
How much television do you think is appropriate for this age? What kinds of shows?
What indoor/rainy day activities would you engage a child this age in?
What is your general philosophy on discipline at this age?
How would you handle a temper tantrum in a grocery store? In our home?
How do you feel potty training should be approached?
What would you do to encourage the child to bond to you?
Children 3 to 5 years old
What methods of limit setting or discipline do you find effective for this age?
What types of educational activities would you engage a child this age in?
What is your opinion on preschool for children this age?
What television shows do you feel are appropriate for this age child?
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?
Children 5 to 12 years old
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?
When children are in school, how many extra-curricular activities per week do you think is appropriate for them? What kinds of activities would you suggest for different age groups?
Drum Roll…Your Final Question
Turn the tables by asking: Do you have any questions for us? (Let your nanny ask about your parenting style and children’s personalities so they are certain the partnership is compatible as well!)
ABOUT US: Starling Agency is a nanny placement service proudly serving the Seattle area. We specialize in referring highly educated nannies that are passionate about helping children learn and grow. We utilize proprietary resources, professional networks, and expert screening methods, to help your family hire an exceptional nanny. Starling Agency is a run by parents and educators.