Suggested Nanny Interview Questions

When it comes to hiring a caregiver for your child, there's no such thing as too many questions. Use these questions as a guide and adjust to your specific family needs.

Initial contact information

1. Introduce yourself and describe your family and children
2. Review the job expectations to make sure you're on the same page. Example: location, work hours, start date, and salary.
3. Go over any specific family details, such as, pets, medical or special needs of children.

overview questions

1. Why are you interested in this job? Look for thoughtful answers, not someone who doesn't have a better idea! Answers should include more than “I love children”.
2. What appeals to you about taking care of children in their own home rather than a child care center or someone else’s home?
3. What do you think the difference is between a babysitter and a nanny?
4. Do you know your away around the area?
5. Do you have any questions about the job expectations?

training, education, and background questions

1. Why did you get involved in child care work?
2. How long have you been providing care for children?
3. Describe your last child care experience and why it ended.
4. What is your education level?
5. Do you have or willing to get CPR/child first-aid training?
6. Have you taken any child development or child care courses? Would you be willing to take classes if presented with the opportunity?
7. Are you fluent in any other languages? If so, would you be comfortable speaking in another language with the children?

work experience questions

1. Why did you leave your last job?
2. What ages have you cared for?
3. What are your favorite ages and why?
4. What is your favorite part of working with children? What's your least favorite?
5. What was your most difficult experience in child care and how did you resolve it?
6. Tell me about the most difficult child/family/parent you have worked with?
7. What do you find to be the most challenging (or interesting) part of working with children?
8. Tell me a time when you felt like you lost motivation in a job?
9. Do you hae experience th children who have medical or special needs? Describe.
10. Are you comfortable administering medication if necessary?
11. Do you have experience preparing bottles, or meals?
12. Do you have experience following dietary restrictions or avoiding food allergies?
13. Do you have experience introducing a baby to solid food?
14. Have you ever had to handle an emergency? If so, what happened and what action did you take?
15. Do you have experience navigating unusaual or difficult family dynamics?
16. Tell me about the work style and relationshipe with your past families or employers.
17. How have you responded when a former boss has brought up unexpected issues with you?
18. What additional duties did you perform in your previous jobs? What additional household responsibilities are you comfortable taking on as a nanny? I.e. meal prep, laundry, cleaning, setting up appointments, pet care, etc.
19. Give me some examples of unexpected issues that have come up in your previous jobs and how you and your former employer worked things out?

child development and childrearing philosophy Questions

1. Summarize your child rearing philosophy?
2. What is your view on nutrition for children?
3. What is your general philosophy on etiquette for children?
4. What is your basic philosophy on discipline?
5. What is your opinion on spanking?
6. How do you feel about imaginative play that includes the use of toy guns as props?
7. What are your thoughts about masturbation? How would you handle it if you noticed that my (insert age) was masturbating?
8. What would you do if my child bit another child? What would you do if my child bit you?
9. What would you do if my child hit or hurt another child? What would you do if my child hit or hurt you?
10. How would you handle it if my child lied to you?
11. What are your thoughts on sunscreen and protection from the sun for children?
12. What are your views on outdoor play? Will my child play outdoors every day?
13. What activities would you plan for my child during the day?
14. How would you feel if I brought up an issue with the children and I felt very strongly that I wanted it handled a certain way? In other words, if I couldn't see a way to compromise on an issue, do you think you could work with that?
15. How are you at voicing your concerns about unexpected issues that may arise? Are you comfortable bringing up issues with the parents?

home and lifestyle questions

1. How were you disciplined as a child? What would you do differently with your own children?
2. Tell me about your childhood and your current relationship with your family.
3. What do you like to do in your free time?
4. What television shows do you enjoy watching? How often will the television be on and what programs will be shown?
5. How do you think your closest friends would describe you and your personality?

additional questions

1. Would you be willing to sign a confidentiality clause? What does confidentiality mean to you?
2. If you have guns in your household ask - Are you comfortable working in a household with guns? Do you know gun safety and are you able to shoot? If not, do you want to learn?
3. If you work at home, ask - 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?
4. Confirm your non-negotiable items. Do you have a current driver's license? Are you willing to travel with our family? Are you able to do occasional overnights with notice? Are you willing to submit to a criminal background check?