Helpful tools while interviewing nanny candidates.

Sample nanny Interview questions:

Questions On Being A Nanny

Why do you want to be a nanny or why did you choose to become a nanny?

What qualities do you think are important in a nanny?

What kind of professional development in childcare do you have?

How is your driving record? Have you had any accidents and if so, please describe.

If our roles were reversed, what would you look for in hiring a nanny?

What appeals to you about taking care of children in their own home (vs. a day care center or your home)?

What do you want from me as a potential employer? What are you looking for in an employer?

How are you at voicing your concerns about unexpected issues that may arise?

Can you 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?

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?

Are you willing to do occasional overnight stays with the children?

Are you willing to stay with the children for a week or more if we (the parents) go out of town?

How do you feel about having friends over during work time or overnights?

What do you see as a nanny's responsibilities when traveling with the family?

Would you be willing to sign a confidentiality clause?

Questions About the Nanny's Experience

Describe your childcare experiences and why they ended.

How many children have you cared for at a time in your previous positions?

What were the pros and cons to caring for different numbers of children?

What would your references say about you?

What were the best parts of your previous jobs?

What do you find to be the most challenging part of working with children?

Have you ever had to handle an emergency? If so, what happened and what action 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 log? Talk about the day in person? Make phone calls/texts throughout the day?

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?

How would you keep my child safe out in public?

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?

If you (Parent(s)) work at home: Have you ever worked for parents who work at home? Are you comfortable with that?

Questions on the Nanny's Views on Child Rearing and Discipline Style

In a nutshell, what is your overall child rearing philosophy?

What is your view on nutrition for children?

What is your general philosophy on etiquette for children?

What is your basic philosophy on discipline?

Do you feel comfortable arranging play dates?

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?

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?

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?

Do you feel comfortable potty training?

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 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?

Personal Questions

How do you think your closest friends would describe you and your personality?

What do you like to do in your free time?

Do you smoke, drink, use drugs, or swear a lot?

Why are you interested in this job?