50 Interview Questions to Ask a Nanny
Interviewing your favorite candidates is an exciting step in the nanny search process. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about their experience, talk more about the position, and get to know each other. Whether you’re doing a simple introduction call or meeting in your home, it can be helpful to have a list of questions ready to ask.
When you work with Pearl Nannies, a nanny agency in Portland, Oregon, the candidates you meet will have already been screened through our 7-point application process, including two rounds of agency interviews, professional reference collection, verification of employment and education, internet presence screening, and thorough background checks. We focus on verifying the experience and suitability of each nanny, so you can focus on evaluating your comfort and connection.
These are some of our favorite interview questions to ask a nanny.
General Background Questions
- How did you get started as a nanny?
- How long have you worked as a nanny?
- Have you cared for children in any other setting?
- What age groups have you worked with?
- What is your favorite age group to care for? Why?
- What is the most challenging part of working with that age group?
- What are some things that are important to you in a nanny job?
- How long are you hoping to stay in your next position?
- What do you like to do outside of work?
- What languages do you speak?
- Can you swim? Do you have any experience swimming with children?
- Are you comfortable around pets?
- What is your highest level of completed education?
- Have you taken any continuing education courses in childcare?
Personality and Childcare Philosophy Questions
- What is your favorite thing about being a nanny?
- What qualities do you have that children like and respond to?
- Tell me about your nanny style or childcare philosophy.
- Do you have any favorite child development or parenting books/podcasts/resources?
- We like to follow [certain parenting style, specific boundaries or rules, discipline method]. Do you have experience with that? Are you willing to follow that as well?
- How do you handle emotional moments with kids?
- How do you typically handle misbehavior and discipline with kids?
- How would you support my child’s development?
- What kinds of activities do you like to do with children?
- How often do you utilize screen time when caring for children?
- What do you like to do on rainy days with kids?
- What do you find most challenging about working with children?
Professional Experience and Work History Questions
- What did a typical day look like at your last job?
- Why did you leave your last job?
- Have you ever encountered things in your previous positions that you didn’t like or that didn’t work well with your childcare style?
- Do you have experience taking children out of the house for activities or outings?
- What kinds of meals and snacks have you prepared for kids in the past?
- Have you had any responsibilities outside of childcare in your previous positions?
- Would you be willing to do [laundry, meal prep, grocery shopping, household management tasks]? How much would your hourly rate increase for that?
- We want to work on [potty training, introducing new foods, improving academic performance, etc]. Do you have experience with that?
- Do you have experience driving with children? Have you ever driven a family car?
- Have you ever traveled with a family before? Would you be willing and available to travel with us?
- Have you ever cared for a child overnight?
- Would you have occasional availability for additional hours, like evening date nights?
Safety and Emergency Training Questions
- Are you certified in CPR and First Aid? If not, are you willing to get certified before starting?
- Have you ever dealt with an emergency situation while caring for a child?
- Are you vaccinated for [flu, COVID-19, TDAP]? Would you be willing to get vaccinated and keep up with recommended schedules, like annual flu shots?
- Do you have any experience working with kids who have food allergies?
- Are you comfortable administering medications as needed?
Scenario Questions
What would you do if...
- A child hit another child at the park?
- A child is refusing to eat their food?
- A child just bit their sibling?
- A child just fell and is unconscious?
- A child breaks out in hives but has no known allergies?
- A toddler is having a total meltdown?
- A baby won’t stop crying?
Evaluate the connection and think long-term.
Along with asking interview questions, consider how each candidate would fit into your household and lifestyle. You’ll see and communicate with your nanny almost every day, and they will form a close relationship with your child. Comfort and connection are vital for a long-term match!