Sample Nanny Interview Questions

These sample nanny interview questions come from a list written by a parent and show the broad range of issues she wanted to check out. Some or all may work for you, but – do not make the mistake she made of asking applicants to respond in writing. While agencies, interviewing by telephone and representing many families, have reason to request written answers, an individual employer can make such questions the basis of an interview.

Sample nanny interview questions 1-3 may offend some candidates. You will do best to present them as a simple set of basics, perhaps pursuing them in detail later in the interview. We’ve included details here to make you aware of the many reasons for asking them.

1. Do you use any drugs, prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal, on a regular basis? What are they and why do you use them?

This aims at illegal use – where unsupervised child care is the issue, you want it firsthand that there is none. It also provides the opportunity to discuss any prescription medications and their associated conditions, to determine whether or not YOU feel they would affect the quality of care. Such conditions may be either physical or psychological. Consider also asking about eating disorders, depression and counseling, current or previous – these can be show-stoppers for experienced agencies.

2. Have you any physical handicaps, allergies, or any thing that may limit your child caring abilities? If so, please describe them.

3. If you are currently in a relationship (married, boyfriend, engaged, etc.), how will it affect your availability for us?

a. available weekends? evenings?
b. if live-in, how far and how often will applicant need to travel to continue the relationship?
c. is availability to work affected by the relationship in any way? (e.g., available only while fiancee is in the military?)

4. How did you come to the decision to work as a nanny?

5. Name six activities a (your child’s age) child may be doing on any given day.

6. It is very important to have an open line of communication with a family. Would you be comfortable approaching a parent about a concern? How would you approach a parent?

7. What do you think of weekly/biweekly meetings to address any concerns, before they became a problem?

8. Sometimes a household can get into a routine that becomes stayed and boring. What things would you initiate to resolve your boredom and the child’s?

9. Are you a “take charge”/”create activities” person, or are you more comfortable getting direction from a parent?

10. How would you rate yourself when it comes to organization? A+ A A- B+ B B- or C+ C C-D+ D D- or not at all?

11. What is your experience with children the same age(s) as mine?

12. What would you do if my child got sick or had an accident?

13. What do you like about being a nanny?

14. What is there about being a nanny that you could live without?

15. What are your beliefs about child rearing?

16. What forms of discipline do you use?

17. How would you comfort a child?

18. What household rules work well for you?

19. Which do not work well? 20 (for live-in candidates). Describe your ideal family and living situation.

21. Do you have pet peeves about parents?

22. Are you willing to take care of child-related chores while the baby is with his mother or while the baby is napping? e.g., cooking and preparing child’s meals, laundry, cleaning toys, preparing bottles.

23. How is your driving record?

24. Where do you see yourself being in 5 years?

25 (for live-in candidates). It is so difficult to be away from friends and family. What is the longest you have been away from home? How often do you see yourself returning home in the course of a year?

26 (for live-in candidates). Have you invited your family to visit you while you were a nanny with a family? Would that be something you would like to do again?

27. Do you have a passport?

28. Would you be willing to travel overseas? On a boat? On an airplane?

29. My child eats very well, but sometimes I find it difficult to get him to eat certain foods. How would you encourage him to eat?

30. Can you give me a full day’s menu for a child the age of mine? Include 3 meals and any snacks.

31. Do you have plans for further education?

32. What do you like to do in your spare time?

33. How do you handle a crying baby?

34. What is your primary responsibility to a (your child’s age) child?

35. We have (#) dogs/cats, (list breed/s) . Even though you are not obligated to interact with or care for our animals, how do you feel about pets?

36. Our second home is in a very rural setting, approximately one hour from a market or town. Are you comfortable in the country?

37. If we were to offer you this job, when would you be able to start?