Essential Tips for Interviewing the Perfect Nanny

Interviewing nannies in your home can feel a little daunting at first, but it doesn’t need to be. This is an exciting step to

wards finding the right support for your family. To help you make the most of each meeting, we’ve created this guide to walk you through the interview process, what to expect, and the key questions to ask.

Preparing for the Interview

Interviewing a nanny is an important step, and a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s how to get ready so the process is smooth, productive, and stress-free:

1. Review the Candidate’s Profile

Before the interview, read through the nanny’s CV, references, and any notes from your agency. Make a list of points you’d like to clarify or discuss, such as experience with certain age groups, special skills or qualifications.

2. Plan the Interview Setting

• Choose a quiet, comfortable space in your home where you won’t be interrupted.

• Ensure there is seating for both you and the candidate, and perhaps a space for children if they will be present. Having some toys for the children to keep them occupied would be useful and and maybe some games or activities that the nanny could get involved with.

• Have any relevant documents ready (job description, schedule, responsibilities).

3. Prepare Your Questions

Think about the qualities and skills you want in your nanny. Prepare questions about:

• Experience with children of similar age(s)

• Daily routines and activities

• Behaviour management and discipline approach

• Emergency handling and first aid

• Flexibility and availability

You can use our sample questions list (bottom of page) as a guide.

4. Decide Who Will Be Present

Consider whether both parents will attend the interview or if one parent will lead. Decide if your children will be present and whether you want them to interact with the candidate.

5. Set Your Goals

• Know what you want to learn from the interview (experience, skills, personality, values).

• Think about what impression you want to give as an employer—clear expectations, welcoming environment, professional yet friendly.

6. Be Ready to Take Notes

Keep a notebook or form handy to jot down impressions, answers to questions, and any follow-up points. This helps you compare candidates fairly later.

During the Interview

Now that you’re prepared, it’s time to meet your candidate. This is your chance to see how they interact with you, your children, and your household.

1. Welcome the Candidate

• Greet them warmly and make them feel comfortable.

• Offer a drink and show them around briefly if children or pets will be part of the day.

• Give a short overview of your home and the role.

2. Start with Introductions

• Introduce yourself and your family.

• Explain your family routines, expectations, and any special requirements.

3. Ask Your Prepared Questions

• Refer to your list of questions from Page 1.

• Listen carefully and allow the candidate time to answer fully.

• Follow up on interesting points or ask for examples of past experience.

4. Observe Interaction with Children

• If your children are present, see how the candidate engages with them.

• Look for patience, warmth, and ability to handle different situations.

• Notice how your children respond—sometimes their comfort is the best indicator.

5. Discuss Practicalities

• Confirm availability, notice periods, and any flexibility required.

• Talk through pay, working hours, and responsibilities.

• Clarify any household rules or preferences (e.g., screen time, meals, routines).

6. Give the Candidate Time to Ask Questions

• Encourage them to ask about your family, expectations, or your household routines.

• A good candidate will ask thoughtful questions that show they are considering how they will fit into your home.

7. Take Notes

• Immediately after the interview, jot down your impressions.

• Highlight strengths, concerns, and any follow-up questions.

• Compare notes with other household members if needed.

Making Your Decision and Next Steps

After meeting your candidates, the next step is to decide which nanny is the best fit for your family. As part of our agency process, we are here to guide you through this stage and make it as smooth as possible.

1. Share Your Feedback

• Once you’ve completed your interviews, let us know your impressions of each candidate.

• Tell us about strengths, concerns, and any standout qualities.

• Your feedback helps us support you in making the right choice.

2. Reference Checks

• If you have a preferred candidate, we can carry out reference checks on your behalf. If you would like to speak to a candidates referees directly, please let us know and we can arrange this.

• We confirm previous employment, reliability, childcare experience, and compatibility with other families.

3. Trial Periods

• We can advise on arranging a trial day or week with your chosen nanny, if appropriate.

• During this time, observe how the candidate interacts with your children and adapts to your routines.

• We are available to discuss any questions or concerns that arise during the trial.

4. Decision & Offer

• Once you’ve decided on your preferred nanny, we will guide you through making a formal offer.

• We ensure all terms, including salary, hours, start date, and any other details, are agreed and documented.

5. Contracts & Documentation

• We provide a clear, professional contract for you and the nanny to sign, which can be amended if needed. 

• This covers duties, pay, benefits, working hours, holidays, and notice periods.

• Having everything in writing protects both you and your nanny.

6. Ongoing Support

• Even after your nanny starts, we remain available for support and advice.

• Any issues, questions, or adjustments can be discussed with our team to ensure a smooth working relationship.

Interview Questions Guide

General Background & Experience

• Can you tell us about your childcare experience and the ages of children you’ve worked with?

• Why did you choose to become a nanny?

• Can you describe your previous roles and responsibilities?

• How long have you worked with each family, and why did your employment end?

• What do you enjoy most about being a nanny?

Childcare Philosophy & Approach

• How would you describe your childcare philosophy?

• How do you approach discipline and setting boundaries?

• How do you encourage learning and development at different ages?

• What activities do you plan for children of [insert age]?

• How do you handle challenging behaviour or tantrums?

Practical Skills & Safety

• How would you handle a minor injury, e.g., a cut or fall?

• Can you give an example of a time you dealt with an emergency situation?

• Are you comfortable preparing meals and snacks for children?

• How do you manage nap times, routines, and schedules?

Health & Wellbeing

• Are you comfortable administering medication if required?

• Do you have experience with allergies, asthma, or special dietary needs?

• How do you encourage healthy eating and hygiene habits?

Logistics & Availability

• What are your usual working hours, and are you flexible for occasional evenings or weekends?

• Are you able to travel with the family if required?

• Do you have your own transport, and are you comfortable driving children if necessary?

• Are you available for short notice or emergency childcare if needed?

Personality & Fit

• How do you build rapport with children quickly?

• How do you communicate with parents about daily routines, incidents, or milestones?

• How do you handle conflicts or disagreements with parents?

• What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?

Specific & Important Situations

• How would you handle a child who refuses to eat or is a picky eater?

• How would you handle a child who refuses to go to bed?

• If a child has a tantrum in public, how would you respond?

• How would you handle sibling rivalry or disputes between children?

• How would you support a child’s emotional needs, for example, separation anxiety or a new sibling?

• Can you give an example of how you encouraged independence in a child?

• Have you ever had to leave a child unattended in an emergency? How did you handle it?

• How do you approach screen time and technology use for children?

• How do you balance fun/play with structure and learning?

Future Plans & Commitment

• How long are you looking to stay in a nanny role?

• Are you looking for full-time, part-time, or live-in work?

• How do you continue to develop your childcare skills (training, courses, reading