How To: Interview A Nanny
Disclaimer: There is a unique set of questions and skills you need to ask based on your child’s age, abilities + development. For instance, we had a wonderful nanny for Olivia from age 4 months to almost 2 yrs old. The simple truth is that our nanny and Olivia out grew each other. That’s ok and totally normal, but I hope you’re able to avoid some of the concerns and issues we had by following this guide below.
These questions are primarily for children 0-2 yrs old. Keep reading until the end for the questions we wished we asked.
It’s most important to get clear on what will fit your needs best before you interview.
Do you want a dual language nanny?
What will your nanny be doing while your child’s napping?
Do you need light cleaning, house work or cooking done to help your family?
Do you want/need your nanny to be driving your child?
Do you expect to pay holidays, vacation time, and sick days? Or is this an hourly position?
What’s the ideal daily and weekly schedule you’re hoping for? (Is this negotiable for the right nanny?)
Will you spend any days training your nanny or will day 1, be on the job training? Will those days be paid?
Will you be looking for just a weekday nanny or will you expect them to cover a date-night here and there? Will it be a set schedule? Or are they comfortable shifting days as needed?
(Super-Obvious-But-Worth-Stating) Nanny Interview Tip: When it comes time to meet in person, make sure it’s at your home and make sure your child is awake so you can pay attention to how they interact with your little one. Pay attention to the little things like, did they wash their hands right away when they came into your home? This tells you a lot.
“Our daughter is extremely extroverted and outspoken until a new person enters the room, so for us it was important to see how they handled her. Were they comfortable holding her, comforting her, talking to her, or where they solely focused on talking to me?”
Must-Ask Questions:
Are you CPR certified? (have them supply the certification to ensure it’s current)
Do you have reliable transportation? And, are you able to arrive on time each day?
Why did you become a nanny?
How many families and what ages have you worked with? How long have you worked with each family? Why did you part ways? (**This is one I kick myself for not asking.)
What do you like to do with [your child’s age] mo/yr old children during the day?
What is a typical day like for you as a nanny?
(Situation #1) How would you handle [child’s name] if they _____________ (give specifics where someone may lose patients, need to step-in, etc. - a situation you’ve been in with your own child)? **You’re looking for emotional intelligence.
(Situation #2) How would you handle [child’s name] if they _____________ (give specifics where someone may lose patients, need to step-in, etc.)?
Are you calm or more energetic? (**Depending on what you’re looking for in your home, this is going to determine a lot about your household’s energy and your child’s demeanor)
What do you like to do for fun? How do you spend time outside of work? (Get a feel for their level of responsibility, interests, and how they conduct themselves)
About how many days were you sick last year for work?
Do you have any vacations scheduled? Or time off needed? (Get clear on these details asap)
Are you comfortable doing __________ (insert: house work, laundry, etc.)? (See list below for expectations)
(One of my favorite candids from our wedding.) We’re so grateful for having a nanny and now a teacher who are so sweet, kind and teach her about the important things in life - love, laughter, and good manners. Did you see the must-read blog for bringing your child to a wedding weekend?
Expectations We Set (That You may find useful, Too):
Daily Reading (30+ min)
Daily Outside/Park Time
No TV or screens
Prepare Healthy Snacks/Lunches available in fridge - no outside snacks/sweets
Wash sheets 1x week
Do baby’s laundry as needed
Clean out stroller at the end of each day
Clean up/Organize all of her toys daily
Light cleaning (during her nap time, which was 2+ hrs a day)
Speak primarily in Spanish
No feeding her anything processed - just what we keep for her in the house
I hope you took away a few useful questions as well as ideas for what type of person you want helping raise your children. It’s the most important role for your child, so be intentional with hiring someone who matches your home, energy + style of parenting.
Happy Interviewing!
Laura