How to Interview a Nanny: A Complete Guide for Parents

Learn how to conduct thorough nanny interviews with the right questions, reference checks, and safety considerations to find the best caregiver for your family.

1. Prepare Before the Interview. Start by writing down your family's specific needs, schedule, and non-negotiables. Create a job description that includes hours, duties beyond childcare (like light housework or meal prep), and your parenting philosophy. Prepare your home by child-proofing areas where you'll observe the candidate interact with your kids. Have copies of the job description, your family schedule, and a list of interview questions ready. Set aside 60-90 minutes for the interview to allow enough time for conversation and observation.
2. Essential Interview Questions to Ask. Ask about their childcare experience and training, including CPR and first aid certification. Inquire about their approach to discipline and how they handle challenging behaviors. Ask scenario-based questions like 'What would you do if my toddler refused to nap?' or 'How would you handle a playground conflict?' Discuss their availability, including backup plans for sick days and vacations. Ask about their own family situation and long-term career goals to gauge stability. Don't forget practical questions about transportation, technology use, and household rules.
3. Observe Interactions with Your Children. Plan for your children to be present during part of the interview. Watch how the candidate greets your kids and gets down to their level. Notice if they ask your children questions and show genuine interest in their responses. Observe their body language and energy level around kids. See how they handle interruptions or if your child becomes fussy. Pay attention to whether they follow your child's lead in play or try to redirect appropriately. A good nanny will be naturally warm but also maintain appropriate boundaries.
4. Check References Thoroughly. Always contact at least two previous employers, preferably recent families they've worked with. Ask specific questions about reliability, how they handled emergencies, their relationship with the children, and why the employment ended. Inquire about any concerns or areas for improvement. Ask if they would hire the candidate again. Don't skip this step even if you feel great about the interview. Consider asking for references from other professionals who've worked with them, like teachers or coaches.
5. Verify Credentials and Run Background Checks. Request to see certifications for CPR, first aid, and any childcare training. Verify their legal ability to work by checking identification and work authorization documents. Run a comprehensive background check that includes criminal history, driving record, and social media review. Some families also request drug testing. Be upfront about these requirements from the beginning. Remember that while these checks are important, they should supplement, not replace, your personal assessment and reference checks.
6. Discuss Expectations and Terms Clearly. Be transparent about salary, benefits, and payment schedule during the interview. Discuss sick leave, vacation time, and holiday policies. Clarify household rules about visitors, phone use, and TV time for children. Talk about communication preferences and how often you'd like updates throughout the day. Discuss emergency procedures and who to contact if they can't reach you. Address any special needs your children have and ensure the candidate feels comfortable and capable of meeting them.