What Interview Questions Should I ask a Nanny? – Nanny Interview Questions

Experience and Background:
How long have you been a Nanny?
Describe your nanny experience and the ages of children you took care of.
What was your typical day in most of your previous positions?
Why did you decide on a nanny career?
Do you have any childcare qualifications – nanny school or coursework?
Have you had any emergency training – infant CPR or First Aid – are your certificates current?
If not, would you be willing to take those classes and/or renew your certification?
Tell us about your own family, parents, siblings, your own children, boyfriend/partner, if any.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
How long have you lived in the area?
Have you any future plans for school or marriage or having your own children?
Do you smoke?
Do you or have you had any health issues? Do you take any medications?
Can you give us the names, addresses and numbers of your references – home, work and cell?
Would you mind if we conducted a background check if we decide to make you a job offer?
 
Childcare Philosophy:
Which was the best nanny job you’ve had and why?
Which was the worst and why?
What do you like most about caring for children?
What do children most like about you?
What are the activities you most enjoy with children in your care?
Give examples of situations where you had to discipline children in your care?
Would you be agreeable to accepting and enforcing our methods of discipline if different?
How comfortable are you with potty training, homework assistance (whichever is appropriate)?
What has been your experience with schedules in the homes you’ve worked?
Do you like organizing and supervising play dates?
What is your experience/philosophy with children watching TV and/or using computers?
Have you had any accidents with children in your care and if so how did you cope?
 
Other duties:
What other duties did you have in previous jobs aside from childcare?
Would you be willing to do light housekeeping (cooking for kids– whatever is appropriate)?
Do you enjoy cooking for kids?
How have you coped with children who are picky eaters?
Give us examples of meals or snacks you’ve prepared for kids.
Have you ever picked up errands or dropped off dry cleaning in previous positions?
Are you available to travel occasionally?
What is your availability for occasional evening or weekend babysitting?
Do you drive?
Do you swim?
Have you taken any lifesaving certification courses?
 
Salary and benefits:
What is your required salary range?
How have you been paid in the past – on or off the books?
What vacation do you normally take – both paid and unpaid?