35 Questions to Ask in a Nanny Interview

August 10, 2016

CanadianNanny.ca makes finding a nanny much easier but hiring one will always be a difficult task. The nanny interview is a crucial aspect of the process. Can you really determine in 30-60 minute interview if a nanny will be the best fit for your family?

Child care expert and CanadianNanny.ca founder, Martha Scully, understands your fears and has put together a list of the tried and true 35 nanny interview questions you’ll need to help find the perfect nanny for you and your children!

He’s a variety of proven sample questions you can use in a nanny interview. Remember to ensure the questions you ask reflect your priorities and concerns.

General Background of the Nanny

  1. Ask about family background – parents, brothers, and sisters.
  2. Where did you spend your early years?
  3. What are your hobbies and interests?
  4. What do you consider to be your greatest strengths?
  5. What do you consider to be your greatest weaknesses?
  6. What are your greatest accomplishments?
  7. What is your current position and why do you want to leave?
  8. What are you looking for in your next position?
  9. What are your long-range goals?

Attitudes Towards Children and Childcare Knowledge

  1. Why did you choose to become a nanny?
  2. What qualities do you have that make you a good caregiver?
  3. What do you enjoy about looking after children?
  4. How many years of experience do you have with infants/toddlers?
  5. Do you have experience with potty training?
  6. What kinds of activities would you do with (age of your child) year old?
  7. How would you handle crying or a temper tantrum of a child this age?
  8. Are you interested in taking the children to programs in the area?
  9. When do you think it’s okay for the children not to be supervised?
  10. Are you comfortable working with the children with homework?
  11. Are you interested in occasional caring for other children while my child has a friend over for a play day?
  12. What do you nd the most challenging or interesting part of working with children this age?

Food Preparation

  1. Can you cook?
  2. What would you cook for children aged 0-1 and 2-5?

Ability to Handle a Medical Emergency

  1. Are you trained in First Aid?
  2. What would you do in the case of: a blow to the head? Choking? High fever?

Transportation

  1. Do you have a driver’s license?
  2. Are you able to drive a standard or automatic car?
  3. What type of car do you have?
  4. Does it have rear seat belts?
  5. What type of insurance do you have? (Fully comprehensive/3rd party?)

*Note: DriveWise is a Canadian driving school that can help foreign nannies get a license in Canada. Visit www.drivewisecanada.com for information.

Willingness to Assist with Household Chores/Babysitting

  1. What household tasks are you happy to perform? (e.g. nursery duties only, light housework, ironing, cooking)
  2. Are you willing to babysit?

Employment Details

  1. When would you be available to start a new position?
  2. What salary are you seeking?
  3. Are you willing/able to make a one-year commitment?

Bonus Tip: Be Sure Ask A lot of Open-Ended Questions?

See why open-ended questions are the way to assess a nanny’s childcare knowledge and experience and get a list of sample open-ended questions:

Choosing a nanny is an important and difficult decision we have many resources to help guide you through the process of finding, interviewing, hiring, keeping and paying great nannies. We even have advice for when and how to dismiss a nanny if necessary. For more information check out the Nanny FAQ section of our blog and our Nanny Hiring Guide.