When you are hosting a nanny interview, you are not just meeting a potential employee. You are meeting someone who may soon become part of your child’s (and family’s!) daily life. Hosting a nanny interview requires intentional planning, thoughtful structure, and a welcoming environment that helps both you and the nanny learn whether the partnership is the right fit. Since this is such a crucial step in the hiring process, preparing beforehand can make the experience smoother and far more productive.

From preparing your questions to establishing the tone you’d like to be conveyed, these steps will help you find a candidate who aligns with your family’s needs and values.

1) Start with a clear structure when hosting a nanny interview

Beforehand, outline a simple structure so the conversation feels focused and comfortable, and you always know what your next move is. A typical flow might include:

• A warm welcome and brief introduction
• An overview of your family and children
• Questions for the nanny (getting to know them, diving into their resume, etc.)
• A clear explanation of the role, schedule, responsibilities, and expectations
• A chance for the nanny to share experience and ask questions
• Discussion of logistics such as pay range, benefits, driving requirements, or household rules (if working with an agency, let them handle this step!)

This structure helps you stay organized and shows professionalism, which is crucial in an industry that revolves around private homes. It also ensures you gather the information needed to compare candidates accurately and thoroughly.

2) Prepare thoughtful questions before hosting a nanny interview

Hosting an interview is much easier when you have your questions ready. Consider asking about:

• Past nanny experiences, including how they got the job, what a typical day was like, why the position came to an end, and why they felt like it was or wasn’t a great fit
• Examples of on-the-job problem-solving (i.e., “Can you tell me about a time you encountered an issue on the job and what solutions you utilized to resolve it?”)
• Approach to discipline, emotional regulation, and developmental support (i.e., “What type of developmental support do you feel you add to a household, especially with my children’s ages?”)
• Comfort with driving, errands, meal prep, or any additional tasks that the role requires
• Experience with babies, toddlers, school-age children, or special needs (especially relevant if ages aren’t included on their resume)
• Preferred communication style with parents
• Flexibility for overtime, travel, or schedule changes as needed
• Long-term career goals (i.e., “Where do you see yourself in five years professionally?”)

By preparing ahead, you ensure that your first meeting with your potential nanny leads to meaningful insights instead of a surface-level conversation that leaves you feeling like you barely got to know them.

3) Create a warm and welcoming atmosphere

Hosting a nanny interview should feel professional, yes, but it should also feel human. The ideal is to find a balance so that candidates feel comfortable enough to be themselves, allowing you to get to know the person who would be working in your home. Here are some ways to set the tone:

• Choose a quiet, distraction-free space
• Silence phones and pause household noise
• Offer the candidate a beverage, like a glass of water
• Sit at a table or at a comfortable seating area rather than standing

Creating a welcoming environment helps candidates open up, which gives you a more accurate sense of who they are.

4) Give a realistic and transparent overview of your family

A successful match depends on honesty. When hosting an interview, share details that allow candidates to get to know who they’d be working with, such as:

• Your parenting style and family values
• An average daily schedule and routine
• Any challenges, such as picky eaters, separation anxiety, or sibling conflicts
• Household expectations, like tidiness, screen time rules, or dietary guidelines

Transparency during an interview prevents mismatched expectations down the road and increases long-term success.

5) Observe how the nanny interacts with your child, if appropriate

If your child is comfortable and the interview allows for it, a brief meet and greet can be helpful. Watching their interactions can give you insight into:

• Warmth and communication style
• Confidence and comfort around children
• Ability to engage meaningfully
• Patience and responsiveness

This does not need to be a formal trial, nor does a first meeting have to feel like an immediate child-nanny bond in order for it to be a great match. But even a few minutes of observation can be valuable.

6) Leave time for the nanny’s questions

A strong nanny candidate will have thoughtful questions about your expectations, routine, and communication style if they weren’t previously addressed throughout the conversation. Hosting a nanny interview is a two-way process, so be sure to pause and ask: “Is there anything you would like to know about our family or the position?”

Their questions can reveal professionalism, curiosity, and preparedness.

7) Wrap up the interview with clarity about next steps

Always end with clear expectations so candidates know what comes next:

• Will there be a second interview
• Will you schedule a paid trial
• When can they expect to hear back
• What your decision-making timeline looks like

This level of clarity shows respect and professionalism. If you are not sure what your next steps look like, avoid committing to a step that might not happen. And before the interview, take a moment to consider what a potential step for your family might be.

Hosting a nanny interview is one of the most important steps in choosing the right caregiver for your family. With the right preparation, a thoughtful structure, and a welcoming tone, you create a meaningful opportunity to evaluate whether a nanny is truly the perfect fit.

If you approach a nanny interview with intention and clarity, you will walk away confident in your final hiring decision and ready to begin a successful long-term partnership.