You prepped your resume, picked out the perfect outfit, and even showed up five minutes early. But there you are, standing on a doorstep or staring at a blank Zoom screen, and… no one’s there. Awkward, frustrating, and kind of confusing, right?

If you’ve ever experienced an interview no-show, you’re not alone—and you’re not powerless. Let’s discuss what to do when a potential nanny family doesn’t show up for your interview. From double-checking the details to reaching out (and when to loop in an agency), we’ve got your back.

1) Step 1: Double-Check the Details

Before jumping to conclusions, take a moment to go back and confirm everything. One of the most common reasons for an interview no-show is a simple miscommunication or scheduling mix-up.

Check your calendar or emails to confirm:

• Is it the right date and time? (Time zones matter for virtual interviews! If you received a confirmation email, it should contain the time zone.)
• Do you have the correct address or Zoom link?
• Were there any last-minute messages you may have missed?

Sometimes, interviews are rescheduled or moved, and the message just gets lost in the shuffle. Taking a breath and reviewing everything carefully can save you from unnecessary stress and help you determine your next move with confidence.

2) Step 2: Reach Out to the Family Directly

If everything checks out and you’re sure you’re in the right place at the right time, it’s time to reach out to the family. When facing this situation, staying calm and professional is key. Use the communication method you’ve already been using with the family—if you’ve been texting, send a text; if you’ve been emailing, send an email.

Try something like:
“Hi! I just wanted to check in. I’m here at [enter address or tech platform] for our scheduled interview at [insert time]. Just wanted to make sure everything is okay and see if this is still a good time for you to meet.”

Sometimes life happens—a sick kid, an emergency meeting, etc. If the family responds quickly and kindly, give them a little grace. It can actually give you insight into how they handle unexpected situations, and whether they respect your time.

On the other hand, let’s say something did come up with the family, and they either didn’t have the time or the method necessary to contact you prior to the interview to let you know. How you handle this situation could make a big impact. Did you handle it with grace, professionalism, and understanding? Or did you let your emotions and frustration get the best of you? Your reaction in the face of the unexpected has the ability to make a significant first impression on a prospective working relationship; it even has the power to make or break your chances of getting the job before the interview even starts.

3) Step 3: Contact the Agency If Needed

If you’re working with a nanny agency and still haven’t connected with the family, your next step is to reach out to your agency contact. Let them know what happened, and ask if they have any additional information or if they can follow up on your behalf.

Agencies are used to dealing with similar situations and can also help reschedule (if appropriate) or prioritize your time for other families who are actively hiring.

And if the family completely ghosts you with no apology or explanation? That’s a red flag. A family that doesn’t respect your time during the interview process probably won’t value you properly in the role either.

An interview no-show can feel disappointing, especially when you’ve put in the time and effort to prepare and show up. But it doesn’t have to derail your confidence or momentum. By double-checking the details, reaching out professionally, and using your agency as a support system, you can handle it with grace and stay focused on finding the right fit.