Hiring a nanny is one of the most intimate and impactful decisions a family can make. While a polished resume and glowing references are crucial, they don’t tell the whole story. Let’s explore how to decode non-verbal communication cues during nanny interviews, because sometimes what isn’t said speaks the loudest.

1) Why Non-Verbal Communication Matters in Interviews

A nanny interview is a glimpse into how someone will interact with your children, handle stress, and engage with your home environment. Research shows that non-verbal communication makes up more than 50% of how we perceive others, making it a crucial factor in deciding if a caregiver will be a great match.

Paying attention to body language, tone of voice, posture, and eye contact helps you understand not just what a nanny says, but how they might fit within your household.

2) Key Non-Verbal Cues to Look For

a) Eye Contact

Consistent eye contact suggests confidence and honesty. Avoidance may signal nervousness or discomfort, while prolonged staring can feel forced or insincere.

b) Facial Expressions

Genuine smiles, a relaxed brow, and expressions that match the conversation show emotional availability. Watch for signs of tension when discussing past jobs or challenges.

c) Posture

An upright, open posture communicates interest and readiness. Slouching or crossed arms may subconsciously suggest defensiveness or disengagement.

d) Tone of Voice

A calm, friendly tone is especially important for nannies. A sharp or overly fast tone might suggest anxiety or lack of patience.

e) Gestures

Natural hand gestures while speaking signal comfort and sincerity. Excessive fidgeting may reveal nervousness or distractibility.

f) Interaction with Children

Notice how the nanny greets and speaks to your child. Do they get down on their level? Use warmth and genuine interest? These signs indicate their natural rapport with kids.

3) Questions That Reveal Non-Verbal Insights

Strategic questions can elicit rich non-verbal responses. Here are a few that go beyond surface-level answers:

• “Tell me about a time when you had to navigate a difficult situation with a child.”
• “What do you love most about being a nanny?”
• “How do you typically handle tantrums or meltdowns?”
• “Describe a day in your ideal nanny job.”

Watch their answers. Are they animated when talking about children? Do they hesitate or look uncomfortable when discussing conflict? These subtle reactions provide deeper insight than words alone.

4) Common Red Flags in Body Language

Non-verbal red flags don’t always mean someone is a poor fit, but they do warrant closer attention or clarification:

• Inconsistent expressions: A mismatch between what’s said and how it’s expressed (e.g., saying “I love toddlers” with no enthusiasm).
• Minimal eye contact: Could suggest a lack of confidence, discomfort, or poor communication skills.
• Fidgeting or shifting posture: If excessive, this may signal disinterest or stress.
• Disengagement with your child: If your child is present and the nanny avoids interacting with your child during the interview, take note.

When red flags appear, gently follow up with open-ended questions to explore the issue further.

5) Creating a Comfortable Interview Environment

A warm, welcoming setting encourages authenticity. Here’s how to help candidates feel comfortable in an interview setting, allowing them to show their true selves:

• Host the interview in a quiet, relaxed part of your home
• Begin with light conversation before jumping into formal questions
• Offer water or coffee, and let the nanny know you are looking for an open conversation

Reducing pressure helps both you and the nanny gauge fit more accurately.

6) How a Nanny Agency Adds Value to the Process

Partnering with a trusted agency like Westside Nannies means you’re not starting from scratch. Our placement experts conduct in-depth, in-person interviews that screen for both verbal and non-verbal alignment. We assess:

• Emotional maturity and communication style
• The nanny’s track record for interacting in a home environment
• Subtle cues that show connection, sincerity, and professionalism

Plus, we prep families on what to look for during interviews and trials, and we’re available for post-placement support to ensure everything is going smoothly.

The best nanny matches are made when families pay attention to the whole picture. Trust your instincts, ask thoughtful questions, and read between the lines.

Need help finding a nanny who checks all the boxes, on paper and in person? Connect with our expert team at Westside Nannies to begin your personalized, full-service search today.