Interviewing a nanny is one of the most important steps in the childcare hiring process. This conversation is where resumes turn into real people and where families begin to understand whether a candidate, not just their experience, is the right fit for their home, values, and children. When done with thought and intention, interviewing a nanny can go from feeling overwhelming to empowering, clarifying, and informative, allowing you to make the best possible choice for your family.
This checklist for interviewing a nanny walks families through every stage of the process, from the first reach out to a post-interview follow-up, so you can move forward with confidence and clarity.
1) Before Interviewing a Nanny: Set the Foundation
Before you even get started, there’s prep required. A successful nanny interview begins before you ever sit down together. Preparation helps ensure your interview time is productive and meaningful and that you gather enough information to make an informed decision about moving forward.
a) Clarify your needs
Before interviewing a nanny, make sure you and your partner are aligned on:
- Schedule and guaranteed hours
- Core responsibilities
- Driving expectations
- Travel or overnight needs
- Household duties, if any
- Parenting style and routines
Clear expectations help you ask better questions and avoid confusion later.
b) Review resumes and applications carefully
Take time to thoroughly review the nanny’s resume before the interview. Note gaps in employment, transitions between roles, and any experience that stands out. Prepare specific questions based on what you see.
c) Professionally invite the candidate
As a prospective employer, it’s your job to set the tone and ensure you are following basic professional protocol. Relay and confirm the interview details clearly, including:
- Date and time
- Location or video platform
- Expected length of the interview
- Whether children will be present
A respectful and organized invitation sets a positive tone from the start.
2) During the Interview: Asking the Right Questions
The interview itself is your opportunity to learn how a nanny thinks, communicates, and approaches caregiving, all of which are a glimpse into how they might integrate into your household.
a) Start with an open conversation
Begin by welcoming the candidate. A little small talk can go a long way in helping them feel comfortable in the setting! If accessible, offer them a glass of water. Then, briefly share about your family and the position. This helps create a conversational environment and encourages authentic conversation without putting pressure on them to lead the communication.
You might begin with questions such as:
- How was your drive here today?
- Have you had a busy week so far?
- Did you find us alright?
It might seem simple (or obvious!), but these simple openings ease nerves and set the tone for a productive discussion.
b) Begin with foundational questions
Before diving into logistics and philosophy, invite the candidate to share their story.
Consider asking:
- Tell me about yourself.
- How did you get into nannying?
- What drew you to working with children professionally?
- What do you love most about being a nanny?
- How would former employers describe you?
These questions often reveal passion, personality, and long-term commitment in a way a resume cannot.
c) Ask about experience with intention
Instead of yes or no questions, ask open-ended prompts such as:
- Tell me about your last nanny role.
- What were your primary responsibilities?
- How do you handle challenging behavior?
- Can you describe a time you navigated a difficult situation with a child?
- What does a typical day with children look like for you?
- How do you communicate with parents about daily updates or concerns?
- How do you handle transitions, such as bedtime or school drop-off?
This is also a great time to do a more thorough walk-through of the candidate’s resume. You can learn a lot by simply asking, “Tell me about a typical day in this position.” And if you have any questions about past positions, now’s the time to bring them up.
These questions reveal problem-solving skills and communication style.
d) Explore parenting philosophy alignment
Interviewing a nanny is not just about skills. It is also about alignment. It helps to ask questions related to:
- Discipline and boundaries
- Screen time
- Sleep routines
- Emotional regulation
- Independence and structure
You may consider asking:
- How do you approach discipline?
- What does setting healthy boundaries with children look like to you?
- How do you respond to tantrums or defiance?
- What are your thoughts on screen time for young children?
- How do you encourage emotional regulation?
- How do you balance structure with flexibility in a child’s day?
- How do you foster independence in age-appropriate ways?
There is no single right answer, but there should be compatibility. Listen not just for what they say, but how they explain it.
e) Discuss logistics clearly
When it’s your turn to share, be transparent when interviewing a nanny about:
- Schedule and flexibility
- Overtime expectations
- Paid time off and sick days
- Driving and mileage reimbursement
- Travel expectations
You may also ask:
- Are you comfortable with occasional schedule changes?
- Are you open to travel, if needed?
- Do you have any scheduling constraints we should be aware of?
Give them a chance to ask any questions they may have about the position. It’s a myth that a candidate who comes with no questions prepared is not a candidate worth considering. That said, you’d be surprised what you can learn about a person based on the questions they’d like answered.
Clarity now prevents misunderstandings later.
f) Observe communication and presence
This may seem obvious, but pay attention to how the nanny listens, responds, and engages. Do they ask thoughtful questions about your children? Do they communicate clearly and confidently? Do they maintain professionalism while still being warm?
These cues matter just as much as experience.
3) If Children Are Present: Watch the Interaction
If your children are present during the interview, observe how the candidate naturally engages with them.
Look for:
- Warmth and patience
- Respect for boundaries
- Age-appropriate communication
- Comfort without forcing interaction
You might also ask the nanny to:
- Read a short book to your child
- Engage them in simple play
- Help with a small transition
And remember: if there isn’t an immediate bond, that doesn’t necessarily mean this nanny isn’t a great fit for your family. A great nanny understands that connection builds over time and respects the process.
4) Ending the Interview: Closing with Clarity
How you wrap up the interview matters and can leave a lasting impression. Remember—the nanny is trying to discern whether this is a good fit for them, too. As the conversation comes to a close, consider asking:
- Is there anything we did not ask that you would like us to know?
- Do you have any final questions for us?
- Is there anything about the role that gives you pause?
This gives the candidate space to clarify concerns or share additional strengths.
Be as clear as possible about next steps. Let them know:
- Roughly when you expect to make a decision
- Whether there will be a second interview or a trial day
- When they can expect to hear about any next steps
For example, “We will be finishing interviews this week and plan to follow up by Friday.” Clear timelines reduce anxiety and demonstrate professionalism.
Always thank them sincerely for their time.
5) After the Interview: Reflect Thoughtfully
Once the interview ends, take time to reflect before jumping to a decision.
a) Debrief together
If you’re interviewing a nanny with a partner, discuss:
- Immediate impressions (gut feelings aren’t everything, but they do matter)
- Strengths and concerns that you noticed
- Communication style
- Overall fit
- Any red flags or standout moments
Trust your instincts, but ground them in specific observations.
b) Review notes and impressions
Revisit your notes from the interview. Did the nanny answer questions clearly? Were they consistent with their resume and references?
Interviewing a nanny is as much about consistency as it is about personality.
6) Reference Checks: A Non-Negotiable Step
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: never skip checking references before hiring a nanny! After interviewing a nanny, if you think they might be a good fit for your family, the next step is checking references. Due diligence is imperative before bringing someone into your household.
a) Speak directly with references
Ask thoughtful questions such as:
- What was their biggest strength as a nanny
- How did they handle challenges
- Why did the role end
- Would you hire them again
Listening to tone and detail often reveals more than the answers themselves.
b) Verify employment details
Confirm dates, responsibilities, and reliability. Reference checks protect your family and support responsible hiring. And while we hate to assume the worst, the reality is that some candidates fake references. Ensuring that the candidate is not only vouched for but also honest and of sound integrity is hugely important.
7) Follow Up Professionally
Whether you plan to move forward or not, following up respectfully matters.
a) If moving forward
Let the nanny know the next steps clearly. This may include:
Clear communication builds trust from the start.
b) If declining
Send a polite and timely message. Professional follow-up reflects well on your family and the industry as a whole. It also honors the professionalism that this process requires. It shows that you respect the candidates’ time and the investment they made in meeting for an interview.
8) Final Step: Trust the Process
Interviewing a nanny is not about finding perfection. It is about finding alignment, professionalism, and mutual respect.
A thoughtful checklist for interviewing a nanny helps families move beyond gut feelings alone and toward informed decisions that support long-term success.
When families invest time and care into interviewing a nanny, they are not just filling a role. They are building a partnership that supports their children, their home, and their peace of mind.
If you take the time to interview with intention, the right match becomes much easier to recognize.
Found this helpful? Explore our related guides to continue building confidence in your hiring process and make informed decisions for your family:
The Reference Renaissance: How to Read Nanny References the Right Way
Top Nanny Interview Red Flags: What Families Should Pay Attention to Before Making a Hire
Why a Trial Day Is the Key to Setting Up Your New Nanny For Success
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