Nanny Interview Questions
& Evaluation Worksheet
Prepared by The Nanny Pros
Finding the right nanny starts with asking the right questions and objectively evaluating each candidate. This worksheet is designed to help you conduct thorough interviews and then compare candidates side-by-side. It's split into two parts: Interview Questions to ask each candidate, and a Candidate Evaluation section to record your impressions and ratings.
How to Use This Worksheet
- Before the Interview: Review the questions and pick the ones most relevant to your family (you don't have to ask every single one, but the list covers a broad range). Add any family-specific questions you might have.
- During the Interview: Take notes in the space provided or on a printout of this worksheet. Note key points from the nanny's answers.
- After the Interview: Complete the evaluation section while the meeting is still fresh in your mind. Rate the candidate on various criteria and jot down pros/cons.
Print a separate copy for each candidate you interview. This will make it easier to compare later.
Interview Questions
1. Experience & Background
"Can you tell us about your experience caring for children? How many years have you been a nanny and what ages of children have you worked with?"
(Listen for experience with ages similar to your kids and overall longevity in childcare.)
"Why did you become a nanny, and what do you enjoy most about this work?"
(Gives insight into their motivation and passion for the job.)
"Are you trained in CPR and First Aid? Could you provide proof of your certification?"
(Essential for safety – note if current or if they are willing to get certified/re-certified.)
"Do you have a valid driver's license and a clean driving record?"
(If driving is part of the job, confirm this. You can verify driving record later with their permission.)
2. Childcare Philosophy & Approach
"What is your childcare philosophy or style? For example, how do you balance fun and routine, or learning and play?"
(See if their approach – structured vs. free-flow, etc. – matches your preferences.)
"How do you typically discipline or correct behavior with the children you care for?"
(Does it align with your methods? e.g., time-outs, redirection, positive reinforcement. Ensure they never use any form of physical punishment.)
"Can you share an example of a day's schedule/routine that you've followed with kids in a previous job?"
(This reveals how they structure time for meals, naps, outings, etc. and if they are organized.)
"What kinds of activities do you like to do with children of [your child's age]?"
(Looking for creativity: for infants maybe singing, tummy time; for toddlers, crafts and park time; for older kids, homework help, games, etc.)
3. Safety and Emergency Preparedness
"What would you do in case of an emergency? For instance, if you suspect the child is having a medical emergency or gets hurt?"
(Expect answers like call 911 for serious issues, then parents – and basic first aid for minor injuries. Gauge calmness and knowledge.)
"Have you ever had to handle an emergency situation while caring for children? What happened and what did you do?"
(Real-life examples are very telling. Listen for quick thinking, following procedures, and keeping child calm.)
"How vigilant are you about safety in the house and on outings? Can you give examples of safety measures you take (like babyproofing, supervising closely near streets or in parks, etc.)?"
(Looking for proactiveness and a safety mindset.)
4. Practical Logistics
"This position requires [X] hours per week, from [start time] to [end time] each day. Are you comfortable with this schedule? Are there any regular commitments that might affect your availability (classes, another job, etc.)?"
(Ensure they truly can commit to your needed hours. Now is the time to uncover any scheduling issues.)
"How do you commute to work, and are you comfortable with the commute to our home in [Neighborhood]?"
(Especially relevant in DC where traffic/public transport can be factors. A long, difficult commute might lead to lateness or burnout.)
"Are you available for occasional overtime or weekend babysitting, if we arrange it in advance?"
(Optional, only ask if you might need it. Good to know their flexibility.)
"Do you have any allergies or restrictions we should know about? (For example, if we have pets or certain foods in the house.)"
(Ensure your home environment is suitable for them as well.)
5. Household Expectations
"Besides childcare, we would like help with [list duties: e.g., kids' laundry, meal prep for children, light housekeeping]. Are you comfortable with these responsibilities?"
(Make sure they agree and have done similar tasks before. If they seem hesitant or inexperienced in something critical (like cooking for kids), discuss that now.)
"Our parenting style is [briefly describe, e.g., gentle parenting, or structured routines, etc.]. Are you comfortable following our approach, and do you have any questions about it?"
(A good nanny will adapt to your style, but it's fair to assess if they have any reservations.)
"We have [rules about screen time, dietary preferences, etc.]. How would you implement or respect those?"
(For example, if no screen time for the kids, will they abide by that, and what will they do instead to keep kids engaged?)
6. Relationship & Long-Term Fit
"What are you looking for in a family that you work with? What qualities do you hope for in us as employers?"
(This flips perspective and shows if they are intentional about finding the right fit – perhaps they value open communication, or a friendly environment, etc.)
"How long are you hoping to stay in your next nanny position? Are you looking for a long-term role?"
(Especially if you want someone long-term, see if their expectations align – some nannies might only be available a year or two, others want a multi-year commitment.)
"Can you describe your ideal working day as a nanny?"
(This can reveal what they prioritize – e.g., outdoor time, teaching moments, etc. – and if that fits your needs.)
"Do you have any questions for us about the job or our family?"
(Candidates who ask questions are typically thoughtful. They might ask about your children's personalities, your discipline methods, or work-from-home situations. Their questions can also indicate how much they're picturing themselves in the role.)
7. Scenario Questions
(Optional, but highly recommended to see critical thinking)
"If the baby is refusing to nap and crying, what steps would you take to soothe them and ensure they get rest?"
"Imagine our toddler throws a tantrum in the middle of a store. How would you handle it right then, and how would you approach it when you got home?"
"If you're caring for our 5-year-old and they tell you they feel sick at school, what would you do?"
"What would you do if you accidentally locked yourself (and the children) out of the house?"
(Feel free to add any scenario that reflects a concern you have – seeing how they respond can be very insightful.)
8. Wrap-Up
"What is your timeline and availability to start?"
(Especially if you need someone soon, ensure their start date works.)
"Are you interviewing with other families or considering other job offers currently?"
(This can hint at how quickly you need to act if you want to hire them.)
"Is there anything else you'd like to share with us that we haven't asked about?"
(Gives them a final chance to highlight something important about themselves.)
Candidate Evaluation
After the interview, use this section to rate the candidate on various criteria and note your impressions. Fill this out as soon as possible while details are fresh.
Evaluation Criteria: (Rate 1-5, 5 = Excellent)
Relevant Experience (with age group)
e.g., "5 – Has 10 years experience, including infants."
Childcare Skills & Knowledge
e.g., "Demonstrated knowledge of child CPR, talked through nap routines well."
Communication & English Proficiency
e.g., "Clear communicator, answers were articulate."
Warmth & Interaction with Child
e.g., "Kneeled to toddler's level, engaged in play during meeting."
Discipline & Philosophy Fit
e.g., "Time-out method aligns with our approach."
Professionalism & Punctuality
e.g., "Arrived 5 min early, very polite and professional."
Flexibility & Reliability
e.g., "Open to occasional evenings, has reliable transportation."
Overall Fit for Family
e.g., "Would fit well with our laid-back household; very positive feeling."
Example: "Jane Doe made an excellent impression. She has the exact infant experience we need and interacted sweetly with baby Emma. She communicated well and aligned with our values (was positive about using our no TV policy). Main concern is her commute from Baltimore, but she seemed willing to manage it. Overall, she is a top candidate – likely our first choice if references check out."