21 Nanny Interview Questions and Answers

Nannies play an important role in the lives of children and their families. They are responsible for the care and supervision of children while their parents are at work or away from home. Nannies also help with homework, take children to activities, and prepare meals.

If you are looking for a nanny job, you will likely be asked a series of questions during your interview. Questions will vary depending on the family, but some common questions that nannies are asked include:

-How would you deal with a child who is crying or upset? -How do you handle bedtime? -What is your policy on TV and screen time? -How do you handle discipline? -What are your experience and qualifications? -What are your availability and rate?

To help you prepare for your interview, we have compiled a list of questions that nannies are commonly asked, along with sample answers.

Can you tell me more about your experience as a nanny?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your background and experience. It’s also an opportunity for you to share any unique or interesting stories from your time as a nanny.

Example: “I started my career as a nanny when I was in college, working part-time for a family with two children. The kids were five and seven at the time, so it was challenging but rewarding work. One day, the older child had a fever and threw up all over herself. Her brother got scared and started crying. I took them both into the bathroom and cleaned them up, then put them back to bed. They fell asleep quickly after that.”

What are some reasons you’re a good fit for this family?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you view yourself. They want someone who is confident in their abilities, but also humble. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of a specific example from your previous experience.

Example: “I’m a good fit for this family because I am patient and kind. In my last role as nanny, I worked with a child who had autism. He was very active and would often get upset when he couldn’t communicate what he wanted. I learned that the best way to calm him down was by being close to him and talking calmly. This helped him feel safe and understand that I wasn’t going anywhere.”

Why did you decide to become a nanny?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your background and motivations. They want to know what inspired you to become a nanny, as well as why you are passionate about the role. When answering this question, it can be helpful to share a personal story that relates to your career choice.

Example: “I decided to become a nanny because I wanted to help children in a meaningful way. I have always loved kids, so when I graduated from college, I knew I wanted to work with them in some capacity. I started babysitting for families in my neighborhood, which led me to apply for a position at a daycare center. I realized how much I enjoyed working with young children, so I continued pursuing childcare positions.”

Are you comfortable caring for pets?

Many families have pets, and the interviewer wants to make sure you’re comfortable caring for them. If you don’t have experience with animals, explain that you are willing to learn about their pet’s needs.

Example: “I love animals, but I’ve never had a pet of my own. However, I am very comfortable around all kinds of animals, from dogs and cats to hamsters and fish. I would be happy to care for your family’s pet if they need me to.”

Do you prefer to work part-time, full-time or on an as-needed basis?

Employers may ask this question to learn more about your availability. They might also want to know if you’re willing to work evenings and weekends, which can be common for nannies who care for children while their parents are at work. In your answer, try to explain what type of schedule works best for you and why. If you have experience working in a similar role, share the hours you worked there.

Example: “I prefer to work full-time, but I am open to part-time or as-needed positions. My last job was a full-time position where I cared for two children from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The family had a flexible schedule, so sometimes I would stay later when needed.”

Have you ever been in charge of care during an emergency?

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your experience with children and how you react in emergency situations. If you have been in charge of a child’s care during an emergency, describe the situation and what steps you took to ensure the child was safe and cared for.

Example: “When I worked as a nanny for a family with two young boys, one day we were driving home from visiting my parents when there was a car accident on the highway. The police closed off the road, so we had to find another way home. We decided to take back roads, but they were icy and it started snowing. My employer called her husband to tell him what happened, and he told us to stay where we were until he could get there. He arrived within 30 minutes and drove us home safely.”

Tell me about your favorite child that you’ve cared for.

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential employer and their family. It’s also an opportunity for you to share some of your personality with the interviewer. When answering this question, try to choose a child that was particularly memorable or unique.

Example: “My favorite child I’ve cared for was a little girl named Sarah. She was five years old when her parents hired me as her nanny. Sarah had been in daycare up until then, so she didn’t have many friends at school. Her parents were worried that she would be lonely without them there to help her make friends.

I started taking Sarah to school every morning, and we walked together. We talked about our days, and she told me all about her teachers and classmates. By the end of the week, Sarah had made two new friends. She still talks to them today.”

What experiences do you have with cooking and cleaning?

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your experience with household chores. They want to know if you have any special skills that will help them save time and effort when they hire you. In your answer, share what types of meals you can cook and how often you clean your own home.

Example: “I’ve been cooking for my family since I was a teenager. My mom had to work late shifts at the hospital, so she taught me how to make some easy meals. Now, I’m comfortable making most meals from scratch. As far as cleaning goes, I try to keep my house tidy all the time. I find it’s easier to maintain a clean space than to try to get everything in order after messes pile up.”

Do you have any professional certifications?

Employers may ask this question to see if you have any certifications that show your commitment to the childcare industry. If you do, be sure to mention them in your answer and explain what they mean to you. If you don’t have any professional certifications, you can still talk about any personal ones you have or how you’ve improved your skills through other means.

Example: “I am a certified child CPR instructor, which I earned after completing an online course. It’s important to me that children are safe at all times, so I took this certification to ensure I was properly trained in CPR techniques for infants and toddlers. I also completed a first aid certification last year, which has helped me feel more confident when caring for children.”

What’s the most challenging thing you’ve experienced as a nanny?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your problem-solving skills. They want to know that you can handle challenges and still provide a safe, nurturing environment for the children in your care. In your answer, try to focus on how you overcame the challenge and what steps you took to ensure it didn’t happen again.

Example: “The most challenging thing I’ve experienced as a nanny was when one of my charges got sick at school. The child had a fever and threw up several times during the day. I immediately called the parents to let them know what happened and then stayed with the child until they arrived to pick them up. Thankfully, the child recovered quickly and we were able to resume our normal activities the next day.”

How would you handle disciplining a child?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your disciplinary style and how you would handle a situation that could arise with the family’s children. Use examples from past experiences where you helped resolve conflict or discipline situations, and highlight your ability to remain calm in challenging circumstances.

Example: “I have worked for families with children who misbehaved, and I always try to use positive reinforcement when disciplining them. For example, if a child is acting out because they are bored, I will find ways to entertain them so they don’t need to act out. If they continue to misbehave, I will calmly tell them what behavior is expected of them and give them consequences if they do not comply. This helps me maintain my composure while also teaching the child appropriate behaviors.”

Tell me about a time when you had to step in to help a parent.

Parents sometimes need help with their children, and an interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience working with parents. Use your answer to explain a situation in which you helped a parent solve a problem or calm them down.

Example: “I once worked for a family who had twins. The mother was overwhelmed by the amount of work she had to do each day. She would often get stressed out and cry when I arrived at the house. I talked to her about how I could help her manage her time better. We came up with a schedule that allowed her to take breaks throughout the day. This helped her feel less stressed and gave me more time to spend with the kids.”

What’s your process for planning activities and outings?

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your creativity and problem-solving skills. They want to know how you plan fun activities for the children in your care, so they can see if you have any unique ideas or processes that might be beneficial to their family. In your answer, try to describe a few of your favorite activities and explain why you enjoy them.

Example: “I love taking kids on field trips because it’s such an exciting experience for them. I find that going to museums is a great way to teach kids about different subjects while also giving them something new to explore. Another activity I really enjoy is going to the park. It’s a great place to get some fresh air and exercise, but there are also plenty of things to do like climbing trees and playing games.”

How will you track the child’s development?

The interviewer may ask this question to see how you plan your day and the activities you do with the child. Use examples from your previous experience of tracking a child’s development, such as keeping a journal or using an app.

Example: “I keep a detailed record of my observations in a notebook every week. I also use an app that allows me to take photos of the child during playtime and track their developmental milestones. This helps me understand what areas they need more support in and which skills they are developing.”

What strategies do you use to communicate effectively with adults?

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your communication skills. They want to know how you interact with their family members and other adults in a professional setting. Use examples from past experiences to show the interviewer that you can communicate effectively with others.

Example: “I always make sure to speak clearly when communicating with adults. I also use active listening techniques, such as repeating what someone says to confirm that I understand them correctly. If I don’t understand something, I ask for clarification so I can be sure I’m understanding everything correctly. In my last role, I had to relay messages between parents and children. I learned to summarize important information so both parties understood it.”

Explain your approach to monitoring the children’s food intake and diet.

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your experience with monitoring children’s diets and food intake. Use examples from past experiences to explain how you would handle this responsibility in the new role.

Example: “I have worked with families who want their children to eat healthy foods, so I always encourage parents to set a good example by eating healthy meals in front of their kids. If the child is old enough, I also recommend that they help prepare their own meals as it can be an important part of learning about nutrition. In my last position, I helped one family create a weekly meal plan for the entire family, which made it easier for everyone to eat healthier.”

What’s the best way to monitor a child’s sleep patterns?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your knowledge of child development and how you can help a family with their children’s sleep patterns. Use examples from your experience that show you know how to monitor a child’s sleep patterns and what steps you take to ensure they’re getting enough rest.

Example: “I find the best way to monitor a child’s sleep patterns is by keeping track of when they go to bed, for how long they stay asleep and if they wake up during the night. I also keep notes on whether or not there are any factors that could be contributing to irregular sleeping patterns, such as teething or illness. If I notice a pattern in the data, I’ll talk to the parents about it so we can work together to solve the problem.”

How do you make sure the children feel safe and relaxed while they’re with you?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you’ll keep your charges safe and happy. Your answer should include specific examples of how you make children feel comfortable, such as by reading to them or playing games with them.

Example: “I find that one of the best ways to make sure a child feels safe is through consistency. I always try to follow the same routine for meals, playtime and bedtime so they know what to expect. For example, every night before bed we read two books together, then I sing them a song while they brush their teeth. This helps them feel secure because they know what’s coming next.”

What’s the best way to teach a child new skills?

This question can help the interviewer determine your teaching style and how you’ll interact with their child. Use examples from previous experience to show that you’re a teacher who’s patient, kind and effective.

Example: “I believe in using positive reinforcement when teaching new skills. I find that children learn best when they feel confident and proud of themselves. For example, if a child is learning colors, I might give them a sticker for each color they identify correctly. This helps them see that learning is fun and gives them a sense of accomplishment as they master new skills.”

What is a nanny’s role in shaping a child’s self-esteem?

A nanny’s role in a child’s life is often more than just childcare. They are also responsible for helping children develop their self-esteem and confidence, which can have lasting effects on the rest of their lives. A good answer to this question shows that you understand how important your role as a caregiver is in shaping a child’s future.

Example: “I believe that a child’s self-esteem starts with the way they’re treated by their parents. However, I think it’s my job as a nanny to help them feel confident and secure when they’re away from home. For example, if a child has trouble learning to read, I would encourage them and praise them for their efforts. This helps build their confidence so they know they can do hard things.”

Do you have any questions for me?

This is a common question that interviewers ask to see if you have done your research on the position and company. They want to know what questions you have about their expectations, responsibilities or policies. Before your interview, make sure you read through the job description thoroughly so you can come prepared with any questions you may have.

Example: “I do have one question for you. I noticed in the job listing that this role requires working weekends. I am very flexible when it comes to my schedule but was wondering how often you expect me to work weekends. I would like to ensure that I am able to accommodate your needs.”