It goes without saying that, when you score an interview for a nanny job, you want to bring your A-game.

However, even though you’re, technically speaking, the one in the hot seat, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t come armed with a list of questions of your own. You do, after all, want to know what you’re potentially getting into.

32 questions every nanny should ask during an interview


It goes without saying that, when you score an interview for a nanny job, you want to bring your A-game. However, even though you’re, technically speaking, the one in the hot seat, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t come armed with a list of questions of your own. You do, after all, want to know what you’re potentially getting into.

“Asking questions is absolutely paramount for nannies during an interview,” as a agency owner I have seen many great nannies lose roles as due to bad interviews.


In addition to doing research on whether the job itself is a good match, there’s the added layer of covid 19. You want to learn upfront whether the family you may be working closely with is taking precautions with which you’re comfortable.


Here are 32 questions to ask when interviewing for a nanny job:

 Follow questions with a long pause is going to get you answers to questions you would never have thought to ask 

General questions about the job

  1. What are you looking for in a nanny?
  2. What are the hours?
  3. How long of a commitment are you seeking?
  4. What are the daily duties?
  5. What did you like about your previous nannies and what are you looking to change?
  6. Do you travel? If so, would you require me to travel with you? If not, will there be responsibilities while you are gone? 


Questions about the kids 

  1. Do the children have allergies or any other health concerns?
  2. Do the children require any specialised care?
  3. What personality style or temperament do your children connect with best?
  4. What does the kids’ typical day look like?


Questions about compensation:

  1. What is the wage and benefits being offered?
  2. How do you run the payroll
  3. Do you pay fuel allowance if I have to use my car


Questions about parenting style:

  1. What is your discipline philosophy?
  2. What values do you want to instil in your children?
  3. Do you adhere to a specific parenting style? 
  4. What model of care do you envision?

If you are a nanny who’s use to sole care and taking charge of routines and details be sure you aware of are what you role responsibilities are.


Questions about home life:

  1. Do you have pets?
  2. Do you have a pool?
  3. Is there any other household staff?
  4. Will I be using my vehicle or yours to transport the children?
  5. Do you work inside or outside of the home?


Health questions:

  1. Do you take the flu shot?
  2. Are you up to date on other immunisations, including whooping cough? 


Questions about COVID safety and risk:

The pandemic isn’t over, and every job-seeking nanny should feel empowered to ask questions in order to assess potential risks. The Association of Premier Nanny Agencies (APNA) has developed a COVID Risk Tolerance Scale that can help nannies and families identify their COVID Risk Factor.


Here are questions to ask when searching for a job regarding covid:

  1. Have you gotten the COVID vaccine? If not, are you and the eligible children planning on getting one?
  2. Do you work in high-risk exposure jobs?
  3. What is the plan if someone in the family is exposed to or diagnosed with COVID? And will I be paid if asked to quarantine? 
  4. What are the expectations if I’m exposed? 
  5. Am I expected to wear a mask during work hours, and will the family, including children over 2 years old, be wearing masks
  6. Am I expected to get regular COVID tests? 
  7. Will the schedule or my job duties shift if schools close or go virtual at any point?
  8. What outings and social activities are acceptable for the children? 


Are you looking for training in interview techniques reach out to us and ask us about our Professional interview courses.


Excerpt taken from care.com for full article can be found HERE


Blog

Two women are sitting at a table having a conversation.
By Justine Murray March 1, 2025
Revolutionising Household Staffing Recruitment
The dedicated nanny skillfully balanced fun and learning, creating a nurturing environment.
By Justine Murray February 28, 2025
Having a newborn baby, especially your first, is a wonderful and exciting time, but can also be an overwhelming time, filled with new responsibilities and challenges. The first few months can leave you feeling exhausted, emotional, and very stressed with the new routine, changes to your body and your baby. Breastfeeding can be a big part of the stress during this time. But there are many ways to get help with this. A great option is to hire a Maternity Nurse to help you with breastfeeding, relieving some of the stress and creating a positive experience. So how does hiring a Maternity Nurse help with breastfeeding? How do they help? A Maternity Nurse is a postnatal specialist and carer. Their expertise covers all elements of newborns, babies, and new mothers. They particulary skilled and experienced in newborn care and in supporting, teaching and ensuring are left feeling confident in their journey as new parents. A encouraging source of knowledge. Helping so many mothers through those first amazing days, weeks and months, of the journey of being a parent, hiring a Maternity Nurse is an investment in your family , definitely worth making. They will work with you to establish a routine regarding breastfeeding and work out a way how that can fit in with you, and your baby. Having someone there to make a structured plan will help you to relax more, focus on the tasks at hand knowing that you are on the right path, and that your Maternity Nurse is making sure everything is going to plan and adjust where needs be! Breast feeding Skills Breastfeeding is a skill, and it can be extremely challenging. Not all mothers adapt naturally, and in some cases may not be able to breastfeed at all, or for as long as they initially thought. It can be painful, stressful, and very difficult to commit to. This is one of the main issues your Maternity Nurse will help you with. They can show you all of the right and most comfortable, breastfeeding skills and techniques. Rather than having to struggle through it yourself, by hiring a Maternity Nurse they will give you all the tips and tricks. They will observe and make adjustments if needed, to ensure your baby is getting enough milk throughout the process. When the time comes for your Maternity Nurse to leave, you will have established a breastfeeding routine and obtained all the skills and confidence needed to keep you and your baby happy and healthy! General Support Hiring a Maternity Nurse will give you so much more than just help with breastfeeding though! They are there to support you with anything you can think of regarding your new-born. They will teach you the essentials of childcare, help you recover from birth and give you the confidence to take care of the baby yourself. Your Maternity Nurse will often be hired for approximately 12 weeks on a 12/7 or 24/7 basis. Meaning they can also cover night shifts – so that they are always there if needed during those first crucial weeks and months! Maternity Nurses come with all the suitable training and qualifications. From how to breast and bottle feed, sleep, bathing, routine and comfort techniques etc. More highly qualified Maternity Nurses can behold advanced knowledge in complex feeding issues, gut health, and birthing and may also have osteopathic, obstetric, and psychological knowledge, such as how to deal with and support postnatal depression. How can the Australian Nanny Agency Help? Australian Nanny Agency work with families all over the world, finding the most suitable Maternity Nurses for them and for their situation. Australian Nanny Agency have a wide variety of amazing Maternity Nurses on their books ready to help you and your new family. Whether this is for a couple of days or several months, we can find the right person for you. To find out more about what options work best for you do contact us here now and we look forward to speak to you!
By Justine Murray February 28, 2025
Read the reviews our lovely clients left us!
By Justine Murray February 28, 2025
Family assistant and why they are the new trend with families!
The gentle nanny cradled the baby in her arms, singing softly to lull him to sleep.
By Justine Murray February 21, 2025
What is a Live-in Nanny vs a Live-out Nanny
A man is riding a bike down a city street.
By Noelyn Noelyn January 7, 2025
"Navigating Visa Requirements: Essential Guidance for Securing Employment in Japan"
A view of the ruins of the Roman forum in Rome.
By Noelyn Noelyn January 6, 2025
"Navigating the Essentials: Understanding Passport and Visa Requirements for Employment in China"
A tray with a cup of tea and pomegranate seeds on it.
By Noelyn Noelyn January 6, 2025
"Navigating Work Authorization: Essential Passport and Visa Requirements for Employment in Russia"
A pink and white dome with a cross on top of it is on the roof of a building.
By Noelyn Noelyn January 4, 2025
"Essential Guide to Passport and Visa Requirements for Employment in Canada"
A field of red flowers with a yellow center
By Noelyn Noelyn January 3, 2025
"Understanding the Essential Passport and Visa Requirements for Employment in New Zealand"
More Posts