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