Finding a nanny who fits your family feels like an overwhelming task for most parents. This is an individual who will shape your child’s during their formative years. You trust them to serve your role in your absence, and that’s no small job. What could you possibly ask them to see if they’re the right fit?
To help ease this process, we’ve created a helpful guide to hiring a nanny, complete with all the best questions to ask your prospective new family member.
The Nanny Hiring Process
Most families will encounter three distinct stages in the nanny-hiring process.
- Prescreening the pool of applicants
- Speaking to potential candidates over the phone
- Scheduling an in-person interview
During this process, you’ll likely find that the most appropriate time to ask the majority of these questions is during stage 3. However, if you want to conduct a longer phone interview before agreeing to meet in person, then you can also integrate questions at that point. It’s up to you and your preference!
What to Ask a Nanny
Questions for Phase 1: Prescreening
When you hire an agency like The Bundled Baby, Phase 1 is particularly easy. We take care of the prescreening and vetting phase, which helps parents narrow down their ideal candidates. However, we still recommend asking these questions for your own peace of mind (or if you choose to hire without the help of an agency).
• How long have you been caring for children?
• What age groups have you cared for?
• What is your favorite age to care for?
• Do you have other work or life experience that supports your career as a
nanny?
• Are you CPR certified and trained in first aid?
• What is your education level? Have you ever taken classes in childcare?
• Are you fluent in any other languages besides English?
• Have you gotten the COVID vaccine? If not, do you plan to?
• Do you take the flu shot?
• Are you up to date on other immunization, including whooping cough?
Questions for Phase 2: Phone Interview
It’s up to you if you want to hold a phone interview that allows you to decide whether you want to move forward with a candidate. If not, then you can shift these questions to Phase 3.
• How flexible is your schedule? Would you be willing and available to
stay late or arrive early occasionally if necessary?
• Are there any activities or responsibilities that you can’t or won’t do?
• Are you comfortable with the physical demands associated with the
position?
• Are you willing to cook, do light housework, take care of pets, etc.? Does
your salary requirement increase if so?
Questions for Phase 3: In-Person Interview
• What was your most recent position?
• What was your longest stay with a family, and what was your experience
with them?
• Are you looking to stay long-term with a family?
• Have you ever had a childcare emergency? What happened?
• How have you handled difficult situations (ex: baby crying uncontrollably • or child talking back)?
• Do you play sports or musical instruments? Do you have any specific
hobbies? (Mention any that are important to your family)
• What do you like best about being a nanny? What do you find most
challenging?
• Do you prefer structure in your day? What do you think works best for
children?
• What is your view on disciplining a child, and what should be the nanny’s
role?
• How much vacation time do you anticipate needing throughout the year?
What Not to Ask a Nanny
During an employment interview, intrusive, discriminatory, and illegal questions are not permitted. You can reference the U.S. EEOC’s Prohibited Employment Policies/Practices for more information. However, we’ll process you some examples of questions that you should steer clear of:
- Are you a U.S. citizen?
- How old are you?
- Do you plan to have children soon?
- Have you ever been arrested?
Final Thoughts
Let the interviews commence! The Bundled Baby is Austin’s top nanny recruitment agency. We’re here to connect families with nurturing, empathetic, and responsive caregivers. Come back next week for our next blog that flips the script and features all the best questions for nannies to ask their potential families.