Most nanny interview advice is a list of questions. Questions matter. But some of the most useful information comes from watching, not asking.
Structure the interview
Start with a short phone or video call of 15 to 20 minutes. Cover the basics: hours, pay, start date, driving and experience with children your kids’ ages. If those line up, invite the candidate to meet in person.
For the in-person interview, allow about an hour. Spend the first part talking with the candidate on your own, then bring your child in. Ask every candidate the same core questions so you can compare fairly.
Watch how they are with your child
When your child joins, step back. Notice whether the candidate gets down to your child’s level, follows your child’s lead and talks to them, not just about them. Do they give a shy child time, or push? Do they check with you before offering a snack or picking your child up?
Don’t expect perfection. Children can be unpredictable with strangers. You’re looking for warmth, patience and attention, not a performance.
Questions that reveal more
General questions get rehearsed answers. Ask about real situations instead. “Tell me about a time a child in your care got hurt. What did you do?” “What do you do when a toddler refuses to nap?” “Tell me about a disagreement with a parent and how you handled it.” “What would you do if my child seemed sick and you couldn’t reach me?”
Listen for specifics. A strong answer has a real moment in it, a clear action and some reflection on how it went.
Do a paid trial day
A paid trial is the closest thing to seeing the job done. Pay the candidate their normal rate for a few hours or a full day. Stay home, but stay out of the way. Notice how they handle meals, naps and transitions, and how they talk to your child when you’re in the next room.
Making the decision
Before you decide, call recent references and run a background check with the candidate’s written consent. Then compare your notes. The best nanny for your family may not be the most polished interviewee. Pay attention to how your child responded, and to your own instincts. If you’re torn between two people, a second trial day often settles it.