INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

We hope that you will find the list of sample interview questions below
to be useful.

Personality

Being a nanny

Experience

Do you have any formal early childhood development or childcare training? Tell me what you liked about it.
Do you have a First-Aid Certificate?
What ages of children have you worked with?
Would you mind if I checked your references?
What was your last childcare experience?
Was your previous position a sole charge position?
Why did you leave your last job?
What did you like/dislike most about the job?
What difficulties have you experienced as a nanny with parents or children and how were they resolved?
Why do you have a gap between x and y date? (to check unexplained gaps)

Dealing with children

What are your childcare philosophies?
What do children like best about you?
How do you comfort children? (e.g. separation anxiety or a crying baby)
What are your views about discipline and how do you exercise it? Please give some examples.
Would you be willing to follow my rules on comforting/disciplining children even if they are different from yours?
How do you teach good manners to children?

Routines and child development

How do you feel about routine?
Have cared for a baby before? What do you think routines should be for my baby at his/her age?
Have you got experience of potty training and how do you handle that?
What are your views on nutrition?
Do you enjoy cooking?
What would you cook for my child?
What type of activities do you organise with children in your care?
What would a typical day be like?
What type of activities would you organise with a child the age of mine?
How much time a day do you think it is appropriate for a child to watch television?
What types of books do you like to read to children?
How do you feel about education?
How do feel about supervising my child’s homework?

Coping with emergencies and stress

Have you ever been confronted with an emergency situation in your previous job? If so, how did you respond?
What would you do if my child had an accident?
What would you do if my baby choked on his/her food?
How would you cope with a child crying all day because he/she is sick?

Other questions

How long can you commit to stay in the position?
What are your future plans and goals?
What are your GROSS salary expectations?
Do you have a car in good functioning order and safe?
Where do you live and how would you get to work? (if the candidate seeks a live-out position)
What is your time keeping?
How many sick days have you had in the last year?
Would you expect meals to be provided or would you bring your own food?
Are you a non-smoker?
Would you be happy to do light household tasks whilst the baby is sleeping?
Do you have any personal matters or health issues which could prevent you from carrying the duties?
Do you have a partner or friends that would possibly visit?
When would you be able available?
Are you willing to work additional hours, baby-sitting evenings and weekends?
Would you be happy to come on holiday with us?
When would like to go on holiday?