Preparing for common nanny interview questions like “Can you tell me about your previous experience?” or “What ages of children have you cared for?” shows that you take the role seriously and presents you as a standout candidate.
You should be ready to share information about your past roles, skills, and any certifications you have to help parents and families feel like they can count on you to take care of their children. In this guide, we will outline eight nanny interview questions, provide sample answers for each, and offer tips on how to practice them using the STAR method.
Key Takeaways
You should prepare basic details to answer nanny interview questions confidently, like the ages you have cared for and specific responsibilities.
It is also important to have references, certifications, and examples of your skills or childcare approaches ready.
Nanny interview questions for infants, toddlers, and school-aged kids are often behavioral or situational; you can practice answering them with the STAR method.
To ace your interview, don’t forget to ask parents or family members questions, highlight your hard skills, and make a good impression by dressing neatly and being approachable.
8 Nanny Interview Questions with Sample Answers
Here are eight questions to practice during your nanny interview prep sessions:
#1. Can You Tell Me About Your Previous Childcare Experience?
This question sheds light on your background, as well as your comfort and confidence in working with children. In your answer, you should focus on specific responsibilities, skills, and strengths, and provide context with details like:
The ages you have cared for
The type of childcare you specialize in
Any developmental or behavioral needs you have experience with
It is best to avoid generic answers like “I have done everything,” as this makes it difficult for the interviewer to determine your fit. In addition, you should not speak negatively about past employers, as applying discretion is one of the top soft skills for nannies.
Tip: Before getting to an interview, you should showcase your skills in a structured resume to land a nanny interview. Our resume builder can help you create a professional one in minutes.
Here is a sample answer to “Tell me about your previous childcare experience”:
Good Answer
I have worked as a part-time nanny for three families over the past five years, caring for children between six and nine years old. My responsibilities included carrying out daily routines, preparing meals, and helping with homework. I especially enjoy supporting children to grow emotionally while building trusting relationships with both them and their parents.
#2. What Ages of Children Have You Cared For?
This is a rather straightforward question to help your interviewer understand whether your experience aligns with their child’s stage of development. Simply share the age range and, if relevant, briefly mention any developmental skills you are experienced in supporting.
You shouldn’t say “Any age is fine,” because it can make it seem like you have not worked closely with specific age groups. Below is a better alternative:
Good Answer
I have experience caring for infants, toddlers, and school-aged children. I am especially confident in supporting early developmental milestones such as bottle feeding and toilet training.
#3. Do You Have References From Past Families?
This common question allows the interviewer to gauge your reliability, professionalism, and past performance. They might not request references right away, but your answer will let them know if you are prepared and have a good track record.
You should confirm that you have references and mention what they reflect about your work style. For example:
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Good Answer
Yes, I have written references from past families, and I am happy to share them with you. My previous employers can speak to my clear communication and the positive connections I built with their little ones.
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If you are new to professional nannying, you can offer alternatives, such as past employers in related roles or long-term babysitting families.
You should avoid saying:
Bad Answers
“No, I don’t have any.”
“I lost contact with them.”
“They were difficult to work with.”
“I forgot to ask.”
These answers may make you sound unprepared or unprofessional. If you don’t currently have references, frame it positively and explain how you are obtaining them, like:
Good Answer
I am currently collecting written references from the families I have worked with. In the meantime, I can provide contact details for two families who are happy to confirm my experience.
#4. What Would You Do With a Child Who Threw a Tantrum in the Middle of a Shop?
Interviewers ask this to see if your approach to handling poor public behavior aligns with theirs. The best way to answer is to explain that you would acknowledge the child’s feelings and then help them calm down without reinforcing their tantrum.
You should avoid answers that focus more on you and less on the child, such as “I would ignore them until they stop” or “I would give them what they want so that we can move on.”
Here is a strong sample answer instead:
Good Answer
I would stay calm and make sure they are safe. Then, I would acknowledge their feelings with a simple statement such as “I know you are upset” and offer a clear choice, like taking a break or continuing when they are ready.
After they calm down, I would talk to them about what happened and remind them of better ways to express their feelings. I believe consistency and empathy can help children feel secure and supported.
#5. How Do You Teach Children Good Manners?
Interviewers want to know that you can guide children politely and patiently in developing good manners. Your answer to this question should explain an approach that works in real life.
For example, you can say that you demonstrate polite behavior, give gentle reminders, and reward positive actions. Alternatively, you can explain how you make learning manners part of daily play.
You should try not to sound harsh with answers like “I correct them every time they forget” or “I raise my voice to make them listen.” Instead, it helps to use the STAR method to structure your answer. Below is an example:
Good Answer
I cared for a little girl who often interrupted during meals and forgot to use words like “please” and “thank you” (Situation). My goal was to help her understand the importance of manners in social settings and apply them consistently (Task).
I modeled polite behavior at the table, reminded her to use polite phrases before and during meals, and praised her when she remembered (Action). Within a month, she consistently used polite language during meals and other interactions. She was very proud of herself and even more when her parents noticed (Result).
#6. What Would You Do if a Child Was Choking?
According to research, one child dies from choking on food every five days in the U.S., so families need to know that you can handle the situation quickly and safely. When answering this question, it is important to demonstrate confidence and explain your approach step by step.
You can also highlight that you are trained in CPR or first aid, as these greatly strengthen your nanny resume by providing peace of mind. You shouldn’t answer vaguely, aloofly, or emotionally, such as “I’d just wait to see if they are okay” or “I’d panic and hope someone else helps.” A better answer would be something like this:
Good Answer
I would ensure they don’t panic and encourage them to cough if possible. If their airway is completely blocked, I would begin back blows and chest or abdominal thrusts. I always have the necessary emergency contacts on hand. So, if the child becomes unresponsive, I would call 911 immediately and continue first aid until help arrives.
#7. Are You Trained in First Aid or CPR?
This question lets the interviewer determine if you can respond confidently in emergencies. Research shows that proper first aid training improves the ability of non-medical caregivers to respond effectively, with skills remaining strong even months after training.
Therefore, being certified shows professionalism, preparedness, and that children’s well-being is your top priority. Besides mentioning the certifications you hold, you should share that you renew them regularly and that training improves your ability to act in emergencies. For example:
Good Answer
Yes, I am certified in both first aid and CPR for children, and I make sure to stay up to date by regularly attending refresher courses. I understand that accidents can happen quickly and that being prepared to respond calmly and correctly is very important. My training covers choking, allergic reactions, minor injuries, and burns.
To avoid appearing unprepared, don't say things like “I think I learned it once,” or “Not really, but it doesn’t seem difficult.” If you are not certified yet, your answer should focus on your plan to complete training and your understanding of its importance.
#8. How Do You Handle Allergies or Medical Needs?
Nannying is a popular job for teens, so it is often assumed that no specialized skills are needed. However, caring for children safely—especially those with allergies or medical needs—requires preparedness, attention to detail, and an ability to follow care plans while maintaining clear communication with parents.
To stand out from nannies who struggle with recognizing early signs of allergic reactions and administering medications when needed, you should make it clear in your interview that you are familiar with specific triggers, symptoms, and treatment steps. It also helps to mention other related interpersonal skills, such as attentiveness, proactiveness, and decision-making.
Here is an example of how you can answer this nanny interview question:
Good Answer
I carefully follow each child’s care plan and the instructions provided by parents and healthcare providers. I also keep emergency contacts, medications, and any necessary equipment handy. Plus, I pay close attention to each child’s triggers and warning signs, and I am comfortable giving an epinephrine injection if the situation calls for it.
Your employer wouldn’t want to hear “I’ll figure it out if something happens” or “I’m not really sure what to do,” so be sure to prepare for this question during your childcare interview.
22 More Nanny Interview Questions
Here are a few more questions to keep in mind for your childcare job interview:
Additional Questions
Why did you become a nanny?
What is your style of disciplining?
How do you handle conflict between children?
How do you structure a typical day with a child?
How do you handle screen time?
How do you support a child’s emotional needs?
Do you have experience with potty training?
Are you willing to undergo background checks or provide references?
You might also be asked behavioral questions, such as:
Behavioral Questions
Describe a challenging situation with a child and how you handled it.
Tell me about a time a child refused to listen. What did you do?
Tell me about a time you helped a child reach a developmental milestone.
Give an example of when you had to adapt plans because of unexpected circumstances.
Have you ever had to follow a parent’s instructions that you didn’t initially agree with? How did you go about it?
It also helps to practice with situational questions; these are some common ones:
Situational Questions
If my child fell and scraped their knee while playing outside, how would you respond before I arrive?
Imagine it is bedtime, but my son refuses to go to sleep. What would you do?
If my daughter becomes bored indoors on a rainy day. How would you engage her productively?
If my son doesn’t want to eat his lunch, how would you handle it without creating stress for both you and him?
Aside from specific nanny interview questions and answers, you should be ready for general questions like:
General Questions
How do you communicate updates or concerns to parents throughout the day?
Are you punctual? How do you ensure you arrive on time consistently?
How do you maintain professionalism while building a positive relationship with children?
Describe how you stay organized.
Do you have other commitments that could interfere with your work?
These gauge your overall nanny skills, including:
Communication
Relationship-building
Honesty and transparency
3 Professional Tips for a Nanny Interview
These are three professional nanny job interview tips you should keep in mind:
Have questions to ask parents handy. You can ask about their routines, discipline preferences, dietary restrictions, or household rules. Thoughtful questions show that you are ready to hit the ground running and are committed to providing the best care for the little ones. It also helps you avoid misunderstandings later on.
Don’t forget about your hard skills. Having practical skills like cooking, tutoring, and managing light household tasks means you can contribute beyond basic supervision, and this will set you apart from other candidates. So, if you have the chance, it is a good idea to mention these in your interview answers.
Prepare to make a positive impression. How you present yourself matters; it is important to dress neatly, be approachable, and take the opportunity to interact naturally with the child if they are present. Don’t shy away from showing enthusiasm, as it reassures parents that you genuinely enjoy taking care of their child.
Final Thoughts
By practicing the common nanny questions above, you can become more confident, communicate your strengths clearly, and show parents that you are the right fit for their family.
Don’t forget to use the STAR method to structure your answers and approach your mock interviews as if they were really happening. Proper preparation can go a long way in ensuring you walk into your interview feeling capable, collected, and ready to impress.
Nanny Interview Questions FAQs
#1. What questions should I ask potential employers as a nanny?
You should ask your potential employer about their routines, discipline preferences, screen time rules, dietary needs, and communication styles. These questions help you understand what the employer values and decide if the role is a good fit for you.
#2. What are the most common nanny interview questions?
Some of the most common nanny interview questions are “Can you tell me about your previous childcare experience?” “What ages of children have you cared for?” and “Can you share about a time a child refused to listen and what you did?”
#3. How do you introduce yourself as a nanny in an interview?
You can introduce yourself as a nanny in an interview by sharing your background, experience, and the age groups you have worked with. You should also include your strengths, any relevant training, and what you enjoy about childcare to help parents or families determine your suitability for the role.
