NANNY INTERVIEW TIPS

Types of Interviews

  • SKYPE
    Many of our first interviews will be conducted via Skype, especially if the position is overseas or far from where you live. If a family wishes to interview you, you will be contacted by one of our consultants to set up a time. You should make yourself available without any distractions or background noise at the time that is scheduled.

  • FACE TO FACE
    These interviews are usually conducted in the family home, however sometimes the family will ask to meet you somewhere such as a café or restaurant. They may even ask you to stay for the day or weekend so that they can observe how you interact with the children.

Nanny Interview Tips

The following nanny interview tips will help you prepare for your interview as a nanny:

Get as much information on the position as possible before your interview. You should have a reasonable understanding about the job and requirements. It is also a good idea to bring a list of questions that you would like to ask the family as it shows that you have a genuine interest in the position and their family.

Be on time or even a few minutes early for the scheduled interview. Reliability is an important quality for a nanny job and excuses will only create an impression of disorganisation. Arriving late can ruin your chances before you have even begun.

First impressions last and so making a good first impression is the most important thing. Shake hands, introduce yourself, be positive and most importantly SMILE!

Use your manners at all times throughout the interview. You are interviewing for a nanny position, therefore parents look at you as a potential role model for their children.

Your appearance should be clean, smart and professional. Have your hair clean and pulled back off your face. Make sure your nails are short and without bright nail polish. If you have piercings, take them out, and if you have tattoos, make sure they are not visible. Keep in mind also that you may also be meeting the children, therefore make sure what you are wearing is also comfortable and child-friendly.

Do not answer questions with a simple yes or no, the family are trying to get to know you so the important thing is to be honest in your answers. Avoid using the words “umm” and “ah”, speak clearly and use proper language. Most importantly always tell the truth, honesty is important when starting a relationship with a potential employer.

If the children are there, do not ignore them. Make eye contact and ask simple questions such as their name and age. Showing your love for children and a desire to build a relationship is what parents want to see when interviewing for a new nanny

You should know as much as possible about the position that you are going for. Asking questions about the nanny job shows that you are keen and interested. Below is a list of topics that you should cover:

  • DUTIES
    Discuss what will be expected of you as a nanny. Is there housework involved or will you only be looking after the children. Who is responsible for disciplining the child/ren and discuss what methods will be used. What specific things should you do with the children. Eg. English lessons, helping with homework, transporting them to and from school etc.
  • WORKING HOURS
    Discuss the amount of hours you will be required to work per week, on which days, and how much flexibility is needed/granted. Talk about your salary, the amount, and how often you will be paid. Also discuss any overtime or babysitting.
  • HOLIDAYS
    Discuss when the family go on holiday, if you are required to travel with them or not. You should also discuss your own holidays, if there is a certain period in which the family would like you to take them or if it is flexible. DO NOT, however, ask for holidays or time off in advance.
  • ACCOMMODATION
    For live-in nannies usually a room or separate apartment is provided. You should discuss what the arrangement will be and ask if you can see the accommodation.

Below is a list of frequently asked questions in nanny interviews. Be prepared to answer these in detail:

  • Tell me about yourself
  • Why did you become a nanny?
  • What do you like to do in your spare time?
  • What was your last job like?
  • What did you enjoy most about your last nanny job?
  • What did you dislike most about your last nanny job?
  • What do you think children like the best about you?
  • What sort of activities did you do with children in your care?
  • What do you consider the most challenging part of being a nanny?
  • Why do you think you are suited to this nanny job?
  • What is your view on discipline?
  • How would you handle a temper tantrum?
  • What would you do if my child was seriously hurt?
  • What would you do if my child has a fever?

Always give feedback to the agency after an interview with a family. We are here to help you, give you advice, and find a compromise between you and the family.

To find a job

Trustpilot
“Dear Valentina, Thank you for your mail. The start with V has been fantastic. My daughter is in love with her. We and all of our staff in the villa think she is professional and nice.
It was a good choice and we hope for a long term stay. For sure I will come back to you for the other staff in the house…. I will contact you in the coming year.
Thank you again for a fantastic job you all do. You always make things easy and uncomplicated. We are happy with our choice.”
J.L. Lugano, Switzerland
“B has been with us just over a month now and has really made an impact on our family. She is so organised and precise, and has made our daily life so much easier, the children just love her too. She has been doing a mix of Personal Assistant and Nanny duties and has been handling them extremely well, we cannot thank you enough.”
J.G. - New York, USA
“Outstanding service, so professional. We are very happy with the butler you have sent us and cannot wait to see profiles of candidates for the chef position.
I am sure he will be just as good. Kind regards”
M.M. - London, UK
“G started last week and we have never eaten better, he is an outstanding chef, his food is healthy and delicious and he works so well under pressure!

We would like to thank you so much for your help”

K.L. - London, UK
“Thanks a lot for your great work and support. Looking forward to deal with you in the next assignment in the near future. I have received your agency invoice, which will be processed immediately and a copy of the transfer will be emailed to you.”

Best Regards, Hassan

H.A.H - Ryadh, Saudi Arabia
“Thank you so much for our 3rd Nanny! It was tough as you gave us such a great choice of candidates, however I believe we made the perfect choice once again. We can’t tell you enough how much we appreciate your services.”
M.A. - London, UK
“Hello Chontelle, our Nanny arrived and she seems lovely. We look forward to working with her. Thank you very much and kind regards”
C.P. - Atlanta, USA
“Dear Chontelle, I need to say that L is very nice lady and my kids are very happy with her. They are very enthusiastic. Thank you”
E.R. - Milan, Italy
“Our nanny has started, she is great and my daughter is in love with her, looks like we made the right choice. Thank you.”
S.E. - Istanbul, Turkey
“Our experience has been extremely positive. The nanny you provided us with is a nice and intelligent woman who is very capable and passionate about her job. She managed to establish a very good relationship with both of our kids, and ourselves. It has been indeed a pleasure to have her in our house.”
P.M. - Rome, Italy
“Thank you very much for all your help, Chontelle was brilliant and she completely understood our needs. She was very quick to get us candidates and super responsive with returning emails, setting up interviews and particularly feedback. I had registered with several agencies but I can say that you are the most efficient. Finding the right nanny for your kids can be very stressful and is such a difficult choice that having an experienced consultant by your side really makes the difference. I can tell that Nanny & Butler is a very professional and well run company. I wish you all the best and I will certainly recommend you to all my friends here in Geneva!”
D,W. - Geneva, Switzerland
“I must admit that Nanny & Butler has always provided the highest standard of bilingual nannies for my family. I completely trust them as all candidates we had in our house where loving and reliable with my 3 kids. Thanks for all your help and kindness.”
D.M. - London, UK
“Thank you for your support. M. is super! I’m so happy to see her everyday with my kids!”
E.K. - Moscow, Russia
“Well it looks like I’m hiring both the butler and the nanny from you!… It has been a pleasure working with you. Thanks for all your efforts, I wish you all the best.”
B.A.S. - Ryadh, Saudi Arabia
“Thank for sending me the CV’s they all seem like great nannies.”
D.A.S. - Ryadh, Saudi Arabia