Nanny Interview Questions & Tips
(What to Ask—and What Really Matters)
You’ve found a few promising candidates. The profiles look great, their references check out, and now it’s time for the interview. Cue the nerves.
What do you ask a total stranger who might be holding your newborn next month or picking your toddler up from preschool? What if you forget something important—or worse, what if they tell you exactly what you want to hear but turn out to be a completely different person in practice?
First: breathe. You’re not alone. Interviewing a nanny isn’t like hiring someone for your company—it’s deeper. It’s personal. This is your home, your child, your daily life.
So let’s talk through it together.
At Hunny Nanny Agency, we’ve walked hundreds of families through this process. Here’s what we’ve learned about asking the right questions, listening for the right cues, and trusting your gut when it matters most.
Why the Interview Matters More Than You Think
It’s easy to get caught up in certifications and scheduling logistics—but the interview is your first window into this person’s emotional intelligence, communication style, and personality. In short, it’s the moment where you can stop looking at resumes and start seeing the human.
And for your family, that’s what counts.
3 Quick Tips Before You Start Asking Questions
1. Create a Calm, Open Environment
Interviewing in a coffee shop? Over Zoom? At your kitchen table? Wherever it is, make it warm and conversational—not clinical. You’ll get more honest answers if they feel relaxed.
2. Let Them Talk More Than You
Avoid over-explaining what you’re looking for at the beginning. Let them show you who they are before tailoring your feedback. You’ll uncover more that way.
3. Have a Few Scenarios Ready
A great nanny can explain how they’d actually handle a real situation. Hypotheticals are powerful. More on this below.
The Questions That Matter (With Explanations)
Let’s go beyond “Do you like kids?” Here are 15 questions we love asking—plus why each one works.
🔹 1. “Can you tell me about your most recent nanny position?”
Why it works: It gives you insight into real experience and how they talk about past employers. Look for professionalism, warmth, and boundaries.
🔹 2. “How would your past families describe you?”
Why it works: It invites reflection. Do they mention punctuality? Warmth? Creativity? Their answer reveals what they prioritize.
🔹 3. “Tell me about a time a child had a tantrum—how did you handle it?”
Why it works: This shows emotional regulation, patience, and problem-solving. Listen for tone as much as tactics.
🔹 4. “What does a typical day with a toddler look like to you?”
Why it works: Helps you assess their approach to structure, play, learning, and engagement. Do they plan activities? Are they screen-free?
🔹 5. “What’s your philosophy around discipline?”
Why it works: You’ll want to know if their approach aligns with yours. Are they more gentle parenting or traditional? Neither is wrong—it’s about fit.
🔹 6. “Have you ever had a disagreement with a parent? How did you handle it?”
Why it works: This reveals maturity, humility, and communication skills. Conflict will come up—how they manage it matters.
🔹 7. “What’s your comfort level with household tasks like kids’ laundry or meal prep?”
Why it works: You’ll want clarity upfront. Every family has different expectations—better to know now.
🔹 8. “What’s something you love about being a nanny?”
Why it works: You’ll learn what lights them up. Look for joy, not just obligation.
🔹 9. “What’s the hardest part of this job?”
Why it works: Authenticity. Are they burned out? Are they honest about boundaries? A thoughtful answer here = emotional maturity.
🔹 10. “How do you handle transitions or routine changes?”
Why it works: Especially helpful if your schedule fluctuates. You’ll learn how adaptable they are and how they handle uncertainty.
🔹 11. “What would you do if my child fell and bumped their head?”
Why it works: You’ll learn how they think under pressure and if they follow safety protocols. Bonus: do they mention CPR?
🔹 12. “Do you prefer direct check-ins or more autonomy?”
Why it works: Helps you figure out the communication style match. You want your nanny to feel supported, but also trusted.
🔹 13. “What does a great nanny-parent relationship look like to you?”
Why it works: This is the gold. You’ll hear what they need to thrive and whether they see this as a partnership.
🔹 14. “Is there anything that would make this job a no-go for you?”
Why it works: You might uncover an allergy to pets, fear of long commutes, or concern over cameras. Always good to know.
🔹 15. “What questions do you have for me?”
Why it works: A good nanny will ask thoughtful questions. If they have nothing to ask, that’s worth noting.
What Not to Ask
❌ “Do you smoke?” → Ask instead: “Are you comfortable working in a smoke-free home?”
❌ “Are you married/have kids?” → This is legally tricky. Focus on schedule flexibility instead.
❌ “Are you planning to get pregnant?” → Also illegal to ask.
Focus on behavior, experience, and expectations—not personal details.
Beyond the Questions: What to Watch For
Pay attention to:
Body language: Are they warm, engaged, or stiff and overly rehearsed?
Follow-up questions: Do they care about your child and schedule, or just the job details?
Pacing: Do they interrupt or let conversations breathe?
Authenticity: Do you feel like you’re meeting the real person?
Sometimes it’s not what they say—it’s how you feel afterward.
Bonus Tips for Cincinnati Families Interviewing Nannies
If you’re hiring locally and searching for a Cincinnati nanny service, you likely have specific considerations like:
Commute time between neighborhoods like Anderson, Mt. Lookout, Hyde Park
School pickups or preschool transitions
Part-time schedules for physician families with irregular shifts
Make sure to ask about driving comfort (city vs. suburbs), availability for early mornings, and comfort navigating local traffic.
Don’t Forget the Paid Trial
A trial day—or even better, a trial week—can reveal so much more than an interview ever could.
During the trial:
Watch how they interact with your child when you're not around
Look for initiative: Do they tidy up toys? Offer to help?
Ask your child afterward: “What did you like about today?” (Simple, but telling.)
👉 Read our guide on how to run a nanny trial week
Still Nervous? That’s Okay
Hiring a nanny is a big deal. You’re not being too picky or overanxious. You’re choosing someone to share space in your home and help shape your child’s day-to-day experience.
We’re here to take that pressure off your plate.
If you're looking to hire a nanny and want a guide through the interview process, that's what we do best. From screening to sample questions to helping you read between the lines, we’ve got you.
Let’s Find Your Person
If you're a parent in Ohio searching for a trusted Cincinnati nanny service, Hunny Nanny is here to walk with you through every step—interviews included.
👉 Start here to hire a nanny
