Your Nanny Interview Prep Checklist
Preparation Is Your Competitive Advantage
The interview is where jobs are won or lost. Families often interview 5-10 nannies before making a decision. The candidates who stand out are not necessarily the most experienced. They are the most prepared. This checklist will help you walk in confident, informed, and ready to evaluate the family just as much as they evaluate you.
What to Bring
Arrive with a small professional folder containing:
- A printed copy of your resume or Kindred profile link. Even though they have seen it online, having a physical copy shows professionalism.
- Your certifications. CPR/First Aid, any ECE credentials, water safety, or specialized training certificates.
- References list. Names, phone numbers, and email addresses of 2-3 families who have agreed to be contacted.
- A list of your own questions. Writing them down shows you take this seriously and prevents you from forgetting important topics in the moment.
- A small notebook and pen. Take notes during the interview. This signals engagement and helps you compare families later.
10 Questions You Should Ask Every Family
These questions reveal whether the position is a good fit and whether the family is a professional employer.
- "What does a typical day look like for the children?" This tells you the pace, structure, and expectations. If they cannot describe a routine, the household may be chaotic.
- "What is your parenting philosophy around discipline?" You need alignment here. If they practice gentle parenting and you are authoritarian (or vice versa), daily friction is guaranteed.
- "Are there other caregivers involved (grandparents, babysitters, au pairs)?" Multiple caregivers create scheduling complexity and sometimes conflicting instructions. Know the full picture.
- "How do you handle guaranteed hours?" This is the litmus test for professionalism. If they do not know what guaranteed hours are, proceed with caution. If they resist them, this may not be a family that respects the industry.
- "Will I receive a W-2 or 1099?" The only correct answer is W-2. If they say 1099, they are either uninformed or trying to avoid their legal obligations. Politely educate them or walk away.
- "What benefits are included (PTO, sick days, health stipend)?" Standard packages include 2 weeks paid vacation, 5 sick days, and sometimes an ICHRA health stipend. If they offer nothing, factor that into your rate negotiation.
- "What household tasks are expected beyond childcare?" Get specifics. "Light housekeeping" can mean loading the dishwasher or scrubbing bathrooms. Clarity prevents resentment.
- "How do you prefer to communicate (text, app, daily log)?" Communication style mismatch is a top reason nanny relationships fail. Some families want hourly photo updates; others prefer a brief summary at pickup.
- "Is there a contract or offer letter?" Professional families formalize the arrangement. No contract means no protection for either party.
- "What led to the end of your last nanny arrangement?" Their answer reveals volumes. If they badmouth the previous nanny, they may do the same to you. If they say "she outgrew the role" or "we moved," that is a green flag.
Red Flags to Watch For
Not every family is a good employer. Watch for these warning signs:
- They are vague about pay or say "we will figure it out later." Compensation should be discussed openly and early.
- The house is unsafe. Unfenced pools, accessible cleaning chemicals, broken gates. If they have not childproofed, they may not take safety seriously.
- They speak negatively about past nannies. A pattern of blaming caregivers suggests the problem may be the employer.
- They expect you to start immediately without a trial. Professional families understand the value of a 1-2 week trial period.
- The children are out of control during the interview and the parents make no effort. This previews your daily reality.
- They resist putting anything in writing. If they will not commit to a contract, they will not commit to your agreed terms.
After the Interview
Within 24 hours, send a brief thank-you text or email. Something like: "Thank you for having me today. I really enjoyed meeting [child's name] and learning about your family. I would love to move forward if you feel it is a good fit."
This small gesture puts you ahead of 90% of candidates. Then, trust your instincts. If something felt off during the interview, it will only amplify once you are in the home full-time.