Preparing for your interview:

Most nanny interviews are initially conducted via video call and then after the successful first impressions face-to-face interviews and trials are arranged. Trials can take anything from a few hours to a few days depending on the complexity of the role. Most trials however take a few hours for which the candidate gets paid.

If you are preparing for an interview, have a look at the list of frequently asked nanny interview questions below to help you get ready.

Common Nanny Interview Questions:

• Tell me about yourself and why did you become a nanny? 

• How many years have you worked as a nanny? Tell me about your experience, what did you do and why did you leave your nanny jobs? 

• What was your favourite and least favourite part of your previous jobs?

• In your opinion what did the children and parents like most about you? 

• What are your favourite activities to do with children as a nanny? How would you plan a day for my children?

• What is the most difficult aspect of working as a nanny? 

• How do you discipline the children you look after? 

• How do you deal with temper tantrums? 

• What do you like about being a nanny? Describe your ideal family/employer? What makes you feel the most comfortable and what type of things make you feel least uncomfortable at your nanny job?

• What sort of meals would you prepare for my children?

• How do you ensure health and safety?

• What do you think are the biggest risks to children both in and out of the home?

• If a child you were looking after developed a fever, what would you do? How would you cope if a child got hurt?

• What are your strengths and weaknesses?

• Can you tell me about the gaps in your job history as a nanny? Have you had any other jobs? 

• Tell me about your own family. Do you have any siblings? What was your childhood like?

Your questions to the family:

At the end of the interview it is wise to ask the family any questions you may have, including about their previous nannies, why did they leave, what did they like about them, was there something that they didn’t like. 

An interview is a two way process, not only you are being interviewed to assess your suitability for the role, but it is also an opportunity for you to understand if the role is right for you.

Other questions to clarify might be about hours of work, babysittings and any special requirements that the family may have. 

A lot of your original questions about the role may get answered during the interview however it’s important to understand the role fully and its details. If the job requirements are driving, travelling, proxy parenting, speaking another language or any other special requirements it’s important to clarify what that entails so that everything is clear before you make a decision to accept the role. 

Have your CV ready and all the documents and references. Elisa’s London Nannies offer CV writing services if you require help with improving yours. You will also need an Enhanced DBS and we can help you to apply for this as well. 

Please let us know if you have any questions or if you would like to register with us.