Ask your nanny the right questions!

Essential questions to ask when interviewing a nanny

Finding the ideal nanny is a key step for many parents. Over and above CVs, experience, recommendations or agency placements, a face-to-face interview gives you a better idea of the candidate’s personality, values and real skills.
Feelings are extremely important when it comes to entrusting your children to someone. Trust your instincts… but ask the right questions too!
Here’s a list of essential questions for a successful interview with a nanny:

1. Tell us about yourself and your experience with children

Start the interview gently, letting the candidate introduce herself freely. This open-ended question allows you to assess her motivation, her passion for children and the diversity of her experience.

2. What training or qualifications do you have in childcare?

Ask if she has taken any specific training courses (CFC ASE, first aid, Red Cross, alternative teaching methods such as Montessori, baby sign language, etc.). This speaks volumes about her professionalism and commitment.

3. What age groups have you worked with before?

Every age has its own particularities. A person who is at ease with infants is not necessarily at ease with older children, and vice versa.

4. How do you deal with emergencies and everyday problems?

This is an essential question to test her composure and ability to react appropriately to the unexpected.

5. What is your educational approach?

Caring, firm, flexible? Ask her how she handles crying, tantrums or the little challenges of everyday life. It’s important that her vision is aligned with yours.

6. What does a typical day with the children look like?

Activities, screen time, outings… This question will help you gauge her organisational skills and creativity.

7. Do you have any recent references that we could contact?

A serious and experienced nanny should be able to easily provide contacts of previous employers.
This question is clearly optional if you go through an agency such as Priorité Enfants, which does all this checking for you.

8. Are you flexible in terms of working hours? And to what extent?

Parents often have to deal with unforeseen circumstances. A nanny who can adapt to changes in schedule is a real asset.

9. How do you react if a child refuses to eat, sleep or obey?

This question will give you a concrete idea of her patience, common sense and educational methods.

10. Why do you want to work with our family in particular?

A candidate who has taken the time to read your advertisement and take an interest in your situation shows genuine commitment.

An interview is not just an interview, it’s a human encounter

As well as her answers, pay attention to her attitude, tone of voice and the look in her eyes. Your parental instincts are invaluable: it’s important that a rapport is established and that trust is built naturally.
Remember also to involve your child briefly at the end of the interview to observe the interaction.

Do you need help finding a nanny?

Our agency carefully selects reliable and experienced profiles, according to your specific needs. Contact us to find out more!