Nanny Interview Questions: Red Flags & Hiring Tips

Choosing the right caregiver starts with asking the right nanny interview questions. For busy families, interviewing a nanny can feel overwhelming — you’re not just filling a role, you’re trusting someone with your children, your home, and your daily routine.

At Georgia’s Dream Nannies, we work with families across Atlanta, Charlotte, Charleston, and Savannah who tell us the same thing: “I don’t have time to interview ten people — and I’m terrified of making the wrong choice.”

This guide will walk you through exactly how to interview a nanny, what questions actually matter, and the red flags that should never be ignored.

Why Knowing How to Interview a Nanny Matters So Much

Many families start their search online and quickly realize how overwhelming it can be. We hear this all the time:

• “It took too much time to screen all the candidates.”
• “I interviewed a lot of duds.”
• “People flaked on interviews or didn’t seem professional.”

When you understand how to interview a nanny properly, you’re not just filling a role — you’re making a long-term decision that impacts your child’s safety, routine, and emotional well-being.

How to Interview a Nanny: Start With the Right Mindset

Before you even ask questions, remember this:
You’re not interviewing for perfection — you’re interviewing for fit, professionalism, and trust.

The best nanny interviews feel more like a conversation than an interrogation, but they’re still structured and intentional.

Essential Nanny Interview Questions to Ask

Experience & Background Questions

These questions help separate professional nannies from casual babysitters.

• “Can you walk me through your childcare experience, start to present?”
• “What ages have you worked with most?”
• “What does a typical day with children look like for you?”

💡 Tip: Listen for specifics. Vague answers are often a red flag.

Safety & Decision-Making Questions

Safety should always be front and center.

• “How do you handle emergencies?”
• “Are you CPR and First Aid certified?”
• “Tell me about a time you had to make a quick decision for a child’s safety.”

Authoritative resource families can review:
American Red Cross – Pediatric First Aid & CPR Training

Parenting Style & Discipline Alignment

This is where many placements fall apart after hiring.

• “How do you handle discipline or challenging behavior?”
• “How do you communicate with parents during the day?”
• “What are your non-negotiables when working with families?”

You’re listening for alignment, not “right” answers.

Commitment & Long-Term Intentions

Families often want stability — and it’s okay to say that.

• “What are you looking for in your next long-term role?”
• “How long do you typically stay with families?”
• “What would make you leave a position?”

Honesty here is far more important than hearing what you want to hear.

Major Red Flags When Interviewing a Nanny

Knowing how to interview a nanny also means knowing when to walk away. Paying attention to red flags during nanny interview questions can prevent rushed decisions and long-term stress for families.

🚩 Red flags include:

• Dodging questions about past positions
• Speaking negatively about former families
• Lack of references or reluctance to share them
• Casual attitude toward safety, schedules, or boundaries
• Inconsistent answers during the interview

If something feels off, trust your instincts.

Why Busy Families Often Choose an Agency Instead

Many of our families tell us they could interview on their own — but they don’t want to. Many parents turn to agencies because nanny interview questions, reference checks, and safety screening take significant time to do correctly.

Here’s why working with a professional agency matters:

• We recruit and interview candidates for you
• We run extensive background checks
• We screen social media and verify references
• We only present candidates who closely match your needs

Instead of interviewing 10 people, our families often meet 2–3 highly qualified candidates — and make a confident choice.

👉 Learn how our process works

Hiring Tips for Families in Atlanta, Charlotte, Charleston & Savannah

Be clear about your schedule and expectations upfront

Don’t rush — even when childcare feels urgent

Pay legally and competitively to attract professionals

Prioritize character and judgment over “years of experience” alone

A great nanny is an investment — not just a hire.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)How long should a nanny interview last?

Most initial interviews last 45–60 minutes, with a second interview or trial day recommended before hiring. These nanny interview questions are some of the most common concerns families raise when hiring in-home childcare.

Should children be present during the interview?

It’s helpful for a second interview or trial, but the first interview should focus on conversation and evaluation.

What questions should I not ask a nanny?

Avoid illegal questions about age, family status, religion, or health conditions.

Is a trial day necessary?

While not required, a paid trial is one of the best ways to confirm fit and comfort.

What’s the biggest mistake families make when interviewing a nanny?

Rushing the process or ignoring red flags because they’re desperate for help.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to interview a nanny doesn’t have to feel overwhelming — but it does need to be intentional. The right questions, clear expectations, and a strong screening process make all the difference. Preparing thoughtful nanny interview questions ahead of time helps families feel confident, calm, and in control throughout the hiring process.

If you want expert support and only want to meet candidates you can truly trust, Georgia’s Dream Nannies is here to help families across Atlanta, Charlotte, Charleston, and Savannah find the right fit — safely and confidently.

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