Au Pair and Nanny Interview Questions
How do you find the perfect au pair or nanny? Just ask the right questions!
Asking the correct questions is the key to finding the au pair or nanny that is the right fit for your family and your needs. But if you've never hired an au pair or nanny before, how do you know what to ask?
The right au pair and nanny interview questions give you a better chance of finding the right personality and philosophical match for you and your children. Whether you are employing a full-time or part-time childcare provider, these questions apply.
Below are a few samples of questions that will provoke information rich answers – the types of answers that will help uncover a prospect's true motivation. Keep in mind that these questions by no means replace a comprehensive background check.
Au pair and nanny interview questions:
- What do you find appealing about caring for children in their own home as opposed to a daycare center?
- Describe your most recent childcare experience and why it ended.
- What was the worst childcare experience you had and how did you handle it?
- As a child, how were you disciplined? What would, or do, you do differently with your own children?
- What do you feel is the most challenging or interesting thing about working with children?
- Have you ever been in an emergency situation? How did you handle it?
- Tell me a little abut your own childhood and your relationship with your family.
- What types of things do you like to do in your free time?
- What are your favorite television shows?
- How would your closest friends describe you?
Additional interview questions to use if your child is under two years of age:
- How do you handle a crying baby? How do you feel at the time?
- What do you think is your primary responsibility to a child of this age?
- When you last cared for a baby or toddle, what types of activities did you engage the child in?
Additional interview questions to use if your child is two to three years of age:
- If you were in a grocery store and the child had a temper tantrum, how would you handle it? How would you handle it in the home?
- How do you approach toilet training? Did it work?
- Where does outdoor play and interaction with peers fit into a child's day?
- What educational activities would you do with a child this age?
- What indoor activities would you do with a child this age?
Additional interview questions to use if your child is three to five years of age:
- How would you set limits for or discipline a child of this age? Give me an example of how it has worked in the past.
- What television shows are appropriate for a child of this age? What would you be doing if the child was watching television?
- Would you be willing to supervise play time with other children in our home? Would you be willing to take our child to activities or play groups and participate if necessary?
Additional interview questions to use if your child is five or older:
- What are your thoughts on outdoor play without direct supervision? For example, if you were in the house with another sibling.
- Are you comfortable assisting with homework? Reviewing homework?
- Are you comfortable supervising friends of our children during a play date while you are in charge?
The interview process is not complete until you have validated the prospects answers. When you call references, and you must call references, ask about events or claims that the prospect brought up during the interview. For instance, if the candidate shared with you that she cared for a child from the age of two years until the child was six years of age, verify that with the reference. The questions are easy to ask and can quickly uncover critical inconsistencies. The time and effort you put into this process will show in the quality of care you secure for your child.
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