Your First Nanny Interview: A Step-by-Step Guide to Success

Your First Nanny Interview: A Step-by-Step Guide to Success

Your first Nanny interview can feel daunting, especially if it’s the first time you’ve formally interviewed for a childcare position. The team at Kindred understand this and want to provide you with the very best support to ensure you feel prepared and comfortable in your initial interviews. In this blog, we’ll cover everything from how best to present yourself, how to prepare, and what questions to ask!

Congratulations! You’re Already Ahead of the Game

Firstly, well done on securing an interview! It’s not always an easy task, especially in a competitive market. It’s likely that the family will be interviewing multiple Nannies, so you really want to put your best foot forward in your first interview. You can do this by being prepared, having a good understanding of the role you’ve applied for, the ages you’ll be working with, and the key attributes the family are looking for. Revise the Kindred job description and pull the key components to help you prepare. Families are always impressed when you know about their role; they want to feel as if you’re interested, so stay engaged and enthusiastic throughout!

Making the Right Impression: Your Interview Look

Put some thought into what to wear and how you present yourself. Smart casual is a good balance – trousers or smart jeans and a nice top, for example. Think sneakers, not heels, and no need to overdo it on the make-up and jewellery! You want to look tidy but as if you could get down on the floor and play with the children! Make sure to ask if you should take your shoes off when you arrive at the family’s house too.

Virtual Interviews: Prepping for Success

Some of your interviews may be virtual, and others may be in person at the family’s home. If your interview is via WhatsApp video or Zoom, then make sure you have your headphones and phone charged, and you’re in a nice quiet place to take the call. It can be nerve-wracking enough heading into your first interview, and the last thing you need is more technical glitches if they can be avoided! Find a place where you won’t be disrupted, and if you’re sharing a house with others, notify them of your interview so they don’t walk in. If this happens, it’s clearly not the end of the world, but constant interruptions or being in a loud space can really disrupt your interview and the flow of the conversation.

Plan Your Journey: Stress-Free Arrival

No one intends to be late for an interview, but unfortunately, London can make even the simplest journeys super stressful. Google the address of your interview and find the nearest station or best bus route – use TFL journey planner to estimate how long you’ll need to get there. Then double it! You never know what’s going to happen to hold you up.

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What to Do If You’re Running Late: Communicate Early

If something does go wrong, let the parents know as soon as you can. Transport problems are common here, so they will be sympathetic, but you may ruin your chances if you are late and haven’t called ahead to explain why. Even if you think you’ll only be 5 minutes late, let the family know.

Families really take into consideration any communication they have with you pre/post-interview. If you’re running late to your interview, then communicate that with the family and apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused. Just like you, these families are busy and are often squeezing in interviews after bedtime or between meetings. If a family texts you after your interview to thank you for your time or asks you some additional questions, then respond in a timely manner! This may seem pedantic, but communication is such a key aspect of a successful working relationship, and being quick to respond is definitely going to give you a few brownie points!

Be Yourself, but Be Prepared to Shine

You will already know all about the family and the position in advance. Our best advice is to be yourself, but keep in mind the specifics of the role you are interviewing for. Parents are always impressed by the confident, enthusiastic, and friendly nannies we send their way. But most of all, they want you to be the right one for the job. So be confident, enthusiastic, and inquisitive about the family, the role, and the special qualities you bring. Be prepared for questions about your experience, qualifications, skills, and future plans. Expect to be asked how you’d deal with certain situations that could arise, such as a medical emergency or challenging behaviour. Keep in mind that families will have their own procedures to follow regarding these issues, so let them know you would follow the lead they set. Maybe give them an idea of how you would react by using specific examples from your previous roles.

This is Your Opportunity to Ask Questions Too!

Don’t forget, this interview is just as much for you as it is for the employer. So aim to get as much information about the family and position as you can to help you decide if this is the right role and family for you. Parents like to see a nanny with initiative, so don’t be shy about asking questions. You will have your own, of course, but here are a few to get you thinking:

What are the children like?
What do the children enjoy doing? (sports, arts and crafts, music, etc.)
What is the general daily routine?
Are you often home late or have an unpredictable job?
What did you like about your last nanny (if they had one)? How long did they stay, why did/do they leave? Did you learn anything from working together, and is there anything you would do differently next time?
If it’s a live-in position, ask about curfews, visitors, etc.

The Second Interview: A Chance to Shine Even Brighter

Finding the right Kindred Nanny is important, so if a family really likes you as a candidate, they may well organise a second interview quickly. This is a chance for you to spend a bit more time with the children and for them to observe. They might suggest a trip to the park, that you lead a favourite game, or you might propose an appropriate activity based on age and what you already know about the children.

Final Tip: Show Them How Amazing You Are

We value and appreciate the amount of time and effort you have invested in your career. By taking the time to prepare, you’ll be much more likely to give a naturally confident interview that really allows you to shine.

Remember, this interview isn’t just about checking off a list of skills—it’s about connecting with a family who is looking for someone they can trust to care for their most precious treasures. So take a deep breath, embrace the nerves, and get ready to show these families just how amazing you are. The perfect role is out there waiting for someone just like you—let’s make sure it’s yours!