Winning Interview Tips for Nannies & Babysitters

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• Take a folder with copies of your photo ID (e.g., Drivers License), your Police Check, References and a brief CV.
• Dress appropriately for the interview, in smart casual clothing.
• Allow plenty of time to get to the interview – particularly if relying on public transport.
• Arrive 5 minutes early for the interview, so you feel relaxed and prepared.
• Prepare some answers to questions that parents are likely to ask (see the list below!), so you will be confident.
• Prepare a list of questions you might like to ask the parents or child, to show that you are interested.

• Be honest and open.
• On arrival make polite conversation before moving onto the interview questions.
• Parents are looking for someone who can fit into their home – so smile and be natural!
• When answering questions, keep it short, simple and stay on the topic.
• Make sure you include the child/ren during the interview - parents will want to see how you relate.

1. What is your current position (course, university, workplace).
2. Tell me about your past experience of childcare (where, when, who).
3. Do you have any special qualifications? (First Aid?)
4. Why do you want to do babysitting or nannying?
5. What are your interests and hobbies?
6. How would you manage a specific issue (eg separation anxiety when parent leaves, resettling the baby to sleep)?
7. Have you ever had an emergency situation and what did you do?
8. What hours are you available?
9. What is your hourly rate?
10. Do you have a driver’s license and a car?
11. Do you have a Police Check?
12. Do you have references available?

1. What are the types of games you’d play with the child (specific to his/her age and interests)? See our resource on “Fun Crafts, Songs & Activities” for ideas!
2. Give an example of how you have managed a particular childcare issue in the past.
3. Why have you left previous jobs?
4. Have you kept in touch with other families you have worked for?

1. What is the age of the child?
2. Tell me about his/her personality.
3. What are his/her likes and dislikes?
4. Does he/she have a comfort toy &/or dummy?
5. Would I be required to feed her/him? What types of food?
6. If he/she is an infant – is the child bottle or breastfed? Will he/she take a bottle from me?
7. Does he/she have any allergies?
8. Does he/she have any special needs?
9. Do you have a routine I should follow? (eg bedtime routine)
10. If I need to resettle the child, what settling strategies do you use?
11. Are there any other duties required, apart from childcare?
12. What other childcare have you used? (for nannies)
13. How has your child adjusted to this care? (for nannies)
14. How would you like to transition your child into my care? (for nannies)
15. What hours would you like me to work? Daytime / evening / frequency and duration?
16. My minimum hourly rate is $x.