Sample Questions To Ask Families During Your Interview
These are sample interview questions to help you determine if a prospective family is right for you. Feel free to reword or add your own as needed.
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What can you tell me about your family/the household and what it is like to work here?
Are there any systems or dynamics in the home that you are looking to change?
Where do you think I would be able to add the most value?
What is an area for improvement in the home, or a problem that I could help you to solve?
What do you foresee being the biggest challenge for this new hire?
Is this a new position or would I be replacing a previous employee?
What is the working relationship you like to have with your employees? (e.g., Some people prefer their employee to feel like “a part of the family” and have a very close relationship, while others prefer to keep it very professional)
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Who would I be directly reporting to? How often would we be able to check-in or communicate? Would we be able to have performance reviews?
What is your communication style like?
How far in advance will you let me know about schedule changes?
Do you have any preferences for how digital communication and record-keeping should be handled (e.g., using specific apps, maintaining logs)?
Once I am already settled in the role, do you prefer someone that asks before making a decision, or makes the decision on your behalf?
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Does anyone in the household work from home? What percentage of the time?
Does the position require any flexibility to stay late or work weekends?
Do you expect changes in the first year? (e.g., planning a move, new baby, different hours, etc.)
Can you tell me about the other employees that work here? Where would my role fit in?
Do you prefer your employees to take a more proactive, leadership role, or do you value someone who works quietly in the background?
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Do you see potential for growth or promotion in this position?
Are there any speciality skills or knowledge you would like your ideal candidate to have in order to perform well in this role?
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Do you require assistance with overnights or pet/house sitting?
What household technology or systems do you currently use, and what should I be proficient in or willing to learn?
Does this role involve any light housework or meal preparation? Can you provide more details on the level of experience or skill set you would need me to have related to these tasks, and how much of these tasks would be part of my day-to-day responsibilities?
Are there any seasonal or situational changes in responsibilities or scheduling (e.g., during holidays, events, or travel)?
Do you imagine my job description could potentially change in the future?
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What values do you want to be taught and reinforced in your children?
Are there any issues you would like to address with your children regarding sleep, behavior, etc.?
Are you okay with us going out and about on outings (e.g., walks in the neighborhood, drive to the park/activities)?
How often do you like me to check in or keep you updated on how things are going throughout the day?
While a child is napping or children are in school/activities, are there any specific tasks you would like me to work on, or would that time be used for my break?
Do you travel? Will your nanny be expected to travel with you?
Do you ever travel without your children, and if so, what arrangements are made for them?
Closing / Wrapping Up Your Interview
Be sure to thank the family for their time, reaffirm your interest in the role/ why you think it is a mutual great fit, and express excitement about next steps!
If your meeting goes well, we recommend sending a thank you letter to the agency (within 24 hours after your meeting) to be shared with the family.

