Sample Questions To Ask Families During Your Interview

Families connect most with candidates who feel like a natural match, not just professionally, but personally. The interview is as much an opportunity for you to learn about them as it is for them to learn about you. Come prepared with at least one thoughtful question about the role, the household, or the family's expectations. A candidate who has thought carefully about the position makes a lasting impression.

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.

Zoom Interview Questions

Clarify the role, understand the household structure, and decide whether to move forward.

    • Is this a new position, or would I be stepping into an existing role?

    • Can you tell me about the household and what it is like to work here?

    • Are there any systems or dynamics in the home you are looking to change?

    • Where do you think I would be able to add the most value?

    • What do you foresee being the biggest challenge for this new hire?

    • Who would I be directly reporting to?

    • Tell me about your communication style.

    • How often would we be able to check in or communicate?

    • How far in advance will you typically let me know about schedule changes?

    • 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?

    • 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?

    • Do you see potential for growth or expanded responsibility in this position over time?

    • Are there any specialty skills or knowledge areas you would like your ideal candidate to develop?

    • Would we be able to have performance reviews or structured check-ins?

    • Do you require assistance with overnights, pet care, or 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? If so, what level of skill or involvement would you expect?

    • Are there seasonal or situational changes in responsibilities or scheduling, such as during holidays, travel, or events?

    • Do you imagine the job description could change in the future?

    • 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?

In-Person Interview Questions:

This is where the relationship can begin to form. These tend to reveal more about the working dynamic.

    • How would you describe the culture of your home, and what kind of presence fits naturally within it?

    • What does a typical week look like, and how much does that vary depending on your schedule or the time of year?

    • How many people are in the household day to day, and are there frequent guests or extended family members who visit regularly?

    • What has made previous household staff successful here, and what has not worked?

    • What is the working relationship you like to have with your household staff? Some principals prefer staff who feel like part of the family, while others keep a more professional dynamic. What feels right to you?

    • Do you prefer someone who takes initiative and makes decisions independently, or someone who consults you before acting?

    • How do you like to give feedback, and how would you want me to raise questions or concerns with you?

    • What has caused friction in working relationships with household staff in the past, even in situations where no one was at fault?

    • Are there areas of the home, personal routines, or aspects of family life that are particularly private and that I should be mindful of?

    • What does a day that ran exceptionally well look like to you?

    • What does success in this role look like to you at the end of the first year?

Closing / Wrapping Up Your Interview

  1. Thank the family for their time, reaffirm your interest in the role, and share briefly why you see it as a great mutual fit. Close with genuine enthusiasm for next steps

  2. If you are interested in the role, we recommend sending a thank you note to My Household Managed within 24 hours so we can share it with the family. For principals weighing two strong candidates, a well-written note has made the difference in confirming mutual interest and moving things forward.