How to Make a Good First Impression During a Nanny Interview

Landing a nanny job is more than just proving that you can take care of children. The family you're interviewing with is entrusting their most valuable asset—their children—to your care. Making a strong, positive first impression during an interview is essential to getting the job and building a successful relationship with the family. Here's how to shine during the interview process and present yourself as the perfect nanny candidate.

1. First Impressions Start Before You Arrive

Before you even step into the interview, the impression you give begins with your communication. Make sure to confirm the interview time, address, and any other important details. Be polite, professional, and prompt in your emails or text exchanges. This shows that you are organized and reliable.

Punctuality is key. Arrive five to ten minutes early. Showing up late to an interview is a red flag, especially for a nannying position where timeliness is crucial. However, arriving too early can also be inconvenient for the family, so aim for a moderate early arrival.

Make sure to dress appropriately. While you're not expected to wear formal business attire, you should still dress neatly and professionally. Aim for smart-casual clothing that's comfortable but well-put-together, showing that you understand the balance between professionalism and being approachable to children.

2. Preparing for the Interview: Do Your Homework

Before the interview, it's a good idea to research the family if possible. If they provided details about their children, take note of their ages, interests, and any special needs they may have. This allows you to tailor your conversation to their situation, showing that you're thoughtful and invested.

Familiarize yourself with their parenting style and household preferences if they've shared that information in advance. Whether they value routine, creative play, or outdoor activities, being prepared will allow you to demonstrate how you can fit into their family dynamic.

3. Body Language and Confidence

During the interview, your non-verbal communication is just as important as what you say. Good posture, a firm but friendly handshake, and consistent eye contact go a long way in demonstrating your confidence. Smiling, being engaged, and actively listening will show that you're approachable, trustworthy, and ready to communicate effectively.

Stay relaxed but focused. If you’re nervous, it’s okay—this shows you care—but try to channel that energy into enthusiasm for the job. Families appreciate a nanny who seems genuinely excited about the opportunity to care for their children.

4. Things You Should Tell Them About Yourself

Your main objective during the interview is to convey who you are, both as a professional and as a person. Here are key things you should make sure to share:

Experience and Qualifications

Detail your prior experience as a nanny, babysitter, or in a childcare-related role. Talk about how long you've been in the industry, the different types of families or children you've worked with, and any special skills you have, such as working with newborns, toddlers, or children with special needs.

If you have relevant certifications, such as CPR, first aid, or any early childhood education courses, make sure to mention them. Families value nannies who are not only skilled but also knowledgeable about child safety.

Your Childcare Philosophy

Every nanny has a unique approach to childcare, so share yours. Whether you emphasize creative play, a structured routine, outdoor activities, or educational development, your philosophy should align with what the family is looking for. Be clear about how you handle discipline, encourage learning, and nurture emotional growth.

This will give the family a sense of whether your approach will fit well with their parenting style.

Personality and Interests

Families want to know who they’re inviting into their home. Share aspects of your personality that make you well-suited for the job. Are you patient, calm under pressure, or highly energetic? Do you enjoy arts and crafts, or perhaps have a background in music or sports that you can incorporate into activities with the children? Let them see the real you and how your strengths will benefit their family.

Examples of Your Work

Concrete examples can strengthen your case as a good fit for the job. Share anecdotes that demonstrate your skills and character. Talk about a time when you handled a challenging situation with a child, or how you organized fun and educational activities. Specific stories make you memorable and illustrate how you approach real-life childcare scenarios.

5. Questions You Should Ask the Family

Interviews are a two-way street. Asking thoughtful questions shows that you're genuinely interested in the position and serious about providing the best care for their children. Here are some essential questions to consider:

Daily Routine and Expectations

What does a typical day look like for your children? Are there any specific routines, nap times, or activities that you follow? What are your expectations of a nanny during the day (e.g., meal prep, homework help, driving the children to activities)? This will help you understand what your day-to-day responsibilities will be and give you a clearer idea of how the family operates.

Discipline and Behavior Management

How do you handle discipline in your home? Are there any particular rules or boundaries that you want the children to follow? Understanding the family’s approach to discipline is key to maintaining consistency and ensuring that you’re on the same page.

Special Needs and Preferences

Do your children have any special needs, dietary restrictions, or medical conditions that I should be aware of? Are there any particular activities that they love or dislike? This shows that you’re paying attention to the specific needs of their children and are prepared to accommodate them.

Parenting Philosophy

What’s your parenting style? How do you view the role of a nanny in supporting that? By understanding the family’s parenting philosophy, you can demonstrate how you would fit into their household and work in harmony with their values.

Flexibility and Schedule

What hours are you expecting your nanny to work? Is there flexibility? Are there additional duties you’d like me to assist with (such as light housework, errands, etc.)? These questions allow you to clarify expectations and ensure that you can commit to the schedule and duties they require.

6. Addressing Any Concerns

If the family brings up any potential concerns during the interview, address them with honesty and clarity. Perhaps you don’t have as much experience with newborns, or you’ve only worked part-time before—whatever the concern is, acknowledge it and explain how you would handle the situation. Maybe you're quick to learn, willing to undergo training, or confident in your adaptability. Being upfront and positive in your responses shows maturity and professionalism.

7. Final Impressions: The Close of the Interview

As the interview comes to a close, express your enthusiasm for the job. Thank them for their time, and let them know how much you would love the opportunity to work with their family. A polite, friendly goodbye can reinforce the positive impression you've already made.

After the interview, consider sending a thank-you note or follow-up email. This small gesture can leave a lasting impression, showing that you are considerate, professional, and genuinely interested in the position.

A successful nanny interview is about more than just talking about your skills. It’s about building a connection with the family, showing them that you’re trustworthy, capable, and compatible with their needs. By preparing in advance, presenting yourself confidently, and asking thoughtful questions, you’ll be well on your way to landing your next nanny job. First impressions matter, and with these tips, you’ll make a great one.