What to Expect During Your Interviews

A guide for Nashville Nanny Agency families

Hiring someone in your home is one of the most personal decisions a family can make—and it doesn’t need to be stressful. After placing hundreds of nannies and family assistants in the Nashville area over the past decade, I’ve learned that experience and qualifications matter, but chemistry and connection matter just as much. That’s why we’ve designed a clear, supportive process to help you find the right fit for your family.

Below is a step-by-step look at what you can expect during the interview process, along with suggested questions to ask nanny candidates during each stage.

Step 1: Profile Review

Before you meet with a candidate, we’ll send you a detailed profile including:

- A summary of their childcare experience

- Education background and certifications

- Their pay requests

- Reference notes

Every candidate you meet has already been thoroughly vetted by our team—we’ve verified their experience, contacted references, and ensured they meet our high standards. Now it’s time for you to determine whether this person feels like the right match for your unique family dynamic.

Step 2: Initial Zoom Interview (30–60 minutes)

This is a great time to break the ice and get a sense of personality and experience. Think of this as a casual but intentional conversation. Here are a few suggested questions:

Start with the basics:

- What makes you love working with kids?

- How long have you worked with kids?

-When did you know this was your calling?

- Tell me about your experience with children who are the same age as mine.

- What’s your schedule like, and how much flexibility do you have?

- What’s your approach to discipline?

Step 3: In-Person Meeting (1 hour at your home)

This visit helps you see how the nanny interacts with your children and gives them a better feel for your home environment. It’s also a great opportunity to go deeper into your expectations.

Suggested questions:

- Are you comfortable commuting with kids or driving them to activities?

- Can you help with light child-related tasks around the house (laundry, tidying, meal prep)?

- What are your favorite indoor and outdoor activities with children?

- What do you do when you're not nannying?

*Tip: Let your child be present, but don’t expect instant bonding—sometimes it takes a little time to warm up. Look for responsiveness, calmness, and attentiveness.

Step 4: Working Interview (Half to Full Day, Paid Trial)

Think of this as a mini trial shift. We recommend letting the nanny interact one-on-one with your child (even stepping out of the room for a while) while staying present in the home. This step helps you get a feel for how your child responds and how the nanny handles transitions, meals, naps, or any unexpected moments.

What to expect:

- The nanny will come to your home for 2–8 hours

- They’ll take the lead on activities, snack time, or routines

- You’ll observe how well they follow your family’s preferences and routines

- It’s a chance for both sides to confirm the match feels right

Be sure to establish the timeframe in advance so everyone can plan accordingly.

For more information about working interviews, visit our blog here.

Questions to Ask (Optional at Any Stage)

If relevant to your family, you might also ask:

For infants:

- Tell me about your experience with infants or newborns

- How do you establish routines around feeding and sleep?

Emergency & communication:

- Tell me about a time you had to handle an emergency

- How do you like to communicate with parents during the day (text, notes, calls)?

- Have you worked with different parenting styles before?

- What kind of family are you ideally looking to work with?

Step 5: Decision & Next Steps

We want to know what you think of a candidate after each interview. If you’re unsure, we may recommend another working interview, or we can continue your search until the right candidate comes along.

Once you’re ready to move forward with an offer, we’ll guide you through the hiring and onboarding process, including setting up a written agreement and establishing a smooth start.

And of course, if any questions come up along the way—during interviews, after a placement, or anytime—we’re only a phone call or email away.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a nanny is not just about checking boxes—it’s about building trust and creating a partnership for your family. Our job is to make that process feel thoughtful, personal, and easy to navigate.

Whether it’s your first time hiring a nanny or you’ve been through the process before, we’re here to walk with you every step of the way.