Whether you’re hiring a sitter for a Saturday night or a nanny for years to come, some key interview questions for a babysitter/nanny will make everyone–you, your sitter, and your kids–feel more at ease.
If you don’t have time for our comprehensive list of babysitter interview questions, you should at least ask these basic 20 questions during the hiring process. Additionally, don’t forget to prepare questions to ask babysitter references to ensure you make a well-informed decision.
Top 20 Questions to Ask a Babysitter
1. What is your child care background?
2. What is your favorite age group to work with and why?
3. Do you envision yourself doing this for a long period of time or just in the near future?
4. What do you think is the best form of discipline for a toddler, preschooler, grade-school child?
5. Do you consider tidying the house or light housework as part of your job?
6. What is your hourly rate, and how does that relate to your experience?
7. Do you do overnights? How much do you charge for that?
8. Are you comfortable driving? Taking walks with the stroller? Going to the park, library, or local cafe?
9. Are you able to execute the necessary job requirements of this position, and perform them well and safely?
10. Have you been formally trained in CPR?
11. Can you give three examples of favorite activities you might do with my children that don’t involve electronics?
12. Under what circumstances would you call me?
13. Under what circumstances would you call 911?
14. What do you expect from me as a parent?
15. How do you handle food allergies or dietary restrictions?
16. Do you have experience with potty training?
17. How do you handle stressful situations?
18. Can you provide references from previous families?
19. Are you comfortable babysitting a sick child?
20. What is your communication style?
Interview Questions You Should Avoid
During the interview process, avoid asking questions about arrest records, marital status, ethnic background, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs. These topics are considered discriminatory according to the EEOC (U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) and irrelevant to a babysitter’s qualifications or ability to perform their job. Instead, focus the interview questions for a babysitter/nanny on their experience, skills, and suitability for the role.
Questions to Ask Babysitter References
Don’t forget to ask important questions to ask babysitter references to verify their past performance and reliability. Here are some essential questions to ask babysitter references:
- How long did the babysitter work for you?
- What were their main responsibilities?
- How did they handle difficult situations with your children?
- Was the babysitter punctual and reliable?
- Did your children enjoy spending time with them?
Types of Interviews
Remember, UrbanSitter makes it easy to find caregivers to interview–and book them at the click of a button. Just log in and you’ll immediately discover dozens of babysitters recommended by people you know. From there, we give you the option to book them for jobs or an interview. We offer three types of interview:
- Phone interview – For some parents, a phone interview is all that’s needed. You can gauge a lot from a 10-20 minute call.
- In-person interview – This can take place in your home or public location. At home, your kids would have a chance to meet the prospective babysitters, however, you may be able to focus better without your kids around.
- Paid, working interview – Hiring a sitter to watch your kids while you’re home can be a great way to get to know a sitter. You set the desired pay rate.
Additional Tips for a Successful Babysitter Interview
- Write down a list of sample interview questions for the babysitter in advance.
- Take notes during the interview to compare potential sitters later.
- Discuss household rules such as screen time limits and bedtime routines.
- Dig into their experience with children of similar ages to yours.
- Inquire about their views on discipline to ensure they align with your parenting style.
- Ensure they have a clean driving record if they will be transporting your children.
