Nanny Interviews Go Both Ways: Understanding the Nanny Interview Process

The Nanny Interview Process Is Not One-Sided

In the nanny industry, there’s a common misconception that the interview is simply a time for the family to evaluate the nanny.

But that’s not how a professional nanny interview process works.

Just like in the corporate world, interviews are mutual. While families are assessing experience, childcare philosophy, and qualifications, career nannies are quietly observing:

    •    How respectfully they are treated

    •    How clearly expectations are explained

    •    Whether compensation is discussed transparently

    •    How organized the household appears

    •    The tone and professionalism of communication

Professional nannies have choices. And in 2026, the strongest candidates are not desperate for work — they are selective about where they commit long-term.

What Nannies Are Really Evaluating During the Interview

Families often assume they are the only ones making a decision.

They are not.

Experienced nannies are asking themselves:

    •    Is this family structured or chaotic?

    •    Are expectations realistic?

    •    Does the compensation align with industry standards?

    •    Will I be respected as a professional — or treated as “the help”?

    •    Do these parents value childcare as a career?

Small things matter.

Tone matters.

Clarity matters.

Preparedness matters.

If a family shows up late, seems disorganized, avoids discussing guaranteed hours, or hesitates around W-2 compliance, that sends a message.

And top-tier nannies notice.

Why the Nanny Interview Process Reflects Your Household Culture

The way a family conducts the nanny interview process often reveals how the employment relationship will feel.

If communication is vague during the interview, it will likely be vague during employment.

If expectations are unclear in the beginning, they will likely remain unclear later.

If compensation discussions feel uncomfortable or dismissive, that tension won’t magically disappear after hiring.

An interview is the first impression of your household culture.

And in a competitive nanny market like Nashville — where experienced nannies often command $30–$35/hour for standard childcare — families who are professional, prepared, and transparent attract stronger candidates.

As an Agency Owner, This Is Why We Coach Both Sides

At Tried and True Nannies & Sitters, we don’t just prepare nannies for interviews.

We prepare families too.

Because a strong nanny interview process protects everyone.

We coach families on:

    •    Industry-standard pay expectations

    •    W-2 household employee compliance

    •    Guaranteed hours

    •    Clear job descriptions

    •    Structured communication

    •    Respectful interview etiquette

When both sides understand that interviews are mutual evaluations, the power dynamic shifts — and the working relationship starts on healthier ground.

Interviews Are About Trust, Not Control

Families sometimes approach interviews from a position of control.

But the best outcomes happen when interviews are approached from a position of partnership.

The nanny interview process should feel:

    •    Professional

    •    Transparent

    •    Organized

    •    Respectful

Because long-term nanny placements are not built on control.

They are built on trust.

And trust begins in the very first conversation.

Final Thoughts on the Nanny Interview Process

In today’s market, families are not the only ones choosing.

Career nannies are building long-term careers. They are evaluating environments, values, and leadership just as much as families are evaluating experience.

The nanny interview process is not about selection alone.

It is about alignment.

And when both sides understand that, placements last longer, relationships are healthier, and children benefit the most.