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10 Ways to Ruin Your Nanny Interview

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Ten Ways to Ruin Your Nanny Interview

(and How to Avoid Them!)

You’ve got the qualifications and experience, but you didn’t get the job. Why? Sometimes small missteps during an interview can leave the wrong impression. Here are ten common mistakes that could cost you the position—and how to make sure you shine instead.

1. Being Late

Punctuality is essential. Arriving late signals disorganisation and unreliability—qualities no employer wants in a nanny. Employers are busy, often with demanding schedules, so being tardy may raise doubts before the interview even begins. Plan ahead, account for traffic, and aim to arrive early.

2. No Handshake or Eye Contact

First impressions count. Greet your employers with a warm handshake—it’s a simple courtesy that reflects good manners. Maintaining steady eye contact throughout the interview is just as important, and be sure to give equal attention to both employers if more than one is present. Avoiding eye contact can make you seem disengaged, while addressing only one employer may appear disrespectful.

3. Dodging the Parents

While your primary role will involve working with children, engaging with the parents during the interview is crucial. Asking thoughtful questions and offering well-prepared answers demonstrates strong communication skills. For example, mentioning relevant qualifications like sleep training certifications shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the role.

4. Ignoring the Children

Engaging with the children during the interview is just as important as connecting with the parents. You’re there as a potential carer for their children, so showing that you can bond with them helps build trust and demonstrates your suitability for the role.

5. Dressing Inappropriately

Striking the right balance between professional and practical is key. While it’s important to look polished, remember that nannying is an active role. Choose comfortable, season-appropriate clothing that allows you to get hands-on if asked to interact with the children during the interview.

6. Bad-Mouthing Past Employers

If asked about challenges in previous roles, stay professional and objective. Speaking negatively about a former employer’s routines or decisions can make you seem difficult to work with. Instead, focus on how you handled challenges constructively, demonstrating problem-solving skills and adaptability.

7. Mobile Phone Interruption

Few things disrupt an interview like a ringing phone. Make sure your phone is silenced—or better yet, switch it off entirely. This simple step shows respect for your employers’ time and underscores your professionalism.

8. Rambling On

Balance is everything. Listen attentively to your employers’ questions, and respond with clear, thoughtful answers. Avoid one-word replies, but don’t ramble or dominate the conversation either. A confident and conversational tone will help you leave a positive impression.

9. Asking About Salary and Holiday Times

While pay and time off are important, don’t bring these topics up unless the employers do first. Jumping straight to these questions can make it seem like you’re more focused on personal gain than fitting into their family dynamic. If the topic arises, be ready to back up your expected rate with your qualifications and training.

10. Failing to Prepare

Preparation is key to a successful interview. Take time to research the family and understand their expectations. This effort shows genuine interest in the role and respect for their time, while also helping you tailor your responses to align with their needs.

The Takeaway

Securing a nanny position goes beyond just having the right qualifications; it’s about making a positive, lasting impression. By being prepared, professional, and personable, you can demonstrate your reliability and suitability for the role. Avoid these common pitfalls, and you’ll give yourself the best chance to stand out and show potential employers why you’re the right fit for their family.

For help writing a CV, see our nanny CV template

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Top ten ways to mess up your nanny interview!

Written on . Posted in Blog.

You fit the criteria, but you don’t get the job…Why?

Being late

Obvious one I know, but this immediately tells the parents that you are disorganised as you haven’t left yourself enough time to find their address. Also showing up late demonstrates your unreliability and the one thing parents really need is reliability. They are busy and also have demanding jobs of their own which is why they are interviewing for a nanny. Showing up late simply throws doubt into their minds before your interview even begins.

No handshake or eye contact

Greeting parents with a handshake is just a common courtesy and immediately says a lot about your manners which will reflect how you influence their children. It is also important to maintain good eye contact throughout the interview and to give equal attention to both parents. Avoiding eye contact can make you look a little shifty. Also by only addressing one parent with your eyes as you speak, may come across as rude.

Dodging the parents

It is of course important to engage with the parents not just the children. This demonstrates to the parents your communications skills which is essential for a working relationship to be successful. Also on that same note, it’s important to come along with some sensible questions and with some well thought out answers appropriate for the position. This demonstrates to them that you have done your homework and are serious about the position.  Remember to speak about any courses you may have been on like the LSCS Sleep Training for Babies course for that might help them to understand why you would be a great asset to their family.

Ignoring the Children

Engaging with the children is as crucial as it is with the parents. You are there as a potential nanny to their offspring, so show them that you can interact with them. It also demonstrates your ability to build up a connection with their children which will give parents confidence in your skills as a nanny and show off your training

Dressing inappropriately

Remember that this isn’t a night out and if it’s winter or summer, you should dress appropriately for the seasons. Keep it professional yet practical, this isn’t an office job. You will be required to play with their children and they may ask you or often expect some interaction with their children at the interview.

Bad mouthing about the past employer

The parents may ask if you can name any difficult experiences in your past roles and how you dealt with them. This is not a cue to then relay how you couldn’t stand the routine that Mrs X set out. Try to be objective, professional and use your common sense. It’s never appropriate to bad mouth your previous employers.

Mobile phone interruption

Put your phone on silent. There is nothing more annoying than a phone going off in an interview. This again demonstrates a lack of professionalism.

Rambling on

Avoid talking too much. It’s important to listen to what your employers are saying and at the same time avoid long breaks or speaking quietly, use a clear voice and show confidence when responding to their questions. Also don’t make it feel like your employers have to try hard just to get an answer, so avoid one word replies! The interview gives you an excellent chance to show your personality but it is important to get the balance right.

Asking about salary and holiday times

This should only be brought up when the employer brings it up, otherwise it can make you look like you are only interested in what you can gain. There is nothing wrong with having an expected hourly rate but be sure to back it up with references to your nanny training and the credentials of your training agency such as the London School of Childcare Studies. Remember as a nanny you are most likely to become part of their family. Therefore coming across with a clinical approach on your very first meeting isn’t going to be appealing to your future employers. Again this reinforces how important it is to do your homework before even agreeing to an interview to avoid wasting yours and the employer’s time.