Guide
Interview questions that actually tell you something
Skip "what are your strengths." Ask about real days and real problems — you'll learn more in twenty minutes than in three rounds of polite conversation.
Openers that get past the script
Walk me through your last family's typical day.
Listen for Specifics mean real experience. Vague answers usually mean short tenure.
What made you leave your last role?
Listen for Listen for honesty and lack of blame.
What kind of family do you do your best work with?
Listen for Self-awareness beats eagerness to please.
Childcare judgment
A toddler is melting down in a store. What do you do?
Listen for Calm, concrete steps. No shame, no bribery-first.
How do you handle sibling conflict?
Listen for Naming feelings and clear limits, not just separation.
What are your screen-time rules?
Listen for They should ask what yours are.
Tell me about a time a child got hurt on your watch.
Listen for A real answer with what they told the parents immediately.
Household manager scenarios
A vendor no-shows the day before we travel. What now?
Listen for Backup plan, then a message to you — not the reverse.
How do you track recurring tasks?
Listen for A named system: calendar, list app, shared doc.
How do you handle spending on our behalf?
Listen for Receipts, a limit, and no surprise purchases.
What would you fix in your last household's systems?
Listen for Constructive, not gossipy.
Reliability and logistics
What's your commute, and what's your backup?
Listen for Late arrivals almost always trace back to this.
How much notice do you need for schedule changes?
Listen for Set the expectation both ways.
What does a sick day look like for you?
Listen for Early notice and a clear channel.
Where do you want to be in two years?
Listen for You want the answer to include this kind of work.
Five reference questions
Call families they worked for directly. Ask the same five questions every time so you can compare candidates honestly.
- What did they own without being reminded?
- How did they handle a hard day?
- Was there ever a trust or money concern?
- Why did the role end?
- Would you rehire them tomorrow?
Red flags
- Every past family was "difficult"
- No direct-employer references, only friends
- Reluctance to do a background check
- Pressure to be paid off the books
- Won't do a paid trial day
Start interviewing
Message checked providers near you and see exactly which checks are verified before you meet.