A video interview may be the first time a family sees how you communicate, organize your thoughts, and respond to questions. Good preparation helps the conversation feel natural and keeps avoidable technology problems from distracting from your experience.
1. Confirm the details
Verify the date, time zone, platform, expected length, and who will attend. Save the meeting link and the agency or family’s backup phone number.
2. Test your technology
Install updates in advance, test the camera and microphone, and confirm that your display name is professional. Plug in or fully charge your device and have a backup phone number in case the connection fails.
3. Choose a quiet setting
Use a stable surface, neutral background, and front-facing light. Ask household members to stay out of the room and keep pets, television, notifications, and other interruptions away when possible. Let anyone nearby know the interview’s start and end time.
4. Position the camera well
Place the camera near eye level and frame your head and shoulders. Look toward the camera while speaking, but it is natural to look at the screen while listening. Avoid walking with the device or holding it by hand.
5. Dress for the work
Choose neat, professional clothing that lets you move comfortably. The goal is to appear prepared and approachable, not to meet appearance-based standards unrelated to the job.
6. Review the position and your résumé
Know the children’s ages, schedule, duties, driving or travel expectations, compensation range, benefits, and requested commitment. Keep your résumé and a short list of examples nearby, but do not read answers word for word.
Use our nanny interview-question guide to practice specific examples.
7. Prepare concise stories
Choose examples about routines, development, communication, challenging behavior, safety, and adapting to change. Explain the situation, action, and result. Protect former families’ privacy by omitting names, addresses, and unnecessary personal details.
8. Listen and pause before answering
Video calls can have a small delay. Avoid interrupting; pause briefly before answering and ask for clarification when needed. If audio cuts out, say so rather than guessing.
Show interest through attentive posture and follow-up questions. Avoid checking another screen or typing unless you explain that you are taking notes.
9. Discuss compensation professionally
Candidates should understand the advertised compensation range and benefits before interviewing. If asked directly, answer honestly about your expectations and the factors that matter, such as schedule, guaranteed hours, overtime, duties, driving, and paid leave.
You do not need to negotiate every term during the first video call. The agency can help clarify timing and ensure both sides are discussing gross pay and the complete employment package.
10. Ask questions and follow up
Prepare questions about a typical day, communication, parenting approach, schedule changes, household boundaries, and what success looks like. At the end, confirm the next step and thank everyone for their time.
Send a short follow-up message. Mention one detail that reinforced your interest and provide any information requested.
Quick pre-interview checklist
- Meeting link and backup number saved.
- Device charged and internet tested.
- Camera, microphone, lighting, and background checked.
- People and pets out of sight and hearing range when possible.
- Résumé, job description, examples, and questions ready.
- Phone and computer notifications silenced.
- Water nearby and interview space comfortable.
Take the next step
Read our professional application guide, browse current job openings, or apply with Notable Nannies for long-term Triangle opportunities.
