What Are Some Babysitter Interview Questions?

You want to make a good impression but the pressure of having all eyes on you causes stage fright and you forget your lines. Sound familiar? Don't let babysitter interviews intimidate you. Sure, first impressions are important (dress for success!), but remember, though they might be interviewing you, you are also interviewing them. You need to ask some tough questions too. You want a job you are comfortable with, are capable handling, with a family you like-the match should be just as important to you as it is to them.

You can expect to discuss your schedule and availability, your preferred pay rate, and if you can supply references. Most babysitters are also asked to provide their full names, address, and phone numbers.

Many parents will ask about your experience level. Experience interview questions may include:

• Tell me about your experience with children.
• At what age did you start babysitting?
• What age ranges do you have experience with?
• Is there a preferred age that you are most comfortable with and why?

Experience questions are fairly straightforward. Answer them honestly. If you haven't had experience with a certain age group, say so. Parents may still choose to hire you despite a lack of experience with certain age groups. 

Activities and crafts are also popular topics in interviews so parents can assess how well you will be able to keep their children active and entertained. Typical babysitting activities and babysitting crafts questions may include:

• What activities do you like doing with kids?
• Are you willing to go on short, nearby outings (parks, museums, etc.)?
• What activities did you do growing up?
• Do you have any craft ideas that are fun and easy for kids?
• What holiday crafts and activities do you like to do?
• What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Most parents will try to look for a sitter who shares similar interests with their children. If you enjoy going to the local zoo because you love animals, say so! Maybe you were the star of your high school track team, took dance lessons, or love to bake. Talking about these activities and what you are comfortable doing with children will not only give the parents a stronger sense of who you are, but also if their kids would enjoy having you as a sitter.

Discipline is another hot topic that will likely come up during the interview process. As a babysitter, you are the authority figure when the parents are away but parents need to trust that any disciplinary actions will be appropriate and in line with their own parenting philosophies. Discipline questions may include:

• How do you comfort and discipline children?
• Are you comfortable enforcing bedtime routines?
• Have you had problems in the past following directives like discipline?
• Have you had a difficult babysitting moment? How did you handle the situation?
• If the house is under a "No TV" or "No Candy" rule, would you be comfortable following and enforcing it?

Discipline can be a tricky subject for any parent, let alone a babysitter. Having open communication between a parent and a babysitter is important. Inquire about routines, time-outs, and house rules. Learn what the parents expect from their children and which (if any) discipline tactics they adhere to. The more you learn about the family's dynamic, the better you will be able to handle a situation appropriately and with ease. 

Certifications, licenses, and safety are key interview topics. It's important for you to be CPR certified (or be willing to do the training) if you want to be a babysitter. Typical safety questions may include:

• Have you ever had to handle a child emergency?
• Are you CPR certified? Do you have a basic understanding of First Aid skills?
• Have you ever worked with children with allergies?
• Would you be willing to do a background check?
• What would you do if (insert emergency here)?

When you're interviewing, don't forget that this is your opportunity to ask the family questions too. Ask what they would expect in a babysitter's report. Ask if any of the children have food allergies. This is the time to shine and impress them with how savvy you are. For more information, read our guide about a Babysitter Interview.

>>Have more babysitting questions? Return to the main Babysitting FAQs.