As the owner of a childcare agency, I have had the privilege of interviewing hundreds of applicants for nanny and babysitting positions. Since 2020, virtual interviewing has become common and I’m so glad for this time-saving efficiency. I have also experienced some misadventures in virtual interviewing, and I hope that this advice will help you:
Elaborate on how you’re doing by connect it to the job. Most interactions start with the question, “Hi, how are you?” Avoid an awkward response such as, “I’m fine, thanks, how are you?” In a video interview, this response sounds even more bland than it does in person. Take the opportunity to respond with something specific about the job, such as, “I’m doing well, I’ve been really looking forward to learning more about the nanny care you need for your daughters.” This creates a stronger impression.
Maintain a professional appearance. Virtual interviews often take place in the cozy atmosphere of our homes, and it’s important to avoid the temptation to dress too casually or lounge. I have encountered applicants with wet hair from a shower, wearing the hood of their hoodie over their head, and even an applicant in a bathrobe. I have seen applicants laying down on a couch, and applicant who had just woken up and were sitting in bed. Jewelry and well-groomed hair add professionalism to a casual outfit. Even if you still have on sweatpants or leggings below, choose a wrinkle-free, more professional top. Being properly dressed demonstrates respect.
Be aware of your physical habits and body language. I have experienced applicants clicking their acrylic nails together, rubbing their eyes or itching their face repeatedly, picking absent-mindedly at a chin blemish, or chronically putting their hair up and down. I attribute some of this fidgeting to video interviews at home causing us to “forget ourselves.” Regardless of why it happens, it doesn’t look right.
Steady your screen. A common virtual interview mistake is holding the phone during the interview. I’ve held interviews where the interviewee was moving their phone around so much I started to feel seasick. Set your device up on a stable surface and keep it there. Be sure the level of your video aligns with your face so the interviewer isn’t looking up your nose. If you’re using a laptop, don’t rest it on your legs. People have a tendency to absentmindedly shake their leg during an interview.
Check your Wifi and video connection in advance. At least 15 minutes before your scheduled interview, check your Wi-Fi connection and make sure that your video connection is working. If possible, sit close to the router to minimize disruptions. While it’s true that internet and camera issues can happen to anyone, as the job-seeker you have the greater responsibility to demonstrate that you are prepared and a problem-solver. I keep this in mind as the interviewer, too: it doesn’t demonstrate mutual respect for the applicant if my camera isn’t working.
Let the interviewer finish their question or statement. I have interviewed very experienced nannies who repeatedly cut me off mid-question because they already had the answer. Although these candidates were highly experienced, in most cases we didn’t proceed with their application. I knew that the candidate’s communication style could feel unpleasant for parents, because no one likes being interrupted. Remember: experts listen and ask questions first, and then respond or make recommendations. In a video interview it is even more important to closely follow the interviewer’s question and allow them to finish before you respond. This is because video lacks many of the visual nonverbal queues that normally tell us when the other person has finished speaking and it’s our turn.
Avoid car interviews. In the past, I did not automatically dismiss candidates who interviewed from their car, and we have hired a few great sitters whom we first met from their car. Still, I don’t recommend it because your interviewer can hear more background noise and internet connectivity problems are nearly guaranteed. You won’t be as comfortable or as focused, which affects your demeanor and your ability to think through responses.
Updated May 2026: We no longer accept interviews with candidates who are in a vehicle, due to chronic issues with concentration and call quality. Even if you are parked, taking a call from your car will most likely derail an otherwise promising opportunity. In addition to poor signal quality, the interviewer is likely to interpret it as a lack of time management skills and low interest in the position. Please ensure you are in a quiet location with a strong internet connection so that you can present yourself at your best.
Maintain your authenticity. People often behave less naturally in video interviews due to lack of physical proximity, stifled nonverbal communication, and fewer visual queues. Remember that interviews are not the time to be reserved or overly agreeable. Your goal during an interview isn’t to “win” the job or “get picked.” Your goal is to determine if the job seems suitable for you. Ask questions and be sincere. You must speak up during your interview, and elaborate on your qualifications using specific examples. Imagine the interviewer as a supervisor with whom you already have a great professional connection. Asking good questions can make up for a lack of “small talk” skills.
Think about the job skills that you need to demonstrate. For example, positions with my childcare agency involve meeting new clients in their homes and it’s very challenging: going into a private household and caring for the most treasured family members, while at the same time quickly learning the rules and expectations specific to that household. When I interview, I am looking for applicants who are observant, expressive, and confident.
Scan the job post again before your interview. It massively detracts from an interview when an applicant asks me to remind them of the position they applied for or which company I represent. Asking the interviewer to refresh you on the job title or company signals to them that you don’t have strong interest in the job. Internet job search platforms enable us to rapidly submit resumes with one click and I know it can be challenging to keep track of all those submissions. Still, prior to an interview call, take at least 10 minutes to review the job posting again.
Video interviews have become a permanent business tool, and along with their convenience it’s important to understand the unique challenges they present. To navigate this, prioritize professionalism, and establish a quiet environment with a stable screen view. The interview is a mutual evaluation process where you assess the company as well. Wishing you the best of luck in your video interviews!
