Back to the Guide
|
-
Family
A. I work for an agency that places professional American nannies. Finding someone suited to handle a full house can be challenging, but a lot depends on whether you are going to do all the work yourself or work with an agency.
If you go solo, you can place ads online or in newspapers, but your best bet is probably going to be going through friends or local Mom’s clubs in your area (if you are in or near a major metro area). Even if the person is from a trusted source, keep your guard up. Start with a phone interview (ideally from your work number) to screen candidates before letting them know who you are, your last name, or where you live.
Get a resume, application, letters of recommendation, and any credentials…if it all looks good, meet them in a public place like a coffee shop to do your first face-to-face (not in your home and certainly not with your children there). Ask a lot of questions (see another of my posts for a list of suggested questions) and really listen to the answers – be SURE you are not the one doing all the talking. Obviously, you want to be sure that this person has cared for multiple children who are similar ages as yours. Infant/toddler care is worlds apart from keeping up with active grade-schoolers…or both at the same time.
Bring them in only after you are comfortable, spoken to references, and ideally performed a background check. At that point, have them come meet the kids, see the house, and assess their commute. Consider doing a few days on a trial basis to make sure it’s a mutual fit.
When you get to discussing offers, call a local agency and ask about market rates for your area. Don’t pay below market if you can help it…pay is not the number one driver of job satisfaction, but low pay can still lead them to leave in short order.
There are a lot of best practices with respect to keeping your nanny, but that’s another topic.
If you want to cut out the review of 50-100 resumes, the prescreening, the reference calls, etc. you may want to consider working with a reputable agency. You can find agencies at the International Nanny Association (www.nanny.org). Of course, I’d love to promote our company, but it could taint the blog, so suffice it to say we are available in the INA listing.
As for duration: expect it to take 30 days to go from start to finish, sometimes longer. If you don’t have 30 days, you may want to start with a babysitter or two, or offer a temp job to a nanny without making a full fledged commitment (just be sure to do your basic homework, crim check, etc.)...while you invest the time necessary to get the best, right, fit.
Another caveat: PUT EVERYTHING IN WRITING. So many clients put off writing out the job description, house rules, an offer letter, and a formal work agreement (contract). It is time well spent…every time. If you expect them to feed the dog, write it down. Housekeeping, cooking, getting the mail, answering the phone, driving, running errands, doing laundry…write it down. If you want help there, post again or contact a reputable agency.
Good luck!
-Travistdommert — Posted 07/31/08
Q. I’m in dire need of a nanny, and my children are much more than a handful. Does anyone have experience in finding a nanny that wont pull their hair out? Is it a long and difficult process?
mrenc — Posted 06/19/08
