How to search for a nanny

Have you decided to hire a nanny but don’t know where to start? This tip sheet outlines the process for you, offering ideas on how to find a nanny, hiring, and keeping a great nanny.

Know What You Need and What You.re Offering: Before you begin your search, take the time to answer three key questions. One, what are the requirements of my job (e.g. hours, responsibilities)? Two, what type of daily environment do I want for my child? And three, what type of person can I (or can I not) develop a positive parent / nanny relationship with?

Develop a Written Job Description Now that you know what you.re looking for and what you.re offering, it’s time to put that information together into a written job description.

Choose a Search Method The search method you choose, full service agency, online nanny job site or self search, depends on how much money and time you can afford to invest in your nanny search. The general rule of thumb is that the more money you invest, the less time you need to invest.

Narrow Down Your Candidate Pool Once you start your search and begin receiving inquiries from nanny candidates, you’ll need to decide which candidates you want to pass on and which ones you want to learn more about.

Interview Nannies: Once you.ve identified the candidates you.re seriously interested in, it.s time to start in-depth interviewing. It’s important to go beyond the standard interview questions and really explore who the nanny is both as a person and as a caregivers. An in-depth, probative interview is crucial in deciding if this nanny is the right nanny for you.

Reference Nannies: Once you’ve interviewed a nanny, the next step is to contact her references and get their perspective on which she is as a person and as a caregiver. It’s crucial to talk to a wide variety of references – past employers as well as co-workers or nanny colleagues, teachers, clergy, friends and family. Each person will have different information to offer you, allowing you to put together a more complete and accurate picture of who the candidate really is.

Perform Background Checks: Before a nanny begins work, make sure all recommended background checks have been run on her. Don’t assume your placement agency or online job site has done the work for you. It’s up to you to make sure the background checks done on your potential nanny provide the information you need to make an informed hiring decision.

Develop a Nanny / Family Contract Developing a comprehensive nanny contract is the single most important step you can take towards building a successful, long-term nanny / family relationship.

Welcome Your New Nanny: Investing a little effort into welcoming your nanny will reap great rewards. Give her an empty drawer in the kitchen or common area, give her a tour of the area, and introduce her to neighbors, teachers, and play date moms. Letting her know you.re happy she’s your new nanny will get your relationship off to a great start.