Hiring a nanny can be a difficult process if you are not clear on what you are looking for and what you expect from your nanny.
Therefore, before you start looking for a nanny, it is recommended to evaluate your own situation. Depending on your budget and your needs you may want a live-in nanny or a live-out nanny, a full time nanny or part time nanny.
Now think of your scheduling needs, write a job description with duties, salary, working days and hours including overtime. Write skills required of your ideal nanny. Do you want a nanny who drives? Do you expect the nanny to travel with your family? Do you want a nanny who has First Aid and CPR? Do you expect her to be a good swimmer? Do you have any expectations regarding the meals preparation?
In order to find the right nanny you need to find the right agency. The more details you give to the nanny placement agency, the better are the chances to find the right nanny.
A good, reputable nanny agency should be able to provide you with references from other clients. Ask for how long they have been in business and check with the Better Business Bureau. Inquire about the fee and if there are any guarantees. If you are not pleased with the candidates presented, find out if there is any fee applicable.
A respectable nanny agency, with many years of experience, should carefully screen the nannies, provide you with a guaranteed replacement and will not charge you if the presented applicants do not meet your requirements.
Once the agency offered you a list of suitable nannies it’s your turn to evaluate the candidates. Ask the agency to schedule the nannies for a personal interview. You can meet the nanny either in your home (preferable) or in a neutral location.
Find out if the nanny has the skills required, what she is looking for in a job. Ask about her training, general health status, how she likes to spend her free time, what were her primary responsibilities in the job, how does she handle an emergency, etc. During the interview ask her about her previous job and why she left it.
Discuss with the nanny her duties (childcare, housekeeping, meal preparations) and find out if she is comfortable to handle the job.
Have a written agreement including responsibilities, duties, benefits, terms and conditions of employment, nanny schedule, and days off.
It is very important to maintain an open line of communication with your nanny on regular basis. Praise her work when it’s due and discuss matters you are not satisfied with.
Remember, if your nanny is happy, your kids will be happy and you will be happy.
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