Nannies

Useful tips for hiring a nanny

Are you looking for a nanny for hire near you?

A nanny can be a great addition to your family and help you transition back to work if you are a new parent. While finding and hiring the right nanny sounds like a daunting task, it does not need to be. Depending on your time, comfort level, and budget, you can do most of the things involved by yourself. If you do need some help in hiring a nanny, source nanny services through a bespoke nanny hire agency.

Here are a few important steps involved in hiring a nanny.

Write a job description

You should think about what is important for you before you start searching for a nanny, and compile a job description. This should fully cover your needs.  You must detail the hours you will expect your nanny to work, including start and end times and which days you require their services. You should also include preferred the experience of the caregiver. Do you want to hire someone who is certified? Which language/s do you want your nanny to be conversant with? Make sure you include everything you want your nanny to have in the job description. This will help you find the right nanny for the job.

Locate candidates

There are numerous ways you can connect with potential nannies. You can connect with them through word of mouth from other parents – ask parents you see at baby classes or during group meetups. Someone will know of a nanny who offers professional nanny services.

If you want to widen your search, you can reach out to nanny placement services for help. Call local agencies to get a feel of their nanny placement style and methodology. You should ask about their processes and how they recruit, select, and place their candidates.

You will also need to consider your budget. Remember, every agency has its own fee structures, policies, and replacement guarantee timelines.

Some people prefer finding a nanny without using the services of nanny placement agencies. Such people can use online websites to find nannies. You can also use your social media accounts to advertise the position. Ask for recommendations from your social media friends and local pages and ensure you do some heavy screening of potential candidates before meeting up with anyone.

Schedule an interview

After narrowing down the list to a few potential candidates, you should schedule interviews to get a good sense of their caregiving style, personalities, and expectations. You will want to ask a lot of questions relating to their education and training, their background, and more in-depth questions. Some of these questions will help you find the right nanny. You will also ask about their caregiving style to ensure it meets your expectations.

Contact their references

If you want to get the right nanny for hire, you should ensure that the candidate you hire has the right experience. You must confirm by calling their past employers. You will have to request contacts of at least two of their previous employers and call them. You need to know how long they were in the positions, when and why they left, and whether they had any issues.

Hiring the right nanny for your children is a great way to enhance and enrich their lives and give yourself peace of mind.

Written by Guest Contributor Simone Katic