I have had several people ask about the process of becoming a nanny, and I thought I would share a couple things I have learned over the past couple years.
I use the website Care.com, and its been a mostly great experience. The website is easy to set up and navigate. I really like the fact that they provide background checks on the nannies, and secure chatting and calling for interviews, so your information is safe until you make a decision.
So far I have gone through the process for a new job three times with Care.com. That entails updating my profile and resume, applying to jobs, conducting phone interviews, and then in person interviews.
My thoughts on each process:
1. Don't add to many personal details on your profile or resume. (That you send with the application.) Keep it short and to the point; with pertinent information about job experience, your style as nanny, (I.e "I prefer to limit screen time, spending time focusing on sensory activities, and activities that promote learning, growing and a healthy environment."). Include a few personal interests, or facts about yourself to personalize them, but limit them!
2. Rambling in your application encourages scammers! I was amazed how many scammers I had to deal with this fall while finding a new position. Don't be afraid to analyze messages from potential employers. Educate yourself on how scams are usually set up and worded, and don't continue corresponding with anyone who seems like it could be a scam!
3. Request a phone interview before meeting in person. I have found that it helps cut down on wasted time. You can both learn more about each other, and decide whether you may be a fit. Sometimes you an just tell immediately that it isn't going to work out, and then you haven't wasted a ton of time going back and forth.
4. When setting up a meeting, choose a public place. Meet at a coffee shop, etc. You never know who is crazy in this scary world, and its not worth the risk! If you do set up a meeting in their home, TAKE SOMEONE WITH YOU! It seems super lame, but seriously, do not go by your self. I always let potential employers know that I am bringing my husband before the meeting. I'll word it like, "By the way, I always bring my husband when I meet clients in their homes initially." And every time they are absolutely fine with it, and enjoy meeting him. One woman thought it was funny because she had scheduled the meeting around her husbands schedule for the same reason. You never know who is crazy, and you can't tell over the phone. If someone does have a problem with you bringing someone with you, that is a major red flag. If you still want to meet them, make sure it is in a public place, and take someone and have them wait in the car for you.
5. If anyone in the home makes you uncomfortable at any point, don't be afraid to walk away. There are plenty of wonderful families looking for childcare providers. I actually accepted a position in October, and I didn't follow my own rules. I had a phone interview, really liked the mom, so I set up a interview. I had been with out work for about a month, so I wanted it to work out, and my husband wasn't available the day we set up, and instead of rescheduling I went by myself. I still liked the mother after the first interview, but she set up a "playdate" for the following day, and I agreed. The first red flag was at that playdate. The dad was there the entire time, and he made me very uncomfortable. He insisted on a whole second interview, instead of me interacting with the children. (Instead of just attending the first interview, where we went over the exact same things, which would have not wasted my time.) But I really wanted to be working, so I accepted the position. It became apparent over the next three days, that the parents weren't on the same page, and hadn't been honest about any aspect of the job. I was promised a number of hours per week, and wasn't going to be getting them, we were't allowed to even go outside in the yard, the dad ended up being at the house a lot, (something I was clear that I am not okay with.), etc. Everything was screaming red flags! Especially the fact that my husband was extremely uncomfortable with the situation. When I found books about various drugs laying out in the living room, I finally realized that it wasn't going to work out. I had been working for three days, but gave them my two week notice. It wasn't ideal and I felt really bad about leaving them hanging like that, but its not worth the risk! If there are red flags, don't stay!
6. When you do find your family and are working out the details, make sure you state everything you need. Hours per week, compensation, milage compensation, (That is really important! I didn't state that with one job, and I ended up putting 13,000 miles on my care over six months!), whether you're comforable with parents/dads working from home.)
Anyway, those are just a few things I have learned about the process. :)
xx,
