Nanny 101

Lesson 2: Finding a Job

Agencies

Nanny agencies are the most popular place for both nannies and families. The nanny agency takes most of the guesswork out of the job hunt since they are basically like a match making service for childcare. Families like agencies because they do background tests and initial screenings and nannies like agencies because they try and create a good fit between employer and employee.

The nanny agency works by charging a fee to families upon the successful placement of a nanny. The fee is for charges incurred from background and psychological testing as well as manpower to find a good match between the nanny and the family. At no time should the nanny be required to pay a fee to work with an agency. The cost of the agency is 100 percent assumed by the family who enlists their services.

The agency may also offer post-placement services such as follow up training, in home visits, payroll and insurance services, and networking for the nanny. In essence, an agency makes the families and the nannies feel connected to a professional service that is there to aid in their growth together. For both nannies and families, it is customary to only sign up with one agency so knowing you are with the right placement organization is a good idea.

The key in signing up with an agency is to do research into the specifics of the organization to see if you think they will do a good job in placing you with the type of family you are looking for. You should know where the agency typically places people, the types of post placement services they offer, if they are established, and if they have references. Start your research on the web by using your favorite search engine (google.com and yahoo.com are my personal favorites) and typing in nanny agencies. You should get more pages of results than you can look at but this is a good place to get a feel for the types of agencies out there. The International Nanny Organization has a database of member agencies that are also a good place to begin your search. As always, you should know what you are looking for in advance so that you do not find yourself signed up with an agency that is not meeting your needs.

What should you expect? Once you are sure you are ready to commit to an agency, you should be prepared to fill out an application for employment and complete an essay. These two things will be required immediately. Then, after the agency reviews them, you will be asked to take part in whatever screening process they require. As stated earlier, this is most likely a criminal background and driving check but may also include a psychological exam, drug test, and other physical examinations. The agency will also call you on the phone or, depending on their proximity to you, request a meeting in person. Once you have signed up with an agency be prepared for things to move swiftly.

How does the process work? After you have finished the application and passed all requested tests the agency will begin to circulate your application and essay to families it feels might be a good match for you. If a family is interested in speaking directly with you, they will arrange an interview (usually over the phone depending on their location). After your conversation you both should have an idea about whether or not you wish to continue to the next step which will be either an in-person meeting or finalizing the details of employment.

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