How to choose?

[Anonymous]

We had our choices narrowed down to a #1 type person and I reached references who gave glowing -- glowing -- responses to all questions. On a whim, we ran her name through our state database of court records and bam: 3 shoplifting charges, 1 malicious destruction of property....etc.....so check. She had me so duped.

[Anonymous]

Have you let #2 know you're having trouble getting through to her references? I probably missed out on several jobs I thought I had in the bag at the interview because my references were not immediately reachable. Parents can have a lot going on between juggling demanding professional lives and caring for young kids---if it's their busy season at work or the toddler has a bad asthma flare or one of a million other minor crises---It may take them a few days to get back to a prospective new boss of a former nanny. When I pass along reference info I include the best time of day to call (usually 20-30 minutes after kiddo bedtime), and ask if there's a specific day/time they plan to call references so I can tell my references when to expect a call.