CARE.com and SitterCity.com etc ... really that bad?

[Anonymous]

I would of course prefer to hire a nanny through word of mouth but am coming up short. Has anyone used one of these sites successfully?

[Anonymous]

Nanny here, and yes I have, multiple times.

[Anonymous]

You have to weed through a lot of unqualified candidates.
Be diligent about checking background checks (not the ones provided on Care.com or Sittercity) and references.
Conduct a thorough interview amd ask the nanny to work a trial day. Trust your gut. It is your most valuable tool.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You have to weed through a lot of unqualified candidates.
Be diligent about checking background checks (not the ones provided on Care.com or Sittercity) and references.
Conduct a thorough interview amd ask the nanny to work a trial day. Trust your gut. It is your most valuable tool.

17:32 and I agree with all this. I've heard from families that they get hundreds of applications when they post a job. So you really need to narrow down the pool of candidates. First eliminate those who didn't write a decent application, aren't qualified for the position, or just aren't a good fit due to salary, location, hours, etc.

Then I would set up phone interviews with those remaining. As a nanny I really like doing a short (30 mins or less) phone interview before meeting in person, as it helps us learn more about each other, and what we are looking for, without wasting too much time. I would then request references from those you liked on the phone, and set up in person interviews.

I would say a background check is a must, and also working a trial day is a great idea, for both parties. Good luck OP!

[Anonymous]

If you use care please do not use their quick full in job description. Write out a detailed job description this will be beneficial to you and the nanny applicants. If you do the quick fill one you will get anyone and everyone applying since they are vague. Also I use the job description as a way to get my first feel of the family and it helps decide if they seem like a good fit. I've found 3 great families through care and still in contact with them after the jobs ended. There are good applicants on there. Good luck in your search!

[Anonymous]

We honestly found the world's greatest nanny on care.com. I think we just lucked out.

[Anonymous]

I've found two great nannies on care.com.

[Anonymous]

For the nannies who've used care.com, did you opt to do a separate background check, as opposed to theirs? I'd like to sign up on there, but I'll admit I'm uncomfortable with entering my SSN on their site. I'm and immigrant, and a victim of ID theft, so my paranoia is warranted. The last time I had a background check done, I was directed to a location near me by the PG county police department.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For the nannies who've used care.com, did you opt to do a separate background check, as opposed to theirs? I'd like to sign up on there, but I'll admit I'm uncomfortable with entering my SSN on their site. I'm and immigrant, and a victim of ID theft, so my paranoia is warranted. The last time I had a background check done, I was directed to a location near me by the PG county police department.

No, I used Care.com background check - it was fast and safe. No complaints.

[Anonymous]

Another vote for Care.Com and we found a brilliant and dedicated nanny. Worked out wonderfully for everyone!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For the nannies who've used care.com, did you opt to do a separate background check, as opposed to theirs? I'd like to sign up on there, but I'll admit I'm uncomfortable with entering my SSN on their site. I'm and immigrant, and a victim of ID theft, so my paranoia is warranted. The last time I had a background check done, I was directed to a location near me by the PG county police department.

No, I used Care.com background check - it was fast and safe. No complaints.

The Care.com and Sittercity background check are not an actual background check.
It verifies that the name and SSN you enter match. That's it. It does not check state or criminal background checks, DMV records, etc.
As a nanny, I buy my own criminal background check to have on hand when I know I'll be interviewing. I also have a copy of my DMV record available.
It shows that you are serious, prepared and have nothing to hide.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For the nannies who've used care.com, did you opt to do a separate background check, as opposed to theirs? I'd like to sign up on there, but I'll admit I'm uncomfortable with entering my SSN on their site. I'm and immigrant, and a victim of ID theft, so my paranoia is warranted. The last time I had a background check done, I was directed to a location near me by the PG county police department.

No, I used Care.com background check - it was fast and safe. No complaints.

The Care.com and Sittercity background check are not an actual background check.
It verifies that the name and SSN you enter match. That's it. It does not check state or criminal background checks, DMV records, etc.
As a nanny, I buy my own criminal background check to have on hand when I know I'll be interviewing. I also have a copy of my DMV record available.
It shows that you are serious, prepared and have nothing to hide.

PP here. Apparently they now have a "Premier Check" which includes state and national criminal checks.
I didn't know this. I would still be inclined to go to an outside company for a background check.

[Anonymous]

another who found an amazing nanny on care. com I will admit it was a painful process - their site is horrible when dealing with 100+ applicants. But I did phone interviews with 6 and in person with 3 (after a first failed round using DCUM).

[Anonymous]

I think that those websites can be great if you know how to use them, but horrible if you don't use all of the tools that they make available to you.

Make sure you write out a full description: days, hours, length of time you need a nanny, start date if you have one, the salary that you can provide, and a little bit about what your family is looking for in a nanny personality wise. For nannies, the worst thing is applying for a job where the family says they are offering $50/hour only to find out that they really mean $50 per day. Just be upfront and truthful about the position.

I think one of the worst things for a NF is all of the applications you receive. I think some people just go through and copy/paste an application for every job in their area. I interviewed with a family who needed permanent, part time care. They said I was the only person who actually applied to the position that seemed like I read the job description. They had posted it in May, and they said all of the candidates replied to it as if it was a summer position.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For the nannies who've used care.com, did you opt to do a separate background check, as opposed to theirs? I'd like to sign up on there, but I'll admit I'm uncomfortable with entering my SSN on their site. I'm and immigrant, and a victim of ID theft, so my paranoia is warranted. The last time I had a background check done, I was directed to a location near me by the PG county police department.

No, I used Care.com background check - it was fast and safe. No complaints.

The Care.com and Sittercity background check are not an actual background check.
It verifies that the name and SSN you enter match. That's it. It does not check state or criminal background checks, DMV records, etc.
As a nanny, I buy my own criminal background check to have on hand when I know I'll be interviewing. I also have a copy of my DMV record available.
It shows that you are serious, prepared and have nothing to hide.

Do you mind sharing where you had your criminal background check done?