Adding a non-parent reference?

[Anonymous]

I've been a nanny for ten years and have great references from the two families I have worked for. My current job is ending in September when my charge starts school.

I have taken my charge to the library and have gotten to know the librarians in the children's section quite well as they do story time several times a week. They have seen me with my current charge twice a week for the last three years both in the library and the play room.

My question to MBs: Would you find it helpful to hear from people outside of employers as to how I handled and cared for my charge when there were no cameras around?


TIA

[Anonymous]

MB here and I actually would find it very helpful and informative. Same with a reference from a Music Together teacher or Mommy & Me teacher.

[Anonymous]

Absolutely! It doesn't work in place of employer references of course, but as an add-on I would think it was pretty neat if folks like that were willing to give you a reference.

Of course, the fact that you've only worked for two families in ten years speaks volumes in itself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Absolutely! It doesn't work in place of employer references of course, but as an add-on I would think it was pretty neat if folks like that were willing to give you a reference.

Of course, the fact that you've only worked for two families in ten years speaks volumes in itself.

+1 I would always want the employer references first but the idea of another child-centered adult, like a children's librarian who has seen you interact with your charge outside of the home, would be fantastic!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Absolutely! It doesn't work in place of employer references of course, but as an add-on I would think it was pretty neat if folks like that were willing to give you a reference.

Of course, the fact that you've only worked for two families in ten years speaks volumes in itself.

+1 I would always want the employer references first but the idea of another child-centered adult, like a children's librarian who has seen you interact with your charge outside of the home, would be fantastic!

And speak volumes on how good a nanny you are.

[Anonymous]

I think character references are just as important!

Your idea to use these librarians as potential references is a great one in theory, however I wouldn't feel comfortable approaching them + requesting their contact info. I would just feel a little too personal to me.

It doesn't hurt to ask however and you have nothing to lose by trying.

I just feel that certain boundaries exist and that I would be putting them in a weird position if I asked.

I hope that I am 100% wrong on this and that you end up getting good references from them!

Good Luck!~

[Anonymous]

*It

[Anonymous]

Ask them to write you a letter

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think character references are just as important!

Your idea to use these librarians as potential references is a great one in theory, however I wouldn't feel comfortable approaching them + requesting their contact info. I would just feel a little too personal to me.

It doesn't hurt to ask however and you have nothing to lose by trying.

I just feel that certain boundaries exist and that I would be putting them in a weird position if I asked.

I hope that I am 100% wrong on this and that you end up getting good references from them!

Good Luck!~

Like the above poster suggested, ask them to write a letter. But even that may be overstepping boundaries since as everyone knows, librarians are always busy.
Perhaps you can draft a letter, then have her sign it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think character references are just as important!

Your idea to use these librarians as potential references is a great one in theory, however I wouldn't feel comfortable approaching them + requesting their contact info. I would just feel a little too personal to me.

It doesn't hurt to ask however and you have nothing to lose by trying.

I just feel that certain boundaries exist and that I would be putting them in a weird position if I asked.

I hope that I am 100% wrong on this and that you end up getting good references from them!

Good Luck!~

OP here. It was the librarians suggestions that I use them as references when I start applying for my new position.

Thank you all for your comments.

[Anonymous]

It would impress the hell out of me if a nanny candidate had a reference from a children's librarian!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It would impress the hell out of me if a nanny candidate had a reference from a children's librarian!

+1 Me, too!