Some questions!

[Anonymous]

I have a couple of questions, in regards to an upcoming interview on Sunday. I am currently job hunting because my contract is ending soon.

I have been a career nanny for about eight years, experienced with all age groups; most of them being infants and toddlers. The interview I have coming up is for a family with three older, grade-school children that seems to need a nanny that can provide: childcare-related duties, some housekeeping, and what sounds like some basic household management.

1.) They prefer a nanny that can cover sick days, holidays, vacations, snow days, etc. This is obviously understandable, but I want to take some classes to further my education. I was upfront about that and they said they completely understand, would love to still meet, and hopefully we can figure out a solution. What can I add to this discussion when is comes up in the interview? Any advice?

2.) They said 52 weeks a year paid, vacation time, and sick days wouldn't be a problem. This is great! The job is 30-35 hours a week; do I ask them to guarantee the minimum or the max? Is $20-$21/hr okay?

3.) I would LOVE to hear any advice that would help a nanny with tons of infant experience get a job like this, look more appealing, etc. I do have a chunk of experience working for a similar household, but it's been several years.


Thanks so much!

[Anonymous]

1. Take online classes. That way if the kids are home on a snow day, they can all read for an hour while you "do school" from your laptop.

2. Ask them to pay guaranteed 35, but settle for 32.5, which is the mid-point between 30-35.

3. Mention your elementary age experience and say you're looking to get back to this age group. Be prepared to talk about older kid things - bey blades, American Girl dolls, Bratayley, etc.

[Anonymous]

PP: Thank you! Online classes aren't really an option. I'm very
close to obtaining my Associate's Degree and need
to be in class. I'll also be required to do some field
work during the week.

[Anonymous]

Look at the course catalog to get an idea of when the classes you need are offered. If they're offered throughout the day including evenings or on Saturdays then you're good. If it's offered on adore limited basis then at least you'll know that

Go to a parents or parenting magazine website and do some research on this age group.

[Anonymous]

There will probably be a lot of driving involved. To scouts, soccer practice, etc. etc.

So iduring the interview, talk about your clean driving record, your well-maintained vehicle, your familiarity with your town, etc.

Figure out what reimbursement you want for all that driving. I charge 20 cents a mile.

[Anonymous]

Negotiate from the maximum and prepare to settle for the midpoint. So start at the IRS mileage rate and find the midpoint between that and what they initially offer. Can you live on 30 hours at $20/hour? Most part-time positions command an hourly wage that is slightly higher, that way the nanny can actually make enough to survive. 3 kids, 30-35 hours per week in the DC area, I can certainly see $20-23/hour, perhaps $25 an hour if you can do tutoring instead of just homework help.