Is this common for an interview?

[Anonymous]

I'm setting up an interview with a family. They asked me to bring a driver's license and a credit card bill so that can verify information for a background check. I'm not comfortable with that until an offer is made. Would you do it?

[Anonymous]

If u met them before no problem. If first time then no....demande you first meet them before giving your info. If they insist do not show up. I smell a scam.

[Anonymous]

Hell no. This information should only be offered once an offer is made. Why a credit card bill? That is very odd.

[Anonymous]

I mean, the drivers license, whatever...is there anyone who doesn't usually carry one (or some form of ID)? But the credit card bill?? That's just odd and not something necessary for a background check. Tread carefully here, something seems fishy.

[Anonymous]

That would be a dealbreaker for me. It shows they are paranoid and boundary-challenged. Check my background all you want--via reputable background-check services and by talking in-depth with my references.

[Anonymous]

No it isn't common.

The DL maybe, but a credit card bill....??!

Sounds like they are planning on stealing your identity.

Don't even communicate with these scammers again.

[Anonymous]

Absolutely NOT. Period.

[Anonymous]

Oh hell no! Run, OP! Block their contact info. There is absolutely no need for them to see your credit card bill. They are definitely trying to steal your identity.

[Anonymous]

I'd report them to the police.

[Anonymous]

I'm an MB. When I was down to my final, top candidate I requested copies of drivers license and insurance cards.

I think the credit card piece is odd, and I wouldn't ask (or feel comfortable providing) detailed personal information unless I was a final candidate.

I think you could respond along the lines of "I will be more than happy to provide you with anything you need to run a background check if you think I might be a final candidate for you, but I'd prefer not to provide detailed personal information until after we've met."

If they push beyond that I'd take that as a reason to walk away. If they are ok with that response (as they should be) then you can have the first meeting and judge better whether you think they're just nervous and new to hiring a nanny or whether they are fishy in some way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm setting up an interview with a family. They asked me to bring a driver's license and a credit card bill so that can verify information for a background check. I'm not comfortable with that until an offer is made. Would you do it?

It is not common to ask nanny candidates for information regarding how they handle money though it is common for household managers/personal assistants to make that kind of request. Your interviewer is wanting to know how you handle money because perhaps in their position they are planning on giving you a credit card and even access to their bank account. Also the employer wants to see how you handle responsibility like having credit to see how responsible you are. Yes it is invasive and personal to ask questions that really should not be anyone's business like credit reports but remember you are applying to work in someones personal home and with their most valued things, children and yes their money. You have every right to deny any information but in this industry it may not get you a position.

It is also OK to say you will provide personal information as the step before getting hired, I do not even give references contact information till there is an offer being extended.

[Anonymous]

Bad advice from 9:47 and 10:19. Very bad.
No employer, and especially a potential employer has any right to your personal credit card statements. None.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Bad advice from 9:47 and 10:19. Very bad.
No employer, and especially a potential employer has any right to your personal credit card statements. None.

You are correct the employer does not have a right to have access to a personal credit report or statements, they do have a right to not hire you as well. Apparently you did not read an entire post, but you have a right to your opinion as do I. Many people who work in a private home have access to the families personal information and can access their bank accounts so I feel those employers are justified in asking about how a candidate spends money, I actually handle the home spending accounts so yes when I was hired I did allow them to do a credit report.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Bad advice from 9:47 and 10:19. Very bad.
No employer, and especially a potential employer has any right to your personal credit card statements. None.

I'm 9:47. I didn't advise anyone to provide credit card info - nor do I request it. Conducting a background check however, and providing proof of a valid and clean driver's license and insurance are entirely appropriate (obviously especially if driving charges is required.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Bad advice from 9:47 and 10:19. Very bad.
No employer, and especially a potential employer has any right to your personal credit card statements. None.

You are correct the employer does not have a right to have access to a personal credit report or statements, they do have a right to not hire you as well. Apparently you did not read an entire post, but you have a right to your opinion as do I. Many people who work in a private home have access to the families personal information and can access their bank accounts so I feel those employers are justified in asking about how a candidate spends money, I actually handle the home spending accounts so yes when I was hired I did allow them to do a credit report.

"Handling the home spending accounts" is not the job of a nanny, even if you choose to take on the roll of a personal, or family assistant.