Timing issues with hiring a nanny

[Anonymous]

I conducted a phone interview of a nanny candidate a few days ago and I really like her. We are going to be out of town from 10/7 to 10/21. She tells me her last day of work is 10/7. I think she might prefer to interview with us and other families (whom she hasn't met already) after her last day of work, but we won't be around for two weeks. I've let her know that we really want to meet her soon, but not about us being out of town. I'm afraid that this might turn her off because she won't be able to move as quickly with us and therefore will lose income relative to other families. I know I will have to tell her eventually about our vacation. Should I push for us to have our interview before we leave on 10/7 because she might have another offer before we get back on the 21st? And if we like her enough to extend an offer, the start date would be Monday the 24th. Do you think this might not be soon enough for her? Seeing as how she hasn't accepted any offer and is open to interviewing with us next week (if she can get time off), I would think our start date is not so far off as to turn her off... I think??

[Anonymous]

You need to tell her all this and ask what would work for her. No reason not to put your cards on the table in this case.

[Anonymous]

You need to lock it up immediately. TELL HER you are going out of town but want to interview her in person first and if you pick her, you'll want her to start on the 24th. Open communication!

[Anonymous]

Schedule an interview for the earliest time she is available. Check her references immediately. If you want to hire her, extend an offer as soon as you do all of this, including having her come over to sign an agreement before your vacation.

Yes, of course you tell her about your vacation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Schedule an interview for the earliest time she is available. Check her references immediately. If you want to hire her, extend an offer as soon as you do all of this, including having her come over to sign an agreement before your vacation.

Yes, of course you tell her about your vacation.

The only reason not to do this is if you know you will want to interview other candidates first and you don't intend to do that until you return.

[Anonymous]

I would make every effort to schedule an in-person interview prior to your trip.

Reason being is that if you do not, when you get home that will leave you only 2-3 days to find suitable childcare.

Also, while you really like this specific candidate, you have only spoken to her by phone so you don't know yet if it will be a good fit yet.

I hope you are interviewing other prospective candidates at this point now as well.
Do not put all of your eggs into one basket at this time.

If this Nanny is really interested in possibly working w/your family, then trust me....She will surely make time to meet you before you leave on your trip.

Good luck.