Would you give out your references before speaking with the parents who want a nanny?

[Anonymous]

I would never do that. They wouldn't want to be bothered like that until I first spoke with the potential employers, and I was definitely interested in the position.

[Anonymous]

No way! Because I live-in, my process is a little different. I do several emails, then phone, then skype. But nobody gets references until after a phone call.

[Anonymous]

Never! I only give my references after I have met the family and know I would possibly accept the position is offered.

I've been asked several times and always say no. Only once did the prospective employer decline meeting me because of my refusal.

[Anonymous]

Of course not. I always meet the potential employers and child(ren) and get a good look at the home before I would ever give out my references. Basically, I have to know that I would take the job if they gave it to me before I burden my references. Plus, I have one high profile former employer who some people would just want to call to say they spoke to her!

[Anonymous]

So stupid how in the "nanny search" section on this site, parents immediately ask for your list of references.

They're nuts. RED flag from the get-go. Ignore them.

[Anonymous]

I only give out my references after I know I want the job and the family is planning on hiring me. I once had someone call me and the first thing they said was can I have your reference info. I told them no and explained the process they hung up on me. Dodged a bullet there.

[Anonymous]

no.

[Anonymous]

I'm a parent and I would never ask or expect references until you were a finalist. You don't want your references to get tons of calls and get burned out on wanting to help you. Use them only when you're a final candidate for a job you really want.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I only give out my references after I know I want the job and the family is planning on hiring me. I once had someone call me and the first thing they said was can I have your reference info. I told them no and explained the process they hung up on me. Dodged a bullet there.

Agree.

[Anonymous]

No.

Reason being is that I consider my references sacred & do not want to exhaust them since they typically work full-time jobs and have young children to care for.

Giving their contact information out to complete strangers is just rude + inconsiderate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No.

Reason being is that I consider my references sacred & do not want to exhaust them since they typically work full-time jobs and have young children to care for.

Giving their contact information out to complete strangers is just rude + inconsiderate.

Agree. Parents requesting your refs before they even talk with you are totally disrespectful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would never do that. They wouldn't want to be bothered like that until I first spoke with the potential employers, and I was definitely interested in the position.

I hate, when they ask to see your references before even meeting with you. When parents apply for a job, do their potential employers ask them for references before being interviewed?

"Don't do unto others what you wouldn't want done unto you".

A woman contacted me regarding a nanny position. After the greetings, she asked me for my references. When I told her that I would never gave my references unless I meet with an employer, get interviewed and feel like we are a good match for each other, she replied that I just missed the opportunity to get one of the top highest jobs in the area.

[Anonymous]

Bump

[Anonymous]

Parents really need to get with reality,
if they want decent childcare.

[Anonymous]

MB here. Unless I've already met with you in person and I want to move forward with hiring you or it's between you and another candidate, save your references if it means me calling them. A reference letter is a nice touch but not necessary because I'm going to want to speak to a previous family you worked for. Any sane MB will not have time to call a reference before even meeting with you, not should you give it out. Run, don't walk from these kinds of families!