How do you look for a new position without using your current employer as a reference?

[Anonymous]

This is only my third position (of three years). I would like to see if anything else is out there without letting my current employers know.

Possible?

[Anonymous]

Yes, but usually it’s easier through an agency. Let them know you are looking at possibilities, because with a 3yo, you know that your charge will be going to school soon.

[Anonymous]

Are your other two references glowing?

What I have done is post online, respond to adds etc. When it gets to the phone interview stage, I briefly explain the situation:
“I am not yet ready to tell my current employers that I am looking for a new position. I will need at least X weeks so that I can give them plenty of notice, but I am not able to be without employment right away so I am not telling them yet. I can give you two previous references, a letter of reference from my current employer dated X, as well as contact information for Y, who was my charge’s preschool teacher last year and has seen me interact with my current charge on many occasions. If you are prepared to offer me the position otherwise, I will let my employer know at that point and can then provide their reference information, although obviously they may not be very happy with my leaving.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are your other two references glowing?

What I have done is post online, respond to adds etc. When it gets to the phone interview stage, I briefly explain the situation:
“I am not yet ready to tell my current employers that I am looking for a new position. I will need at least X weeks so that I can give them plenty of notice, but I am not able to be without employment right away so I am not telling them yet. I can give you two previous references, a letter of reference from my current employer dated X, as well as contact information for Y, who was my charge’s preschool teacher last year and has seen me interact with my current charge on many occasions. If you are prepared to offer me the position otherwise, I will let my employer know at that point and can then provide their reference information, although obviously they may not be very happy with my leaving.”

+1

This is an excellent + proper response!
Very on point too.

[Anonymous]

3 nanny jobs in as many years? Big red flag.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:3 nanny jobs in as many years? Big red flag.

I read it that OP is on her third 3 year position, and is ready to start looking for her fourth. That’s typical when parents choose to send kids to daycare/preschool around 2.5-3.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:3 nanny jobs in as many years? Big red flag.

OP here. It’s three nanny jobs in ten years. I have been in my current position for three years. All my recommendations are glowing. I just don’t want to tell my current employer until I find another position.

[Anonymous]

I always make sure I have date night families I can use and also I tend to prefer working for 2-3 families part time so as not to put all my eggs in one basket. I can use the other families as references.