Parents: Why Are You Asking for References before Meeting Nannies

[Anonymous]

During my nanny search, I found that many parents would ask for references before even having a phone interview or in person interview with me. I feel this is very inappropriate to ask for an individual’s references before even hearing their voice on the phone. This typically is not the case at any other job.

For one, my references are 99% fellow working parents with small children. Therefore, they’re busy. They do not have time to give references to people that I may not even mesh well with. It’s best to establish if the job is mutually a fit for all BEFORE bothering my references

Two, unfortunately nannies are huge targets of scammers and sex traffickers. Back in my younger days, I had a “dad” tell me to come to his home for an interview to meet his wife and kids. Something in my gut told me things were off, so I brought my sister in law with. Turns out the creep didn’t have any kids, and was just looking for companionship. What if I would’ve exposed my old bosses phone numbers and information to this creep if I hadn’t met him BEFORE giving out my references?

Long story short, if a nanny candidate is uncomfortable giving you references before you all chat via phone or meet, there’s probably a good reason and you shouldn’t rule her out.

I know hearing reviews and references is important, but let’s remember to be realistic.

[Anonymous]

Exactly
References should be the last step before an offer.

[Anonymous]

Most office jobs I have had and applied for, including State police, asked for references before hand. Are your references getting calls before you interview or is the parents just getting all their ducks in a row?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Most office jobs I have had and applied for, including State police, asked for references before hand. Are your references getting calls before you interview or is the parents just getting all their ducks in a row?

NP. I’ve had many parents wanting to call former employers before meeting me, even after seeing stellar reference letters. They seemed to have no clue about their inappropriate expectations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Most office jobs I have had and applied for, including State police, asked for references before hand. Are your references getting calls before you interview or is the parents just getting all their ducks in a row?

I give my reference letters beforehand, but contact info after the interview. Yes, I’ve had people who wanted to talked to my references before talking to me. No way, I’d burn through their goodwill way too fast!

[Anonymous]

I agree wholeheartedly w/this.

I have tried not to exhaust my references by telling prospective families I will provide them upon hire.

[Anonymous]

Nanny here. I don’t give references until I have accepted the position (which is contingent on my references checking out). If anyone has an issue with this, I am not the right nanny for them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most office jobs I have had and applied for, including State police, asked for references before hand. Are your references getting calls before you interview or is the parents just getting all their ducks in a row?

NP. I’ve had many parents wanting to call former employers before meeting me, even after seeing stellar reference letters. They seemed to have no clue about their inappropriate expectations.

It is absolutely normal in a professional job.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most office jobs I have had and applied for, including State police, asked for references before hand. Are your references getting calls before you interview or is the parents just getting all their ducks in a row?

NP. I’ve had many parents wanting to call former employers before meeting me, even after seeing stellar reference letters. They seemed to have no clue about their inappropriate expectations.

It is absolutely normal in a professional job.

What professional field needs reference checks before even meeting or talking to the applicant? Honest question.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most office jobs I have had and applied for, including State police, asked for references before hand. Are your references getting calls before you interview or is the parents just getting all their ducks in a row?

NP. I’ve had many parents wanting to call former employers before meeting me, even after seeing stellar reference letters. They seemed to have no clue about their inappropriate expectations.

It is absolutely normal in a professional job.

Except it's just the opposite. Reference checks are the LAST step in hiring, and usually done after an offer with a contingent has been made.

[Anonymous]

Why waste your time on an applicant without knowing how they preformed at their last job and were there any issues? You are dealing with someones kids. Absolutely references and a copy of driving record and criminal background (and nannies should check criminal background for both parents too).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why waste your time on an applicant without knowing how they preformed at their last job and were there any issues? You are dealing with someones kids. Absolutely references and a copy of driving record and criminal background (and nannies should check criminal background for both parents too).

Nannies should also check employer credit record and ask to speak to former nannies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why waste your time on an applicant without knowing how they preformed at their last job and were there any issues? You are dealing with someones kids. Absolutely references and a copy of driving record and criminal background (and nannies should check criminal background for both parents too).

Nannies should also check employer credit record and ask to speak to former nannies.

Exactly. Please respond to this, 22:00.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why waste your time on an applicant without knowing how they preformed at their last job and were there any issues? You are dealing with someones kids. Absolutely references and a copy of driving record and criminal background (and nannies should check criminal background for both parents too).

You’re going to lose great nanny candidates doing this. You need to have some consideration and respect for the former employers/references. Checking references should be done after the job offer has been extended and accepted

I agree with the driving, finger-print and criminal background checks prior to meeting a nanny however.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why waste your time on an applicant without knowing how they preformed at their last job and were there any issues? You are dealing with someones kids. Absolutely references and a copy of driving record and criminal background (and nannies should check criminal background for both parents too).

Nannies should also check employer credit record and ask to speak to former nannies.

Credit has nothing to do with getting paid. Someone can have great credit and not pay you. Someone can have poor credit and make sure you are paid. But, an employer could check a nannies credit to see if they are responsible before giving them a credit card.