Hopeful employer here: what am I doing wrong?
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Anonymous
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Hi,
I posted on Care.com a few weeks ago about wanting to hire a nanny 3 days per week starting in August. While I am getting a little bit of interest, do you think I posted too early? When is the ideal time to post for a nanny position? If I opened it for the person to start this spring, do you think I'd get more interest now? I only advertised for August because that is when my current childcare arrangement won't work anymore due to the kids' school schedules. But I guess I could always switch beforehand if I find someone I really like. Thanks! |
Anonymous
| It's always better to have more time, rather than less time, and be forced to settle for whatever you get. Would you like to describe what you're looking for? |
Anonymous
| You will definitely have more interest 1-2 months before the start date, but if you tell us more about your ad/needs I think we'll be in a better position to advise you! |
Anonymous
| Also, when in August are you looking? Summer is peak nanny season, so if you're looking for someone to start the beginning of August, that's going to leave out a lot of great candidates. At the end of August, kids move into school, so long-term, great nannies are often let go because their charges are starting full-day school. Also, part-time is harder to find, so be sure you are paying competitively, or look for a family that needs the opposite hours from you so that the two positions are the equivalent of a full- time job and look for a nanny who fits both jobs. |
nannydebsays
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| If you could post your ad here (leaving out any specific details about location), we might be able to give you some other ideas. |
Anonymous
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OP here. I need a nanny to work Monday and Friday from about 8:45am till 6pm, and half days on Tuesdays. So, the weirdness of the days/times might be an issue. There are 2 kids.
I also need the person to be able to pick up my older DC from pre-k all 3 days, so s/he needs a car and valid driver's license. I'm guessing that's a limiting factor, too. I was thinking it might be tough to fill the position, so that's why I posted so early. I am underwhelmed by the responses to my ad, which makes me wonder if it was just a bad timing issue or if I am unlikely to find someone and should start pursuing other avenues for day care. |
Anonymous
Yep, no one is going to respond to your ad unless they are desperate and can't find another job. Who wants to work those irregular hours? Who wants to take Wednesdays and Thursdays off? (If you're going to do a 3-day week, it should attach to the weekend--e.g., M-W or W-F.) Also, a nanny who has a car and can drive is going to be a hot commodity; no way would she settle for this job. Also, why start at 8:45? Are you really going to pay by the quarter hour? You need to look at your ad from the perspective of a sought-after nanny. She needs either normal hours or phenomenal pay with those restrictions. You might be better off with two babysitters--one for MF and one for Tuesdays. You are not going to find a professional nanny with your restrictions. |
Anonymous
| +1 |
Anonymous
| I agree that the weird hours are hindering you, but also, if you post in May you'll get more responses as that's when college kids start looking for their summer jobs. |
Anonymous
+1 not everyone wants FT work, so don't let that stop you. Just make sure your pay is competitive for PT hours. |
Anonymous
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OP here. How do I find out what competitive pay is in my area?
Also, I disagree that there is "no way" I will find what I am looking for, but I knew it would be difficult. That's why I asked for help and I do appreciate your responses. Sadly, I can't change the days I work right now. I will make sure the pay is good. And thanks for the tip about "8:45". I guess it is pretty silly and makes it look like i would be paying by the about the quarter hour  In actuality, I'd pay based on a start time of 8:30, but I was just thinking about what time I leave to drop off my son at preschool.
Thanks again, everyone. |
Anonymous
OP, I agree that you can find someone to meet the above requirements, but itnis going to be very difficult. You will pay more for: A solid driving record Willingness to drive child in her own car Willingness to work an odd schedule Part time So either you are going to pay very well, or you are going to have to settle for a lower-quality nanny. Unlike a lot of part time work, there is no demographic that might consider this schedule ideal. This is a terrible schedule for most nannies, which means you will also have a high turnover rate, because nannies are likely to accept but keep looking for something better or to accept but find that they dislike the schedule enough that they find something else. I would highly reccomend that you look for another family that needs care Tuesday-Wednesday and do a nanny share/split. If you can find someone, then between both families, you are offering a pretty typical full-time schedule, which will make it much easier to find, afford, and keep a high-quality nanny. |
Anonymous
| Find a person who can do what you want, then you ask "how much". |
Anonymous
| OP here: how do you do a nanny share? Meaning, how do you find the complimentary family? Then do you both look for the nanny together on a site like Care.com? |
Anonymous
| OP, yes you would usually find a family first, then post an ad for the share. Not sure if there is an option to look for families who want a share on care.com but I just thought of that and think it would be a great option, if it's not already one. There has to be some other websites or avenues to advertise/search for a family who wants to do a share with you.....anyone know of anything like this? |