Reply to Nanny Misrepresents What We Pay Her

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[quote=Anonymous][quote]Anonymous

As a nanny, I think it is very inappropriate for the prospective family to ask what I am currently making. She should not discuss her pay with anyone, but you. If they make an offer that is below her requirement, she could kindly say, "that is below what I am expecting/used to." She can then see if they can negotiate.[/quote]

The problem with that is that most jobs do ask for a salary history, and if you can't provide one, you have less room and power to negotiate.

Say I have a job and I am willing to pay $18/hr. You interview and tell me you want to make $22/hr  because your last job was $20/ hr. maybe I think you might be a good fit. So, I call your reference, verify salary and the job duties so I can judge if it is worth it to me to raise the rate based on what you did, according to the reference, that makes you an above market rate nanny. If you just tell me your rate is $22/hr, and I can't verify that you have the experience and skills you say you have and that your previous employer can attest to it by paying you over market, then you are a less attractive candidate to me. You also have less room to negotiate with me because the only thing I know for sure is the rate I have decided the job is worth. I don't know if you are an exceptional nanny.

It's the same in my job. I can think I am worth half a million dollars, but there is a market rate for my job, and if I want to make more than that, I need to make a case for it to future employers, including proving my "worth" with my salary history. If I can show a new employer I was paid over market, and prove why, I have negotiating power.

Now, if you say, I was paid $14/hr at my last job and now I want to make $22/hr, I'd ask you further about the leap in rate...maybe you were underpaid, maybe you finished your degree or earned new certifications, whatever. But if you could make a case, I'd be open to negotiation if you were a strong, open, and honest candidate about your salary history and experiences.

The problem with the advice of the nannies here to just state your rate is that you don't leave families any other reason to believe, except your demand, that you are worth an above market rate. Here in DC, there are many excellent nannies available at market rates, paid legally on the books. If you want to make more, go for it. Just give yourself every advantage by truthfully negotiating with prospective employers.[/quote]

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