Thanks again for all your input. We always do the first interview with a candidate without the kids around, and then if that goes well we do a second interview to meet the kids. After that we do a paid trial for a day or two. This time the second "interview" felt a bit more like a "trial" since the new nanny was spending the time with the old nanny and the kids, not with us, and it was clear that we were ready to make a job offer as long as that went well, but it was only 2-3 hours so overall it felt like a bit of grey area. Anyway, as mentioned it was my instinct to pay her for her time, and I did so in cash on the day. We did hire her, BTW!

IF you don't plan on paying her today you should probably tell her so. She probably assumes she's getting paid today since it is standard. I would be annoyed if you threw that on me last minute. What if you don't end up hiring her? Pay her on the day of trail like normal employers.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks so much for your feedback, my instinct was to pay her so I'm glad to have that confirmed. She genuinely seemed to appreciate that we did so, and I think it starts us off on the right foot as it shows we respect her time.

Yes. I think it's customary but probably not everyone does it, so she was likely happy to see that you started off treating her with respect.

+1

It is customary and I also expect it, but meeting a family that understands why and willingly demonstrates their appreciation for my time is always a pleasure. Absolutely an excellent foot to start out on together Nicely handled, OP

Anonymous wrote:Thanks so much for your feedback, my instinct was to pay her so I'm glad to have that confirmed. She genuinely seemed to appreciate that we did so, and I think it starts us off on the right foot as it shows we respect her time.

Yes. I think it's customary but probably not everyone does it, so she was likely happy to see that you started off treating her with respect.

Anonymous wrote:Pay her today for today, is the custom for a trial day.

Yes, this is usually how it works.

Thanks so much for your feedback, my instinct was to pay her so I'm glad to have that confirmed. She genuinely seemed to appreciate that we did so, and I think it starts us off on the right foot as it shows we respect her time.

I would simply pay her in cash today for her time.

If this is a trial you don't want to presume employment before it's even concluded. You haven't extended the offer yet (and maybe you want time to think about how the day went before you obligate yourself) right?

Also, a conversation with her at the end of the day, or tomorrow, or with your kids (if they're old enough) about how the day went and what she/they thought could be enlightening.

Basically, just pay her for the time today and then make your decision about an offer, terms, etc... (you could still have negotiations ahead of you) separately. It's much cleaner that way and doesn't back you into a corner or ask her to hold out on being paid for a position she may or may not end up accepting.

No harm done by keeping today's time/reimbursement cleanly separate.

Pay her today for today, is the custom for a trial day.

You should just pay her straight cash today. Unless she's starting working for you tomorrow and you're going to pay her Friday for all the hours worked this week.

Yes you should/have to do this, even if you decide not to hire her.

We have interviewed a nanny who we like and it looks like the compensation etc that we are offering would be acceptable to her. Today she is spending a couple of hours with the kids to make sure that they all click before we make a final job offer. I am thinking of including these hours with her first pay cheque, and might mention to her today that we will be doing so. Would be interested to hear if anyone thinks I should/shouldn't/don't have to do this. Thanks!