I've only ever told families that I have another offer if they are my first choice. So it's always phrased as "Just to let you know, I have received another offer since our interview. But I really enjoyed meeting you and the kids at our interview, and working for your family would really be my first choice. So if you could let me know what your thoughts are as soon as you can, I would greatly appreciate it." I usually send this in an e-mail at least 24 hours after the interview, and usually separate from the thank you e-mail I send after every interview.

I've only done this twice, but I ended up getting the job both times. I think if a family is not your absolute first choice, then there's no reason to tell them about your other offers.

I don't think any of my nanny jobs offered me the position right away. I appreciate the ones who take the time to look at other candidates to know I am the best person for the position.
My last family took a couple of weeks to do interviews. They were new parents and wanted to make sure they were getting a good fit for the family, not just someone who was available and looked good on paper.
I also think parents realize you are looking at other families, that is why you are interviewing. I don't think it really needs to be said that you have other offers. You will make the choice when you are ready.
I'm also glad I haven't been offered positions on the spot. Especially when they were families I had no interest in working for after I met them. It is very awkward. Like when a guy asks you out for another date when you are on a bad date.

If a family really wants you a 100% the get back to you right away.

Anytime over a week maybe 2 and you are the 2nd choice.


If you actually have job offers I think it's ok to mention that and give a time frame.

Don't mention it just to mention it.

I have been offered every position I interviewed for. Each time the family told me writhing a day or two. Many hired me on the spot, one asked me to call them right away if I needed to make a quick decision because they wanted to finish interviews that weekend. None has taken a month. Not saying it is not possible, just that when a family is excited about you then they tend to act fast. FYI I provide an updated background check so the hiring process can move faster.

Anonymous wrote:I've gotten all my offers same day or the following day. My experience is if they don't jump at you within the first 24 hrs, they aren't going to. If they have to think about it or continue interviewing other people then there was something about you or if it's a share, something about the other family or the timing, location or whatever, that gave them pause and made them wonder if they could find a better match. A sign they won't pursue you is if they don't respond to your email (whether you email your reference contact info, resume, ask a question etc) right away (same day.)

I disagree, I really think it just depends on the family, where they are in their interview process and how much time they have before they need a nanny to start. I've gotten offers immediately and a month after interviewing. Some families move very very slowly through the interview and trial process. I personally wouldn't tell a family at the end of an interview that you have other offers as it can make them nervous. A simple confirmation that you are truly interested in the position and even asking them where they are in the process is okay.

I've gotten all my offers same day or the following day. My experience is if they don't jump at you within the first 24 hrs, they aren't going to. If they have to think about it or continue interviewing other people then there was something about you or if it's a share, something about the other family or the timing, location or whatever, that gave them pause and made them wonder if they could find a better match. A sign they won't pursue you is if they don't respond to your email (whether you email your reference contact info, resume, ask a question etc) right away (same day.)

Fair enough. You did ask for opinions, though, not for affirmation. Best of luck!

Op here. I've said the before and got all 3 offer and all my employers were happy with me. One of the moms asked me how do I go about selecting my family. She said " since you have other offers, how do you go about choosing them".

I've worked for attorneys and they all complimented me on my professionalism in interviews and being upfront. Two of my employers were owning partners of their firms so that was a huge compliment to me.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They appreciate your honesty in that they won't waste their time pursuing you further. No one, private family or business, wants to be told they're a candidate's second or third choice. They want an employee who is excited to work for them, not someone who is looking for something better. I hate to say it, but I think you shot yourself in the foot.

Very well said pp.

Op I've been in your shoes and lost out on jobs because I was honest. I have learned to keep my mouth shut.

I have to agree with this. I understand that you were just trying to tell them that you couldn't wait around for an offer, but what they heard was that they might end up in a bidding war for you with another family (or that you were trying to manufacture one), or that they had to choose you and forego other interviews as well as possibly asking for a trial day, doing all of their background checking, etc.. They may have felt rushed.

Anonymous wrote:They appreciate your honesty in that they won't waste their time pursuing you further. No one, private family or business, wants to be told they're a candidate's second or third choice. They want an employee who is excited to work for them, not someone who is looking for something better. I hate to say it, but I think you shot yourself in the foot.

Very well said pp.

Op I've been in your shoes and lost out on jobs because I was honest. I have learned to keep my mouth shut.

How is OP telling then they are second or third choice? She is merely letting them know she is entertaining other offers. My nanny did the same and we hired her. We didnt feel we were her " second or third choice". We felt we were her first be because she chose our offer.

Coming from an MB. OP you were right and didnt shoot yourself in the foot. PP has no clue what she is speaking on.

They appreciate your honesty in that they won't waste their time pursuing you further. No one, private family or business, wants to be told they're a candidate's second or third choice. They want an employee who is excited to work for them, not someone who is looking for something better. I hate to say it, but I think you shot yourself in the foot.

Anonymous wrote:Don't tell the families you interview with that you have another offer.

Why not? I'm being honest and letting them know my timeline. Most parents have appreciated my honesty with that.

Don't tell the families you interview with that you have another offer.

I am a fairly new nanny and have received all my offers within 72 hours of my interview. My last position ended and I'm having a little bit of a rough time finding a nanny family that I like. For two families that I've interviewed with yesterday and today, I told them I have another offer ( I do but for like he family) and I will need to make a decision by a certain date. Basically to let them know where I am. Both have said " that's helpful and we really liked you". They gave me a few compliments and then said " We have a few more candidates to interview but will get back to you". My question is done that mean they don't like me or are they just being thorough? I figured if a family likes a nanny, they would give an offer right away and either forgo other interviews. That's basically what happened in all of my 3 other jobs. They liked me and gave me notice within 48 hours ( we were in contact almost immediately after interview) and canceled other later interviews.

So is this a bad sign or normal?