Anonymous wrote:I don't think many nannies know how to look at the total package (i.e. hours, total weekly salary, stability, flexibility, downtime).
They are too fixated on hourly rate and nickel & diming for food, gas and other comp. Also too fixated on comparing with their catty friend's wage rate for an entirely different nanny situation.
Best they move on to posting to DCUM and daydreaming about getting a job.

You're fixated on taking advantage of people. Sad.

I don't think many nannies know how to look at the total package (i.e. hours, total weekly salary, stability, flexibility, downtime).
They are too fixated on hourly rate and nickel & diming for food, gas and other comp. Also too fixated on comparing with their catty friend's wage rate for an entirely different nanny situation.
Best they move on to posting to DCUM and daydreaming about getting a job.

I agree.. Don't waste my time.. be up front and let me know..

Anonymous wrote:I state the rate, along with a detailed description of the job. I am not willing to negotiate that rate (it says "firm" in the ad, too), however, so I do wish nannies who aren't happy with it wouldn't apply and waste my time, either.

Don't worry good nannies wouldn't apply and waste your time if you give detail on how much you are offering.

Anonymous wrote:Not interested in playing coy . State the pay you are offering. Failure to do so makes you seem like flakes that can't afford a nanny.

Not sure what you are talking about, every job is different, why wouldn't you take the time to understand what they need first?

I love it when nannies give some figure based on a 35 hour a week part-time gig when I am offering a 50 hour a week long-term job. Oh, and being totally inflexible with tidying, cleaning or cooking during downtime (kids in preschool in AM, 2 hour nap time in PM). Or comparing one totally different job to the job I am offering.

I'm imagine that over 50% of potential job searches end prematurely by a nanny overplaying her hand.

Agree with all of the above, but when nannies ask in initial phone conversations what I am going to pay, before asking any questions about the children, nature of the job, etc, it is very off putting.

I do give the rate - either very specifically or with a small range and "based on experience" language.

My corollary to your aggravation is applicants who fail to read the specifics in my ad and apply to a job for which they are clearly not qualified or stating rates that are clearly not what I'm offering.

People are often sloppy on all sides of the job search process. I don't get it.

You could equally state your requirements. I find it better to leave the salary conversation to a second meeting, unless the nanny brings it up. If she did, I would have no problem indicating what we can afford.

I state the rate, along with a detailed description of the job. I am not willing to negotiate that rate (it says "firm" in the ad, too), however, so I do wish nannies who aren't happy with it wouldn't apply and waste my time, either.

I don't apply to jobs that don't state the rate. I assume they're going to try and screw me and pay $10/hr.

I think it is very considerate & important to discuss rate over the phone before having a potential Nanny drive across town to your home.

Before meeting, both sides should be on the same page regarding pay.

Otherwise a lot of time gets wasted.

I have always had potential employers give their price range before a first in person interview.

I have no idea. I'm an MB and i stated rate and the number of guaranteed hours over the phone to not waste time.

I agree, or let the nannies know over phone interview.

Not interested in playing coy . State the pay you are offering. Failure to do so makes you seem like flakes that can't afford a nanny.