Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honest question: in 2019 do reference letters mean anything? References matter, of course, but the old “to whom it may concern” letter?

No, they don't. The OP of this thread just likes to dredge it up every few months to prove some antiquated, unknown point.

Before I interview, my agency sends out my full packet, including all reference letters and NDA (blank or with names blacked out, depending on the family) if a family can’t give a reference. The family only gets to contact my former employer AFTER the interview, if I think we fit. My reference letters serve as a potential employer’s starting point, both for asking me questions, then later for calling my former employers. It’s not a substitute for a call, but it’s impossible to tell me how much it helps me.

Anonymous wrote:Honest question: in 2019 do reference letters mean anything? References matter, of course, but the old “to whom it may concern” letter?

No, they don't. The OP of this thread just likes to dredge it up every few months to prove some antiquated, unknown point.

I would leave any job that might not be happy to provide a well written totally truthful reference letter. I expect my hard work to be documented by any employer.

Why waste a whole year with unreliable, irresponsible employers? Just move on.

Honest question: in 2019 do reference letters mean anything? References matter, of course, but the old “to whom it may concern” letter?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Nannies must insist on regular reference letters at least every six months, if not every three months. You never know how your trusted family will suddenly turn evil and vindictive when you give notice. If they seem hesitant, there's your red flag. RUN!

I would not renew for a second year without first getting a reference letter.

This.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How funny this board is. In what other job does anyone get this? I would view it as red flag and never hire someone with demand.

In what other job do you get vindictive parents having temper tantrums when a good nanny is ready to move on? I would view you as another insecure parent and a major red flag. Problem solved, thank you.

Sad, but true.

Some people seem to not understand how reference letters get used: they are similar to resumes in that a good employer often wants them to scan your work history and use it to a) make sure you clear a minimum bar and b) Use as a starting point for further discussion with candidates they are serious about. However, this is almost always followed up with a reference call, to verify the letter’s authenticity, if nothing else. When a nanny has a great reference letter, I will skip most of the basic questions with previous employers to probe whether she was competent and ask more about personal style, any weaknesses and how best to work with the person.

There are of course some employers who may accept the letter as is with no further questions. But the best employers will carefully vet for the most qualified or best fit nanny,just as the best nannies will carefully vet potential jobs.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Nannies must insist on regular reference letters at least every six months, if not every three months. You never know how your trusted family will suddenly turn evil and vindictive when you give notice. If they seem hesitant, there's your red flag. RUN!

I would not renew for a second year without first getting a reference letter.

I have to agree. You want to be sure your employer is very happy with the quality of your work. Get it in writing... or get a new job and start over.

Anonymous wrote:Nannies must insist on regular reference letters at least every six months, if not every three months. You never know how your trusted family will suddenly turn evil and vindictive when you give notice. If they seem hesitant, there's your red flag. RUN!

I would not renew for a second year without first getting a reference letter.

As an employer, I don’t give a lot of weight to reference letters. They could be fake. I want to speak to the reference. If all you have is a 6 month old reference and I can’t talk to your employer, well, I’m going to hire one of the zillion other candidates out there.