6.5 Safety Tips: Vancouver Nanny Job Search

Whether you are answering an ad on Craigslist, on a local newspaper website or through one of the big nanny recruiting sites you need to be cautious and smart. Just think of it this way, if you were answering a personal ad for a potential date, would your first meeting be at his house? NEVER! The same should hold true for a first time meeting with an employer. Here are more common sense tips for safely using the internet to find a nanny or babysitting job.

*** A telephone interview is your first screening. Treat the interview - not just for the family to know a little bit about you, but for you to know them. Ask for references - if they have hired before ask to speak to previous nanny or babysitter.
If reading the ad, seems strange -- vague, and lack the genuine feel of need - lack information on childcare needs - don't go on the interview.

1. Read the ad carefully. If it seems strange - vague - lack the genuine feel of need - lack information on childcare needs - MOVE ON....
2. Stay away from services that are completely free to families. Online nanny databases that charge a subscription fee and monitor their subscribers will help weed out the less scrupulous.
3. If you had posted the want ad, and the responder seems to have answered the wrong ad, don't reply. They just want your contact info. Families who are seriously searching for a nanny do not make these mistakes. Be choosy about who gets your phone number. It only takes seconds to do a reverse search.
4. The location of the nanny job - if it sounds strange, don’t go on the interview. Trust your gut.
5. Do a reverse check on http://www.canada411.ca/ both for addresses and telephone numbers. Verify the name and phone number/address match.
6. If the family is a two parent household and you have only dealt with Dad, ask to speak with Mom. If there are excuses for her absence, do not pursue the job any further.
   If you are meeting only a “father”, request that the children be present. Ask a friend to accompany you to the nanny interview and have them wait in the car.

6.5 Keep track of what the family has told you in previous conversations and make sure their answers are consistent.

EL APOSTOL -Centre Director www.a-procare.com