Thursday, October 21, 2010

Safety Concerns Using Nanny Web Sites

Use Precaution When Finding Nanny Jobs Online

The Be the Best Nanny Newsletter October 2010 survey shows that more nannies are using nanny web sites to find jobs than any other method. While nanny web sites are an extremely convenient, inexpensive, and efficient way to help nannies find great jobs you must use caution when using web sites to find jobs.

When using a nanny web site no one has pre-screened the parents posting jobs online. Anyone can post a job on a nanny web site and it's easy for the poster to lie.

The very first thing you should do before signing up with a nanny web site is to create a new email address to use specifically for looking for nanny jobs. Use this email address that doesn't publish your contact information anywhere else online.

Never post your phone number for potential employers online. Only share phone numbers once you are certain you are interested in meeting the family. Phone numbers can easily be used to find your address by using a reverse phone directory.

Choose what you publish wisely. Do not divulge private details about yourself online. The information that you must include in your profile should contain your detailed work history but do not include phone numbers or names of former employers for the general public to read.

Check the family's references (a former nanny or babysitter) and google their name before arranging an in-person interview.

For your first meeting with a potential employer always meet in a public place. Always inform a family member or friend when you plan to attend an interview you have met online. Provide details about the venue and the time of the interview. That way you can be easily found in cases of emergencies and accidents.

If you follow these simple safety precautions when using nanny web sites to find nanny jobs, you can initiate contacts via email and only talk to the families that appeal to you.

Tomorrow: How to Avoid Nanny Scams Online

3 comments:

Diane said...

I notice a lot of bait and switch situations where web sites and nanny agencies post fake jobs even right on their agency web sites that aren't available. The same job may be posted for months and months and now even years. Isn't that being a con or scam too?

Anonymous said...

I have never checked references on a family more than googling their names. Great idea. Are parents offended when asking for reference of former babysitter or nanny?
Kamla

Yossi Pinkas said...

As a parent and having employed several nannies in the past, I wouldn't be offended when being asked for references of a former nanny, and think this is an excellent idea. The more both parents and nannies know about each other, the greater the chances are for a successful match.