A Nanny's References are Everything 

If you want to be a successful nanny, make sure your references are impeccable.

• Paid Childcare references are the best.  If you have babysat for the same family(s) over the years, include these references.

• Include the reason why you left their employ so that your future employer does not have unanswered questions.

• Paid employment of any kind can show that you are a reliable, dependable person with a good head on her shoulders.  Include references from jobs you have held for over one year.

• Make sure your references know that you are using them and that you are actively looking for a job.  Your references need to know they should expect calls and emphasize to them the importance of their reference.

Here are some suggestions we offer parents use when questioning references.  Will your references be able to answer questions about you?

Parents, make sure this person did actually employ your candidate.  Find out for how long and for how many children and what are there ages (if she was a nanny). Ask why she left their employ.  Before you call you should do the following: Think of what is important to you in a Nanny.  If reading to your child and taking him on fun outings are important, ask the employer if she did these things for her kids.  If cleaning up after them and following her employer's instructions are important to you, ask if she did this.  It's best to just write down everything you are looking for in a Nanny and then form your questions accordingly.  Be aware that most former employers feel responsible for their Nanny's unemployment and may be reluctant to offer negative information.  You may have to read between the lines and point out any hesitation they are showing. "You sound hesitant, is there something I should know about Mary?"