There are an amazing range of options available to
nannies now when they are seeking a new position.
Many revolve around the internet,
like TACON's new Agency Job Board !
The range of options include -
Finding a position on your own
* word of mouth / referral from a friend or employer
* in the newspaper
* local noticeboard
* Internet classified
With assistance
* a referral agency
* a placement agency
Whichever option you choose, always aware of your s
afety and your rights.
Before you make contact with clients or agencies,
ensure you have a clear picture of your expectations
and a understanding of your worth in the nanny sector.
e.g. What hours are you prepared to work, are there
any limitations on this due to study, other work or
family commitments?
What wage do you require to live comfortably and
meet your responsibilities?
What skills, serivces and experieince can you offer
families?
Regarding duties, what areas are your prepared to
be flexible on and what cannot be compromised?
What locations are you prepared to travel to?
What is your expectation of commitment, how long
are you prepared to commit to a family?
Word Of Mouth
Often babysitting jobs can lead to permanent
arrangements, either with the family you are caring
for or someone they know. This is one good reason
for always behaving professionally.
Sometimes a nanny friend may let you know of a job
vacancy.
However you hear about a position, always go through
a thorough process before taking on a position.
Be consistent - ask for a job outline, employment
agreement and make sure you have superannuation
paid or included in your rate.
Direct Parent Ads
Answering a direct parent ad can be a wonderful
experience, you never can be sure who is going to
answer the phone. I have met many high profile
clients this way, they were great positions to work
in and I was treated very well.
On the other hand, you may end up with the
family from hell.
To disern the difference of the two answer the parents
first batch of questions politely, most will have a list.
when they have finished, ask yours. If they avoid
answering directly, be a little wary of them. When
parents are not up front about hours and wages at
this stage, their behaviour may lead to problems later.
Have a list of your own questions to ask - hours, wage,
permanency, holidays, superannuation, sick leave,
children ages, established routines, favourite places
to go, children's interests, what is the parents
expectation for the length of employment, preferred
child management techniques, food expectations
and housework.
If the hours do not suit you or the wages are not
enough to meet your needs, explain that you do not
fit their profile and thank them for their time.
It's much better to wait for a position which suits you.
To meet parents, look out for local noticeboards
in the community - libraries, baby clinics, toy libraries
and community boards.
Paper advertising is still common. Keep an eye out in
the Situations Vacant and Positions Vacant classifieds,
with Saturday being the most popular.
I have been amazed at how many new nanny
classified services there are on the net.
The two originals - Nannies 'N' Nippers and Find A
Babysitter are still two of the best.
There is a great range of information available from
them and have been established for sometime.
You will find a list of most of these new services in
TACON's Links. (Employment - Finding Positions)
Internet classifieds will put you in direct contact with
parents. Make sure you are prepared, have your list of
questions to ask parents when they have finished
asking you theirs. Many a time a nanny will arrive
at an interview knowing little about the family, then
discover the position wasn't what they had expected.
Save yourself and the family some time and ask your
basic questions on the phone.
AGENCIES
The next option is using an agency.
There are two types of agencies - referral or placement.
TACON is launching a fantastic new service to make
finding jobs through agencies much easier -
just check our board for details.
Jobs will be updated twice daily - 2pm and 8pm.
TACON's AGENCY JOB BOARD
Referral Agencies do just that - refer you onto clients
and if the placement is filled, they get paid. That's
usually the end of your contact.
Placement Agencies will refer you to positions, make
sure you settle in and provide back up support and
resources, sometimes throughout your position.
When you contact an agency, they will often want
you to come in for an interview, prior to telling you
what positions they have available.
Be prepared for your first contact.
If you find talking on the phone unnerving,
write out a list of your experience, age groups,
routines, qualifications, expectations for the next job.
Agencies can be a great source, cutting down the
number of families you need to contact, hopefully
they will have your best interest at heart.
Look for an agency - which returns your phone calls,
treats you with respect and is honest eith you
(if they haven't referred you for a position in two
weeks, it's not likely that they will).
Many agencies have a website and often have an
application form to fill in.
Please print off a copy and fill it in by hand first or
type out your answers in a word document.
This way you can keep the information on file,
making it easier to apply through a number of agenices
without having to write out many answers.
Just Copy and Paste.
Thoroughy revise your answers before sending -
this is your first impression and it's extremely important
that you get it right the first time.
Check all spelling and grammar before sending.
Follow up with another email the following afternoon
to ensure they have received your application, request
that they respond to this email. If they do not,
make a call if your preference is to work with this agency.
A lack of response can simply mean your email did not
make it through cyberspace. Be clear as to when you
would like to begin work.
When you meet parents or consultants, make sure
you have copies of your CV, References, with current
contact details, copies of your First Aid Certificate,
Qualifications, Drivers Licence, Drivers History Report
from the RTA and Working With Children Check
Declaration, signed and dated.
Good Luck in your job hunting. . . .
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