The Australian Consortium Of Nannies - TACON

Rewarding Resumes

There are many ways to present your past work history to potential
employers and placement consultants.

As a nanny consultant, I have seen some that were a few written
references - crumpled and coffee stained - passed over my desk, to
a virtual encyclopedia including references, certificates, photo's, dreams
and aspirations, all lovingly mounted and presented. In seven years I had
my agency, I was handed two videos with lengthy resumes, showing
activities with their charges.

Something in between the two extremes is sufficient.

PRESENTATION
A slip page folder works well to present your resume, as you can change
the pages easily as required. Also, references are removed easily for
copying. I have seen a beautiful old style photo album presentation,
which is great if you only go for a job every four to five years, it was
more a memory book than a resume.

When you first sit down to create you 'book' separate the information
into piles of references, certificates and have a pad and pen ready.
Keep one colour, theme or style through the whole book for continuity.
Up date the presentation every two years to keep it fresh.

First comes your title page with your name, this is the place to let your
personality show. Much loved photo's of you with the children, favourite
paintings/ pictures which move you, or just your name in a beautiful
script and border. Any photos you include must present yourself as a
professional, which means you leave out the bikini shot, even if your
charges are in it and you were at work!

Next comes the CV pages. Two pages is sufficient, if you go on for more
than this you can lose readers attention and they miss important information.

Keep in mind parents and consultants will be looking for -

• The type of childcare experience you have had
  (Ages, specialties, location, commitment etc)
• Training related to childcare and if it is current.
• References - temperament, initiative, reliable etc.
• Interests - Partner commitments/personal life, hobbies,
  your lifestyle outside work, etc.
• Health Status
• Samples of activities with families
• Your future plans

CV CONTENT
Start with your personal details -

• name
• age
• date of birth
• contacts
• phone
• mobile
• fax
• email
• address

Then outline briefly your work and study history over the past ten years,
working back from the present. If the positions listed are not child related,
list the skills you used and learnt which make you a good nanny.

If you have only a few years of work under your belt (or none), start with
the most recent jobs, include study and any activity you have done since
you were 15/16 years old where you demonstrated leadership,
responsibility and initiative.

For each job entry list

• the month and year of employment start and finish dates
• Name of Family
• Age of Children at start date
• Fulltime / part time/ casual
• Reason for leaving
• Reference contact name and number

Once you have all your job info included, then file your qualifications
and certificates.

Start with your First Aid, the Drivers History Report, Blue Card (or equivalent),
Child Development Qualifications and other certificates.

Make sure your folder is clean and in good order.

If you require any assistance in putting together a winning CV, please email [email protected]

Nanny Employment Agreement

Nanny Employment Agreements are becoming more and more
popular, as users discover how much they can really assist
in nanny/family relationships.

• They make it easy to discuss the sometimes
  uncomfortable topics.
• Agreements mean all issues are clear and concise
• When it comes time to renegotiate wages and
  conditions, time frames cannot be muddled.
• Duties and expectations cannot be blurred.
• Reinforces a nanny's role and worth.

This sample agreement is based on one I found years ago.
Please note the superannuation and wages details are out of date!

Employment Agreement.

Date:18 September 1997

Statement of Conditions Of Employment

Name of Employer - J & D Bottle

Name of Employee - Annie Shrant

Date of Commencement of Employment - 21 September 1997

Childcare Rebate Scheme Provider No - 29603

Previous service (if any) counting towards continuous
employment - 20 January 1997 to present.

Job Title - Live in Nanny

Duties - Sole Charge Care of Alex and Daniel. Driving to activities,
creating activities, prepare all meals, bathing. Informing parents on
a daily basis of the day's routine in the Nanny Diary. House Duties
include washing and ironing for the children,
daily tidy including vacuum.

Wages - Gross Weekly $720 Net Weekly $536.25.
The employer will provide weekly payslips. Wages will be deposited
into the employee's bank account every Thursday. The employee
will provide monthly Child Care Rebate receipts. The employer will
pay superannuation at 6% of gross wage to fund of employee's
choosing. The wage will be reviewed on 18 February 1998.

Hours of Work. In this occupation definite hours are difficult
to define. However, the employee's basic hours are 8am - 5.30 pm
Monday to Friday. These hours may only be changed by mutual
agreement and the employee will be compensated for the extra
time workerd at a rate of $12 hour. ($3 per 15 minutes)
Both parties agree to notify each other by phone if they are delayed.

Holidays - The employee will be allowed four weeks annual leave
paid in each year. Two weeks will be taken during the family's
holiday and two weeks of the employee's choosing. The employee
agrees to give one month's notice of their preferred holiday period.

In the first or final year of service the employee will be entitled
to holidays on a prorata basis. (One week for every three months
worked)The employee is also entitled to public holidays off, with pay.

Sick Leave - The employee will be paid for eight sick days
per year, at the rate of 1 day per six weeks worked. Additional
sick pay may be granted at the discretion of the employer
if the illness is child related. The employee will be paid pro rata
for sick leave not taken at the end of the year.

Insurance - The employer will hold a Public Liability policy in
relation to the employee. The employee shall hold a Nanny
Insurance Policy in relation to this position.

Confidentiality - It is a condition of employment that now
and at all times in the future, that (save as may be lawfully
required) the employee shall keep the affairs and concerns
of the household and it's transactions and business confidential.
The employer also agrees to keep all details relating to the
employed nanny confidential (save as may be lawfully required).

Termination - In the first weeks of employment, one weeks
notice is required by either party. After four weeks of continuous
service, either the employee or employer may terminate this
contract by giving four weeks notice. If the employer wishes
to terminate the contract immediately, the employee is entitled
to two weeks pay and additional sick leave owing. Should the
employee be found to have injured a child or put them at risk
and is charged by the authorities, the employee will be instantly
dismissed without advance pay - payment will be restricted to
sick leave and holiday pay owed to the point of dismissal.

I have read and agree to abide by the guidelines set out
in this agreement and will not vary the employee's duties
or conditions without first discussing them with the employee.
Employers Signatures...............................       ..........................................

I have read and agree to abide by the guideleines as stated
in this agreement and will not alter my duties without first
discussing them with the employer.
Employee's Signature ........................................

Additional topics to include are

• Phone use
• Car use
• Visitors
• Playgroups
• Restrictions on outings
• Development Assessments
• Weekend and evening expectations if livein
• Additional babysitting rates
• First Aid Status
• Further training expected

There are many other agreements on the internet,
we will have a few more here for you in the coming months.

I have always found to keep it simple, allows for flexibility.

Any queries, please email me at [email protected]

Finding a Nanny Position

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. . . .

So you want to be a nanny . . .

The turnover for new nannies can be quite high, as in
any service industry, as the expectations can differ
dramatically to the reality of the job.
It makes sense to know a little more about what
you are getting into!

Firstly, at the moment anybody who can pass a
Working With Children Check can be a nanny.
There are no legal requirements relating to nanny
employment, apart from the WWCC.
It is the responsibility of NSW placement/referral
agencies and employing parents to ensure applicants
undergo this screening.

From here, let me tell you a little more
about a nanny's day.

It is not enough just to 'love working with kids'.
The position entails so much more.

On arrival, you may be rousing children out of bed
and assisting parents with getting out the door
(finding keys, computers, phones etc).
Then it's off for a nutritional breakfast, which you
usually prepare and general clean up in the kitchen
area. This may entail clearing the parents dishes from
breakfast and even from the night before.
If the mess is annoying, make a list to discuss with
the parents.
Discuss the days activities and any extra items the
parents would like collected, remind parents of any
necessary information and check the Nanny Diary/
Communication Board for any additions/changes.
Prepare lunches and snacks, prepare school aged
children for their day and pack a bag for any outings
for younger children - ensuring you include drinks,
food, emergency extras, sunscreen, first aid kit,
parents contacts, nappies and all that entails,
clean up wipes/washers etc.
A quick run through the house, which includes a
general tidy up in every room, put on loads of
washing, retrieve clothing and toys from nooks and
crannies (under beds, behind lounges etc).
Pack dishwasher and check for danger items.

Whatever the activity on the schedule, sleep times,
moods and milestones must be taken into consideration.
Generally, returning to the house by lunch for sleeps.

Help the children dress and prepare any for school.
Then it's out the door for school or an activity.
When you take children to an activity you join in, a
professional nanny does not stand in the side lines
unless it's a tutorial type lesson (dance/swimmng lessons etc).
Things like Kindergym, playgroups, music and library
sessions require interaction / guidance / support from
the nanny. Playing in the park does not mean sitting
down doing nothing for the whole visit, you climb
slippery dips, push on the swings (at least 10 times!)
climb forts and generally join in the fun.

When you return home, it's hang out the washing,
get kids changed and ready for sleeps if age appropriate.
More drinks and snacks. Off for a rest / nap.
Don't think you get to put your feet up - 15 - 20
minutes if you haven't had your own lunch yet - then
it's into the housework, many nannies leave the
vacuuming until the kids are up again, it depends
on your house set up and routines.

Some days will be spent at home all day. The children
may have a friend over to play, or just have a quiet
day at home. Some parents actually prefer for their
children not to leave the house, this should be discussed
at interview.

If you have plans for craft or another activity,
get everything ready.

If you have any spare time, this means it's time to go
through the children's wardrobes and remove any items
which are too small. Get down the 'next box' and go
through any clothes which may need laundering before
being transfered to the wardrobe for current use. Also
repair any items requiring a stitch or button etc.

If the children's clothes are up to date, check the
kitchen, go throughout he fridge, which really needs
a once over every week, if not every day.
Then check the pantry.

Another area which is the nannies responsibility is
the toy cupboard. After a busy weekend, it may be
a shamozzle, so sorting out toys every Monday may
become part of your regular routine. Toys need a
regular clean too, especially if there has been an
illness in the household.

The laundry cupboard can be hiding some odd items,
used boxes etc. Sort out what is being used and
wipe out the cupboard.

Sleep times are a good time to get ahead on the
cooking, make up a few serves of spaghetti Bolognaise',
stews, etc and freeze them.

When the kids get up, freshen them up and offer
drinks and snacks after a cuddle.

They may have an idea of what they want to do,
or you can suggest something. Reading, drawing,
singing, dancing, dress ups, craft, cooking, gardening,
sand play, ball play, toys etc will all regularly be on
the agenda.

Dinner needs preparation, which the children may
assist with. Any older children will need to be collected
from Preschool/Primary School. A visit to the park
can help burn off any extra energy.

On returning home, quiet play before dinner, serve
up a nutritiously prepared meal, then baths and
story time.

A quick walk around the house to tidy up before
parents arrive and when they do, stand back and
allow for greetings, then communicate any
important information.

Then you knock off.

An average nanny works a 10 hour day.
The wage for beginners is anything from $12 - 14 hour.
If you have childcare training, you can expect the $14 -
but it all really depends on what the parents can afford.
When you have two years experience, the wage goes up.

As the industry has few regulations or government
reccomendations, the industry is ruled by market
expectations.

In addition to the Working with Children Check,
parents generally expect applicants to have

• A First Aid Certificate
• A Drivers History Report
• Childcare Qualifications
• Two years experience
• A drivers licence and often your own vehicle.

If you don't have any of the above, start with your
First Aid Certificate and then get some more
experience through babysitting.

Things professional nannies don't do are ~

Watch TV soapies at work

Go on regular shopping trips

Ignore children

Hang out at Coffee Shops

Atend playdays / playgroups etc and spend their time
talking to the other adults through the majority of
the session.

If you have any questions about becoming a nanny,
please contact TACON directly, either through email
or phone. We are more than happy to offer individual
information.

If you would like to take the next step, be sure to
read the articles on Rewarding Resumes, Nanny Diaries,
Influential Interivews, Looking After Yourself and
Nanny Playgroups.

Be sure to sign up for any additional articles to be
delivered directly to you!

Good Luck and I hope to see you in the playground soon!