You have a lot to think about when deciding to conduct a nanny job search. Lots of questions and fears can arise when looking for a new job, and these are perfectly normal. It’s a good idea to take some time to think and make sure you start your nanny job search in the best possible way. When you do accept a new position, you’ll know both you and your employer will be happy.
Here are Polo & Tweed’s top things you should ask yourself when applying for a new nanny role.
Will I Get Along With the New Family?
It can be difficult to tell if you will fit into working for a new family from just a short meeting or interview. Therefore it’s often a good idea to organise a short paid trial period. This will enable you to get a sense of the family you will be working for, and vice versa. A trial period gives both parties the option to pull out if things don’t feel like a good fit.
Use this time to think carefully about the whole situation: is it going to work for you long term? If you have holiday available that you can take from your current position, you won’t need to leave your job just to complete a trial for another family.
Will I Have a Contract?
Starting a new role as a nanny? Always ask your employer for a contract! #smart Click To Tweet
It is a good idea to ask for a contract before you start full time employment, so that you know what’s expected of you, and what you should expect from your employer. The contract should include a full job description, wages, benefits, holidays and when you should be available to work. A good agency will help negotiate this and work on your behalf to get the best deal for you.
Are Things Moving Too Fast?
For those who are new to the nanny job search arena, it can often seem that things are moving very fast. A family may interview you one day and be trialling you the next. This is perfectly normal and you shouldn’t worry. However, make sure you maintain your own integrity and take the time to think carefully about the position you are being offered.
Will I Be Safe?
Make sure you do your own research as part of your nanny job search and trust your instincts. You could look up your prospective employer online, but remember not everything on the internet is necessarily true. If you find something which concerns you, give your prospective employer a chance to offer an explanation, so that you can make an informed decision.
Do I Have to Give My Notice in Before I Can Apply for a New Job?
You don’t need to have given in your notice to complete a nanny job search, but you should be clear as to what the length of your current notice period is. You should also make your prospective employer aware of your notice period so that they are able to plan appropriately and know when you can be expected to start.
When you conduct a nanny job search, it’s a good idea to know what you want from a new position. That way a good agency can work with you to achieve it. They will be able to guide you through the whole process and answer any questions you may have. If you’d like to register with us here at Polo & Tweed, why not get in touch today?