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2torial #0819:
Learn2 Find and Hire a Nanny (Continued)
 Check references
Don't underestimate the importance of this step.
It might make you uncomfortable at first, but you
might find out something that could have a huge
impact on your choice. Some employers do not like
giving references and some even have a policy
against it, but many will give you the information
you want, especially if you tell them that you are
not from a company, but are parents interviewing a
nanny. Try not to ask "yes" and "no" questions! You
want to get the former employer to say as much as
possible.
Ask:
- What were the employee's responsibilities?
- What are the employee's strengths? (Look for
traits like: responsible, dependable,
energetic.)
- Would you say that the employee has any
weaknesses? (The most common negative thing that
many former employers will warn you about is
lateness or excessive absences. Think very
carefully about such an applicant, as many
continue such patterns from job to job.)
- Was the employee often out sick? Late?
- Why did the employee leave? If you're
speaking with a family for whom the candidate
provided child care, ask some specific
questions:
- What kind of activities did they do with
your children?
- How old were your children then?
- Were there any problems that I should know
about?
- Would you hire the applicant again?
 Step
5
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