Hiring a caregiver for your child is a complex process that starts with the nanny job description. If you’re too vague, you might get a large number of applicants, but you’ll waste time weeding them out during the interviews. If you’re too rigid, you might miss out on the perfect candidate. Strike a balance and save time by following these tips for writing the perfect nanny job description.
1. Clarify The Necessary Qualifications
Many people say that patience is the primary qualification that they seek in a nanny. However, kindness, experience, education, dependability, excellent references and hands-on experience are also important.
If you have specific requirements for your caregiver’s qualifications, make them known in the nanny job description. If you are willing to provide necessary training if the nanny lacks certain credentials, specify that too.
2. Offer A Competitive Rate
If your rates are much lower than average for your area, you might not get any applicants. Exorbitantly high rates might also entice the wrong person. If you’re not clear about your rate, you might go through the entire application process only to be disappointed in the end.
You need to compensate your nanny adequately for the job. A nanny that has more responsibilities should be paid more than a nanny who is allowed to watch TV in your home while she waits for the kids to wake up.
Make sure that the rate that you offer matches the nanny job description. The rate should also be appropriate for your neighborhood.
3. List The Duties Realistically
Every parent has secret hopes of finding Mary Poppins. If you want your house to be immaculate every time you get home from work, you need to make sure that your nanny understands that.
Leaving room for ambiguity can lead to unfulfilled expectations and uncomfortable conversations down the road. Make sure that you are realistic when listing the duties that you want your nanny to perform.
Although there is a domestic element to every nanny position, many caregivers don’t want to be seen as housekeepers. Your nanny should be amenable to doing chores that are associated with the children.
Preparing meals that will be eaten by the kids, getting the children dressed, bathing and cleaning up after the little ones are realistic duties. Buying household groceries, getting your dinner ready and doing your laundry may not be appropriate chores. However, if you are willing to compensate your nanny for completing those tasks, specify that in the nanny job description.
4. Details, Details, Details
Some nannies are better suited for certain environments. Make sure that you list all the details about your conditions in the job description, including:
• Number of children
• Schedules and requirements for picking them up and dropping them off
• Hours
• Benefits offered
5. No Compromises
Before you write the job description, think about the elements on which you’re not willing to compromise. Many parents are willing to be flexible with certain requirements if they find a candidate that shines in the most important categories.
If you cannot accommodate certain requests or activities, let your candidates know. You can also discuss those on a case-by-case basis during the interviews.