Can you hire a nanny through an agency?
Many families lead busy lives and are seeking personalized childcare solutions to meet their needs.
Hiring a nanny is often an attractive option for parents looking for flexible, one-on-one care for their children. However, finding the right nanny can be a daunting task, and it is not unusual to hear stories of difficulties in recruiting and employing high-caliber nannies.
One popular option is using the services of a nanny agency offering professional assistance in connecting families with qualified candidates. But is working with an agency the right route to take? Here are some of the pros and cons of this approach to help ensure you can make an informed decision.
How do you recruit a nanny?
When recruiting a nanny, start by defining your requirements, such as the hours needed, specific duties, and any special skills (like driving or tutoring) that are essential. This will help you create a detailed job description to share with potential candidates.
Nanny positions can be advertised through various platforms, including online job boards, parenting forums, and social media, as well as through specialist nanny recruitment agencies. Some nannies are also recruited directly through word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and acquaintances, so there are lots of methods to consider.
Once you start receiving applications, you will need to carefully review resumes and conduct initial phone interviews to narrow down your choices.
In-person interviews and family meetings can then help you to assess the candidates' compatibility with your family dynamics.
It is also essential to verify references and perform background checks to ensure the safety and reliability of your chosen nanny.
Can you hire a nanny through an agency?
If the process of hiring a nanny feels quite daunting and time-consuming, hiring a nanny through an agency is a popular and often advantageous option for many families.
A reputable nanny agency will find and vet potential candidates, conduct background checks, verify references, and carry out initial interviews, all saving significant time and effort for families seeking a nanny.
Using an agency also provides families with access to a wider pool of qualified candidates, and as such, a higher quality of candidate overall.
When it comes to agreeing terms and finalizing an offer to the perfect nanny, agencies are also experts in nanny contract negotiation and can assist with conversations around fair and market-rate compensation, as well as time off and any other areas of concern.
A good agency will also follow up once your nanny has joined your household, and provide ongoing support for both you and your nanny.
Here at Sommet Nannies, we’re proud of our ability to match families with pre-screened nannies not just with the relevant skills and experience, but who also fit beautifully into your family dynamic and become a truly valued member of the household.
What makes a good nanny agency?
A good nanny agency is more than just a website that list nanny vacancies and candidates, or connects nannies with families. A great nanny agency is one that goes deeper than that and really looks to identify the connections between nanny and family.
At Sommet Nannies, we believe that our role is to ensure that you and your family identify and engage with the perfect nanny for your needs and the needs of your children. And we are on hand to support both families and nannies with any issues that may arise once a contract has begun.
As such, we carry out a comprehensive vetting process to ensure we only recruit experienced nannies with skills that enhance your child's health and well-being. We pride ourselves on matching families with suitable candidates and can provide guidance on employment terms and contracts.
Our attention to detail has led to a reputation we are fiercely proud of, with a multitude of positive reviews and testimonials from satisfied families. So, if you are considering hiring a nanny to care for your family, don't hesitate to contact us - we'd be delighted to help!
Welcome to Sommet Nannies, a nanny agency with presence in Boston, Chicago, Washington DC, New York and nationwide. We help busy families find dedicated and caring college-educated nannies.
If you enjoyed this article, you might also like 'Benefits of using a nanny agency’ or ‘Where do you find the best nannies in Chicago?’
If you’re a family interested in learning more about our nanny services, head over here.
If you’re a nanny looking for a new family to work with, you can apply to become a Sommet Nanny.