Screening the Nanny Agency



Not all nanny referral agencies are created equal. Many reputable agencies have
been serving clients for years, are active in professional and trade associations,
and truly strive to make the best match for your family. Some are well meaning
but simply inexperienced or lacking the resources (generally manpower) to effectively
meet your needs. A small number are simply interested in the bottom line - move
them in, move them out. The following suggested interview questions should be
directed to the agency BEFORE you retain them.

1. HOW LONG HAS YOUR AGENCY BEEN IN BUSINESS?

While new is not de-facto bad, experience is a reasonable predictor of success.

2. HOW MANY NANNIES DO YOU MATCH WITH FAMILIES IN A MONTH (YEAR)?

You want an agency that makes enough matches to be economically viable, but
not a meat market. Three to six matches per employee per month is a minimum
number. Also helpful: How many of the nannies and families are repeat clients.

3. WHAT IS YOUR SUCCESS RATE WITH PLACEMENTS?

Listen carefully for what you don't hear. No one is perfect, and it is unlikely
that 'We have never had an unsuccessful placement' is true. Why do they think
they are successful? Why do they think some placements haven't worked out? Key:
Look for an agency that carefully interviews the family and can restate your
needs and expectations.

4. WHAT ARE YOUR FEES? WHAT IS YOUR REFUND POLICY?

Fees vary considerably across the country, and you should clearly understand
the retainer and fee payment policies. New agencies typically have the lowest
fees in the market, this is to offset for the perceived inexperience. Refund
policies vary all over the place. Many agencies will pro-rate their fee on unsuccessful
placements, others will never refund but might agree to replace the candidate
at no cost within a limited period of time. Whatever the policy, make sure you
understand it and that it is in writing. The better agencies will make every
reasonable effort to please the client, providing that the client's expectations
are equally reasonable.

5. WHAT IS YOUR SCREENING PROCESS? DO YOU PROVIDE ME ANY DOCUMENTATION ON SCREENING?


A good agency will verify the employment history of prospective nannies, and
generally contact (via telephone) some or all of the personal references provided.
Skilled interviewers will try to determine the accuracy of the employment application,
as well as the temperament and historical job performance of the candidate.
Criminal and driving checks are generally not ordered until after you have extended

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