Important Notes to Remember During Interview

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• For a successful interview a little preparation goes a long way. Ensure that you arrive on time and have the correct documents, a current CV, copies of references and your drivers license. Always make sure you have detailed directions to the house especially if you are new to the area.

• Remember the interview is a two way process, you are there to find out if they are a suitable family for you too. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and don’t be afraid to give your opinion.

• Be prepared to answer broader questions as well as giving specific details about previous work experience. Many topics can arise, such as why you chose to be a nanny, what you enjoy most/least about the job, discipline, activities you feel are suitable, coping in emergencies and your personal life.

• You should try to make sure all the details of the job are discussed so that you can satisfy yourself that the position is right for you. It can be helpful to have a checklist of the points you want to cover.

• Find out about the parents’ views on discipline, television and how the children spend their days. Also if housework is included, however small, it should be clarified to avoid resentment at a later date.

• Find out whether the family encourages nanny circles and play dates in their homes.

• Clarify your hours of work. Live-out nannies will usually have more specific hours while live-in nannies normally have to be more flexible. You obviously need to know though what hours are expected so that you can arrange your life out of work.

• If you are to be live-in, make sure you see the accommodation provided and that you are happy with it. Privacy is very important.

• Discuss any arrangements about cars and driving. If you use their car, will it be available for your use on the weekends and if so, who pays the petrol? If you use your own car, how much will they reimburse you for petrol etc?

• If you are live-in discuss the house rules. Are you able to entertain friends out of work hours and will boyfriends be able to visit? Use of the telephone, TV etc. is important to check too.

• Find out how many weeks you have for paid holiday and when they can be taken. Also discuss whether you are expected to travel with the family on their holidays.

• Remember I will be talking to employers too, and am there to make sure you are a suitable match.

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When you are offered and accept a position

We advise that a contract be exchanged between both parties to avoid misunderstandings. It is good for both parties to have something to refer back to if at any point issues get raised. I have samples of contracts if you would like to see one.

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A salary must have been agreed upon and it is the employer’s responsibility to pay the appropriate tax and national insurance payments. The gross figure (what you earn in a year) should appear in your contract.

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After a short while of employment it is always good to have a meeting with your employer to discuss how the position is going. It gives both of you the chance to raise any questions or discuss any worries that have arisen. Try to be completely honest as small issues can foster resentment. Most things can be worked out if talked through. Remember we are just a phone call away for advice and will keep in touch on a regular basis.

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Basic Job Description

• General daily care of the children with sole charge Monday to Friday for up to 12 hours a day for a live-in post and up to 10 hours a day for daily. Babysitting and weekend arrangements should be specified for live-in nannies. Normally babysitting is required two nights a week if you live in.

• Duties will include preparing meals, sterilizing bottles, preparing feeds etc. Washing, ironing and putting away the children’s clothes, making sure they have appropriate clean clothes available each day. Tidying the children’s bedrooms and playrooms.

• Taking the children to activities during the week. Taking them to school/nursery and picking them up.

• Ensuring the children meet other children for play opportunities regularly.

• Taking the children to the Health Centre for check ups, vaccinations etc and to the dentist when necessary.

• Checking and ensuring that there are sufficient supplies such as bread, milk, nappies, wipes etc for each day, buying items at local shops if necessary, keeping an account of all money spent.

• Organizing birthday parties for the children.

• A live-in nanny should have her own private room and either have a separate bathroom or share with the children. If a car is needed one should be provided and the employer should pay tax and insurance. It will be up to the individual employer if the use of the car is extended to out of work hours.

• The salary will vary according to duties, experience, qualifications and how many children are to be cared for. An average live-in wage is from $600 to $1000 net per week. An average daily wage is from $120 to $300 net per day. Salary is given as a net amount (‘in your hand’) and the employer is responsible for paying Tax and Insurance.

• Paid annual holiday is usually four weeks, two weeks of your choice and two weeks of the employer’s.

 

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