Online Nanny Sites -- Are they for you?

Online nanny search websites are here to stay. In this economy they seem to be experiencing a boom in business. There are so many new sites popping up every day it can be confusing. And more and more nannies seem to be flocking to these sites as parents look to them to save a little money in the nanny search process.

It is important to know that while these sites have become more popular, they are still not the same as a traditional brick and mortar agency. The reason these sites are less expensive is that they offer less service. If you are a parent and you are hiring from an online site, you are going to have to do much more of the legwork for your search yourself. This does not only mean a background search and interview, it also includes prescreening candidates, gathering and checking references, clearly defining the contract and job description and more. And you are doing this on your own, with few resources and no experienced person to hold your hand through the process. If you are uncomfortable with the thought of this, you should look into a traditional agency. However, if you are willing to make your nanny search your job for awhile, then online sites can provide you with all kinds of great candidates.

And nannies, online sites are booming with jobs these days. But just like parents, you will need to do more of the legwork yourself than if you had registered with brick and mortar agencies. You will have to make more calls to prospective families, screen out families with "dealbreakers" and search out families that are in your pay grade. Be sure to be safe! Be cautious about information you post online and make sure you are not visiting a family for the first time in their home. Meet in a public place first- or at least make sure you have people who know where you are.

Next post we will talk about what to look for in an online site and start the discussion on what the best practices of online sites should be!