Online Nanny Sites--Parents, what should you look for?

So you have decided as a parent to look for a nanny using an online site. What should you look for?

• Cost of information- make sure you know how much you will have to pay and what information you will get for your money. Some sites will offer you a free preview, but the important nanny resume info will cost you. Also pay attention to how you make contact with the nanny- phone, interview or do you go through the site?
• What information will you get? Will you be provided with references, work history, just the nuts and bolts of a standard job application? Or will you have access to statements from the nanny about their childcare philosophy, experiences, viewpoints and preferences?
• Does the site have a large database of nannies in your area? 
• Are there helpful resources available on the website? Do they have interview questions and tips, salary guidelines, nanny contracts, and other information that you can access for your membership fee? This information is SO valuable especially if you are hiring a nanny for the first time. 
• Do they provide background checking? This is almost always at an additional fee. No two background checks are the same so be sure to find out what is included. You will want to make sure you are checking things out nationally and not just in the current city or state the candidate is living in. 
• Watch out for the term "prescreening". This has vastly different meanings with each different site. Make sure you know what this term means for the specific sites you are using. You will have to do reference checking and background checking yourself when you use an online site to really screen a candidate.  
• Is the site a nanny site? Or does it post jobs for any types of employment? This can affect the amount of time it will take to identify qualified caregivers. 
• Is it easy to use? Can you post all the relevant information about your position including living arrangements, pets, complete job description and the kind of caregiver you are looking for? Are you able to include some personality information about you and your family? Remember a good nanny relationship is based on mutual fit. Both you and your nanny will be interviewing each other! 

The most important thing to remember when searching online for a nanny is that it is an active process. You will be doing the work of a whole agency yourself so be sure you have a plan and ask lots of questions, both of the websites and the nannies you interview!