Background Checks for Nannies

As with any job application, background and reference checking is one of the best ways to learn about a potential nanny. By speaking with references, employers can learn crucial information about the candidate’s abilities, personality, strengths, and weaknesses. You can tell a lot about what a reference really thought of the candidate in question from the tone of voice he or she uses. Now that more hires are done online, and not through an experienced agency, it is even more important that employers carefully check the reference sources that a candidate supplies.

Even if you are using an agency, you should ideally perform your own reference checks—sometimes a previous employer will open up more to a family than to agency personnel. Employers should also be aware of false references provided by a candidate’s family or friends. Although most references are honest, it is not always the case. Checking references is particularly important in household employment; being a nanny requires a specific skill set and a personality compatible with your family, so the references play a crucial role in deciding whether a candidate will be the right fit.

When speaking with references, some good questions employers need to ask include the following:

• Would you hire him or her again, and why or why not?
• What do you believe are his or her strengths and weaknesses?
• Why did he or she leave your employment?
• What were the dates of employment?
• Was he or she punctual?
• Were all aspects of the job completed?

Checking resumes is particularly important when it comes to caregivers in the home. If a nanny says she has a certificate in early education, then you need to check it out. Similarly, if a senior caregiver for an aging parent claims to be a certified home health aide or a Licensed Practical Nurse without the required qualifications, this could be extremely dangerous in certain circumstances.

Many household employers are surprised at what can be determined by performing standard checks into an applicant’s background. These are necessary—and common—procedures in any employee hire, and household employers should do a thorough job in making these background checks.

Download our list of Suggested Background Checks for more information.