At some point in the interview process most families will want to run a background check nanny on you. Don’t take it personally. In fact, prospective nannies should see it as a good sign. When a family asks a nanny to submit to a background check, it can be taken as an indication that the family is seriously considering hiring you and that they are a careful, professional employer. Keep in mind that you would probably do the same yourself if you were bringing someone you hardly knew into your home with your child. To see the family’s version of this article on the nanny background check click here.
While it may feel odd to have your past examined, remember that the family is requesting the check as a precaution, and wouldn’t bother to perform it if they hadn’t already discovered some good reasons to offer you a nanny position since they have to pay for the search.
The fact is, asking prospective nannies to agree to undergo a nanny background check is the responsible choice for today’s families. In addition to being a step most schools and institutions which work with children now take, as well as virtually all businesses, a nanny’s access to the home requires more trust and more assurance on the part of parents.
Good nanny background checks will request reports from relevant county records and database based on where you have lived, your name and Social Security number. There are several background check resources and databases including sex offender lists and driving records that may also be consulted. We don’t condone the use of credit checks since they aren’t relevant to the job in our opinion, however some families may ask for one.
Also note that if your employment is conditional on certain courses, degrees and training, the family may wish to verify that you completed the course or degree specified on your application materials.
Responsible nannies will recognize that by taking this step the families they will be working with are showing that they are both careful and thorough—characteristics you will be glad the parent’s you’re working for possess as you help provide for their children’s safety and well being.
The family is required by law to obtain your written consent prior to ordering a background check, and the reality is that the check will be more thorough if you agree to it. When you supply your ID, the family is able to view your record in more resources than would otherwise be immediately possible—making regard for your own confidentiality important.
While a background check is a normal part of the interview process, nannies should consider carefully before submitting to the check. You only owe this check to families offering a nanny position you are interested in, and have very strongly indicated their interest in hiring you. Prospective nannies should have already met the hiring family in person and should consider the check merely a formality—just part of the process. The nanny background report and the checking of references are the last part of the hiring process and you should not provide your confidential information until you are at this step.
Remember that some nanny background checks may include running a credit report or performing a drug test. Honesty is important throughout the entire hiring process—from the application and interview to the final negotiations. With a nanny background check waiting at the end of the negotiations, it doesn’t pay to misrepresent oneself at any stage. In some cases mentioning a negative aspect of yourself—framing it as a “challenge” rather than a “flaw”—may be preferable to an omission that could be found out later.
Here are some helpful links:
Interview questions for families
Excellent general article about nanny positions
Nannies rights when a background check is ordered
Nanny background checks family article
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