Paid Trials for Nanny Candidates - What You Need to Know
Finding the perfect nanny for your family is a crucial decision. As a nanny agency, we understand both how much it means to find that right person – and how complex the process to get there might be. So after selecting a few top candidates for you from our extensive network, and letting you interview them yourself, we always recommend conducting paid trials with your potential nanny candidates.
A trial is a short period, typically a shift or a few days, where a nanny candidate works with your family in the same way they would if they were hired. This approach offers a realistic preview of how the nanny will interact with your children and adapt to your family's dynamics. We here at Smart Sitting have long recommended them because we have seen what a difference they can make in the hiring process and in the success of a working relationship. Here are the top reasons to conduct a trial – and what to keep in mind to make the most of it.
Why are Trials so Important?
You may feel like you’ve gotten a good sense of a candidate based on their resume and their interview answers, but a trial takes this insight to the next level.
Observe Real-Life Interactions: Trials allow you to see how candidates engage with your children and your family, which isn’t always clear based on the interview. Are they able to fit into your family’s rhythm, can they engage your kids in a way that works for them?
Boost Your Gut Feeling: Gut feeling is a big part of a hiring decision. Seeing a candidate interact with your family over even just a short amount of time can really help with that.
Assess Mutual Fit: Candidates also get a chance to gauge how well they fit into your family's environment, which can be key in the longevity of the relationship. You don’t want a nanny to quit after a month because of the fit or expectations not being aligned, if that is something they could have noticed after just a few hours’ trial.
Make Informed Decisions: These trials provide deeper insights than resumes or interviews alone.
Top Trial Tips from Our Experts
Over the years, we’ve learned a thing or two about making the most of trials with nanny candidates. Use our knowledge to your advantage and consider these things next time you are looking to hire a nanny:
Making the Most of Your Nanny Trials
To ensure that both you and the candidates have a meaningful trial experience, consider the following tips:
Trial Multiple Candidates: Especially if it's your first time hiring a nanny or if your family has special needs or an infant, trialing multiple candidates is crucial. We recommend at trialing at least 2-3 candidates. If you have worked with many nannies before and know what to look for, 1-2 candidates may be enough.
Provide Essential Information: Share details like daily routines, preferences, and expectations with the candidate, ideally even before the trial begins. This preparation helps candidates show up prepared and perform at their best.
Allocate Time for Feedback: Set aside time to discuss the trial with the nanny. This communication is vital for addressing any concerns or questions that arise, and gives the candidate an opportunity to get their own questions answered, leading to more informed decisions from both sides.
Practical Tips for a Successful Trial
Avoid Micromanaging: While it's important to provide necessary information, trust the nanny to handle situations using their expertise. They already know their moves are being followed closely, but they need some agency to show off their childcare skills.
Be Present, But Not Intrusive: If possible, be available during part of the trial to observe and interact without interfering with the nanny's methods. Maybe you can do household work in the home while they spend time together, or you could spend some time with the nanny and your kiddos before separating for the day. This will give you a chance to see how the candidate interacts with your children while also giving the candidate a chance to gather any information they may need.
Want help?
Paid trials are an invaluable step in the nanny hiring process, since they offer a real-world glimpse into the potential working relationship between your family and the nanny. By following our expert tips, you can significantly increase your chances of finding the ideal match for your family – but you can make it even easier for yourself by working with our nanny agency through the whole process.
This way, you get a dedicated Family Specialist who gets to know your family and can suggest the candidates who are most likely to be a good fit for your family’s needs. They will also be able to guide you through the interview and trial processes and be a sounding board for your thoughts, concerns, or excitement each step of the way. If you’re ready to find your next, great nanny, reach out to us today. Tell us a bit about what you’re looking for, and we’ll set up a consultation and take it from there.