Some of these answers may assist in asking some of the nagging questions you have in finding the right nanny or housekeeper for your family.
No ONE solution fits every household and family – you need something different or you feel is not being answered here, please contact Happy Helpers on 083 602 0262 or celeste@happyhelpers.co.za to assist – we are here to help you find the RIGHT PERSON and assist you where you need it.
Question: Is the nanny suitably trained to work with kids?
Answer: I will include CVs of candidates who have experience working in a home with young children, if this is what you require. Most of the candidates I have on my data base are primarily Nannies who have Housekeeping experience. However I also have Housekeepers who specialise in Housekeeping, so you tell me what you need and I work around that.
Question: We have a firm policy of NO HITTING in our home, how do I ensure that the person will not hit my child?
Answer: I think it is taken for granted that the “house rules” are “no hitting.”
I do think it is important to sit down with a candidate and be very clear about what YOUR specific house rules are.
Some parents might feel a tap on the hand is sufficient, or a firm “NO”, others feel more comfortable with time out or a star chart. Other parents may feel a different form of discipline is required. Accept that candidates all arrive with a different experience.
It is your home, you set the rules for how the person is to work within your home and with your children. Candidates are not restrictive when it comes to children, and do understand it is YOUR children, so be clear in how you would like her to work with your children.
Question: I would like the person to have previous training in First Aid – do you supply candidates like this?
Answer: Yes. If I put candidates forward for a position where they work with children, I would only refer candidates who have worked with children, and who have completed a recognised first aid/cpr course – but a refresher every two years is a definite must.
Question: I really need the person to arrive for work on time – this has been an issue in the past.
Answer: Unfortunately an unreliable public transport system is a daily reality for most workers who commute.
I do my utmost to match you with a candidate who is within easy travelling distance to your home. The ability to live in, or whether your home is within easy access of public transport will differ from one candidate to another. I do suggest a trial for a week or two to ensure that you are happy with the candidate and she is able to get to your home at a specific time. Most candidates will agree to anything in an interview, so it is best to “test it out” to see whether the times work.
Question: How does it work in terms of reference checking?
Answer: I do reference(s) on each candidate I interview.
In some cases I can obtain 2 or 3 references, however due to circumstances – previous employers have left the country or are no longer contactable – I can only do 1 or 2 references. {if you have a nanny/housekeeper working for you that may be leaving, please ensure you always supply her with a written reference – it is invaluable for her moving forward}
Question: Can I request a criminal or credit check on a candidate?
Answer: Yes you can. I cannot undertake criminal or credit checks without the written permission of each candidate – this can be done, and should you request it on a particular candidate, I can arrange to do this on your behalf.
The cost for this will need to be covered by you whether you employ the person or not, so please discuss this with me when it comes to short listing.
I do suggest that when you interview the candidate you ask if there is a criminal or credit history that they may wish to discuss at that point – many candidates are very forthcoming with information. Ask the candidate during the interview if she would give permission for a criminal or a credit check to be done.
Question: Can I request the candidate to complete a Medical Check?
Answer: Yes and No. Yes you can ask someone to go to your medical doctor for a medical check, and in this way your doctor can ensure she receives the correct medication or vitamins. She is within in her rights to refuse to go to your medical doctor and may choose to go to her own doctor or clinic. No, you cannot ask to see anyone’s medical records, nor can you ask her/your doctor to reveal any results to you, even if you pay for the consultation.
You cannot ask someone to disclose their medical records/results to you and use it as part of your decision making to hire or retain a staff member. The only exception to this is TB, which you can test for, and can be privy to the results.
Question: What is the cost of a having a Nanny – does whether she lives in or not affect her monthly salary?
Answer: Each candidate has a different skill set, experience and salary requirement that she brings to the table. I indicate this on the profiles before you see the CVs. It is also reflected on each candidate’s detailed CV – so you will see what she has earned in the past, what she earns now, and what she would like to earn. I send you profiles from the outset so you get an indication to the skill level and the salary experience.
I would say on average the monthly salary range will be between R3 200.00 – R4 500.00 per month + travel expenses (and this may range from R120.00 to R500.00). Please discuss your budget and I will be able to indicate which candidates are available in the salary range you need.
Question: What if I have a set salary I can afford?
Answer: There are very good candidates available, and not all of them may be in the range you are willing to pay or able to afford.
I understand that each family is different and I try as best as possible to find a candidate in your salary range. When we discuss the detailed brief, I will give you an indication of the candidate’s salaries and what you can expect to pay. In some cases it may mean adjusting your budget to suit the person and the skills you are hoping to attract – I cannot always source the “best candidate at the cheapest price” and do my utmost to present you with the best candidate for your family.
Question: I am really nervous to interview someone, what if I pick the wrong person?
Answer: Interviews are often stressful for everyone concerned. Not all candidates perform well at interviews – often they are nervous, and a wonderful candidate might interview badly.
I do not expect clients or candidates to be professional interviewers/interviewees. The CVs I supply are very detailed and I add as much notes as possible to give you a real guide to someone. Interviews are the end of the day are about whether you “click” with that person.
They do not have to be “right questions – right answer” situations. You will often realise 5 minutes in to the interview if this person is potentially the RIGHT PERSON for you.
Question: How do trials work?
Following an interview, if you are interested in a candidate, I always suggest you take her on for a few days on a trial.
This means she works for you for 3 – 5 working days and you use this as an extended interview to make an assessment whether she is right for you.
Someone in your home, working alongside you and with your child will soon make it abundantly (sooner than later) clear if she is right for you and your family. Trials are vital for decision making – if the candidate is working, then a trial will need to be conducted on a Saturday or Sunday, as she often will not be able to take time off from her present position to trial.
Any other questions, please feel free to contact Celeste on 083 602 0262 or celeste@happyhelpers.co.za
Trust us, to find the right person for you and your family.
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