Start your search for a childcarer by posting a job on Care.com. Once the responses start to come in, focus on candidates who match your requirements. Remember, a well-crafted job post is your template for finding great care.
Five things to consider when screening
1. Availability: Do your diaries match up? Be realistic – if they can’t stay past 5pm and you don’t get home until 6pm, you should move on to other applicants.
2. Skills: From first aid training to helping with homework to handicrafts, look at what skills a childcarer offers. Which are most important to your family?
3. Experience: Make sure the potential child minder has relevant experience for your child’s needs. Experience with newborns and cooking? Welcome to the shortlist!
4. Proximity: Having a carer who lives nearby can make all the difference with those out of the blue last minute situations such as illness or bad weather. Plus, fewer traffic delays. Well, maybe not in London!
5. Covering letter: A covering letter gives you a glimpse into your potential child carer’s true personality. Trust your intuition. Whilst not everything, first impressions are still important.
Stay organised (and sane)
Remember to stay organised as you narrow down your list. For instance:
- Note your favourite carers
- Send a quick “No Thank You” note to applicants who don’t quite fit the bill
- Take notes to remind you of details throughout the hiring process
You’re now ready to move on to telephone interviews!
