CHECKING CV AND REFERENCES

Checking and re-checking references is vital. Remember you are ultimately responsible for anyone you employ and regardless of whether you are employing a nanny, maternity nurse, childminder or using a nursery, you must always check the references yourself - however time consuming the task.

We suggest that a nanny or childcarer should have at least three references and you must check at least two of them. At bestbear.co.uk we encourage employers to check as many references as possible - don't just stick to the references offered, go through your prospective employee's CV - she should have a reference from all of her previous employers. If not, ask why.

It may be time consuming but thorough checking is the only way to be absolutely sure of the person you are employing. If at all possible take the time to meet her previous employers face to face. It is always the most reliable form of reference checking although it can sometimes be tricky to arrange.

CV and reference checking musts:

• Ask to see originals of training certificates and if possible speak to college heads or teachers.
• Check CVs for gaps. You need to know that you can account for your prospective employee's whole career. It is easy to miss things out and try to cover up jobs that went wrong. You need to be ruthless in checking that every job written down actually happened and went on for as long as it states. Job lengths are often extended to cover mistakes - you need to be aware of them.
• If this is a childcarer's first job you still need to speak to two character references - and family doesn't count!
• Even if the references are glowing you must take the trouble to see if they are real - it has been known for nannies to fake references. A good agency should check them thoroughly, and be skilled in asking the right kind of questions of previous employers. However, there are many points that you can only glean and be satisfied with on a personal basis. You may be more exacting than the last employer over boyfriends or staying out at night. What might not seem like a problem to the last employer may be one to you, or vice versa.
• Remember when looking at written references, employers often leave out details that they were not happy with, sticking to things that they can praise. It is only by telephoning that you will uncover the whole truth about an employee's performance.
• Even if you are employing a nanny or au pair on a short term basis, still insist on at least two references and take as much trouble to check them. Foreign employees can often appear without references or say there is difficulty in getting them - never accept this. If the referees don't speak English find someone who can translate for you. It's not too much trouble - it's common sense.

Interviewing a referee:

When you telephone referees make it clear that you are speaking in complete confidence and as parent to parent you would appreciate their honesty. They will know how you feel and most will try and be as helpful as possible. You must check that the written reference (if you have one) matches what the referee tells you. Again it is useful to have a list of questions or points that you want to discuss and you might want to find out how much the nanny was paid in terms of negotiating a salary.

What do I ask?

• How long has the candidate worked for you?
  
• What were their duties?
  
• What did you like best about them?
  
• What did you like least?
  
• How did the children get on with them?
  
• How did they cope with any emergencies?
  
• What were they like to live with? (if applicable)
  
• How did they deal with any problems between you?
  
• Did they take many sick days?
  
• Were they punctual?
  
• How would you describe their personality - quiet/outgoing/extrovert?
  
• Did you and your husband actually like them?
  
• Why are they leaving?
  
• Most importantly: If you could do it all again would you still hire them?

You may find that the referee becomes less forthcoming on certain points - you must press them if you feel they are holding any information back. They may like the candidate and feel reluctant to ruin any chances of getting another job even if they found her unreliable.

Once you have made your decision act quickly - good nannies are snapped up.