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Original poster

Which candidate to hire? Or keep looking?

54 replies

HarrietTheSpy · 02/11/2007 11:48

Have spent the last two to three weeks interviewing people - have had tens of cvs via Gumtree and Simply Childcare. Loads of what I would consider to be au pair types about - some English, some babysitting experience - wanting nanny salaries. Loads of women with savagely plucked eyebrows - bordering on the self-harming. What's the deal??

The three left standing are:

  1. A Hungarian, ex-au pair, child psychology student. Very well-spoken, sweet girl, quite gentle. Had second interview today where she met DD, seemed okay. Not sure I can cope with the darkness of her central European soul though which seemed to be emerging today. Can't quite decide about it. Plus points - salary fits well with our requirements, can comfortably cover it w/o super stress, including tax and NI. Wants a contract. Seems responsible etc. Loves cooking. Negative: has onl yreally looked after children for 4-5 hour stretches, a ten hour day is another matter.

  2. A Kiwi, also graduated in child psych. Seems cheery - again, not vast experience with children but has been a carer for sick people for the past year so knows what long days caring are like. A 10 hour day won't be a shock, a child will be a doddle relative. Well trained in first aid - managed thorugh a choking situation with a child once!! I believe the story, it had credible detail. Quite a funky little dresser, not sure she could deal with the gossipy mums at the preschool who might find her 'interesting' looking. it's not like she has mohawk or anything, but these mums can be pretty cliquey.

  3. A university grad with years of experience (S African) who would basically be like a private home tutor to our daughter. It's our job or managing two nurseries, she's that experienced!! But she seems to really like DD, she's unbelieveably experienced and talented...downside...not sure we can afford her. I mean, priced for us to be on beans and toast for the forseeable future. It would probably stress me out, but but but she's SOOO GOOD, I'm wondering if we should just do it. Negatives: bandying about being self-employed. I'm sure she's doing this to motivate us to pay her very very high daily rate. Also, she might have to move back to SA in teh near future...

What do you think? Keep looking?

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themildmanneredjanitor · 02/11/2007 12:04

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kindersurprise · 02/11/2007 12:02

I agree with Roselind, go for the one that your DD likes.

The SA is more likely to move on if she gets a better job offer. Plus, if you really cannot afford her you are going to resent the money spent.

The Kiwi sounds good. I worked as an aupair and had absolutely no experience in looking after children for longer periods. I wouldn't worry about the other mums, I did not socialize with other mums, I had aupair friends. If she is a funky dresser then she will be reasonably self confidant and able to stick up for herself. It might rub off onto your DD, and you will have a funky little DD!

Porpoise · 02/11/2007 11:55

Who did your dd like best?
Who did you feel most comfortable discussing tricky stuff like money and discipline issues with?

Roselind · 02/11/2007 11:52

Pick the one you think DD will like and who is most likely to stick around. She needs to have fun as well as being well cared for - the SA girl sounds a bit serious to me - the Kiwi sounds a lot better.
Don't stretch yourself financially if you really do not have to. It can end up in resentment if things go wrong esp if she turns out not to be all that you thought. Also I've found nannies bring with them lots of hidden expenses (outings, phone bills, food, travel costs). Have you borne that in mind?

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