Next to no applications from nannyjob

[Gettingshortoftime]

Hello!

Have namechanged as this will make me identifiable. I'm looking for a nanny, after my lovely current nanny resigned at the weekend to take on a new (non nannying) job. I don't have long to find a replacement. I'd prefer to avoid an agency because I don't think there is anything I can't do myself, so I posted an ad on nannyjob on Monday. I've had around 45 views and only one application, which doesnt look like a goer.

Could you have a look and see if there's anything off-putting in the advert? Possibilities that I can think of is that it's only 30 hours, but that's a lot compared to nearly all the other jobs on there at the mo; is needing own transport an issue? I think pay is about right bordering on generous for the area? Or do people just take their time in applying and I'm just getting impatient? Help!

Advert

I've also gone on to childcare.co.uk, but not done Gumtree.

Honestly a minimum of 5 years childcare experience and the need for a driving licence may be off putting

The hours are ok and the pay seems reasonable

Other thought - would prospective nannies prefer to deal with an agency than direct with a parent? There are hardly any parent adverts on there.

Thanks ruby, yes I guess the experience bit could put people off, I tried to sound flexible about what kind of experience, so not having to be nannying for example.

Why do they need 5 years experience ? Can you provide a vehicle for them to use during the time they are working for you ?
Is there public transport at all, or will they need to use their own vehicle to get to you.
Will they be able to walk the child to school or will transport be needed/provided.

Perhaps you could 'sell' the job a little better, a quote from the nanny who is leaving etc.

I think mollymole has some good ideas ....

I think the advert sounds a bit wooly & just tightening a few things up would make a big difference

To be honest, I think you are really restricting yourself by only using one site. I would average on gumtree as well, and if you doing get any good applicants then consider childcare.co.uk out somewhere that charges a minimal fee (compared to an agency).

As a nanny, I use agencies but also look on gumtree, nj, and childcare.co.uk (unpaid) as I understand that not engine can afford/wants to spends the money on an agency.

Thank you, I knew I should have posted a draft on here for feedback first! There is a bus from Bristol that stops outside the house, and school is a 5 minute walk away, but activities tend not to be on the bus route. But my current nanny is very much an out and about person, and I guess that's not essential. Thanks for that.

And I do sound a bit clinical maybe? Maybe more selling needed, just felt a bit odd saying that we are a lovely family, and that the boys are fab!

Interesting about Gumtree, thank you.

I was a bit surprised at the preparing three meals a day. Do you just mean chkldren's meals or meals for the whole family? That might put people off. But it's still early days yet. And I think own transport might be an issue. As cars are quite expensive to run. Would any money towards that be available? I don't think your advert is clinical though. Not keen on these flowery we're a wonderful family ones!!

Hmm, yes, three meals a day is ambiguous - no its just getting the boys their meals, and it's basic cooking only, we often leave leftovers to use up. Right, I can change that, thanks. Will have to think creatively about transport, maybe DH can cycle!

And mileage would be paid, or do you mean paying towards having the car itself? Not sure what's typical.

I got no useful responses at all from that site - only people who were offering childminding rather than nannying / didn't have car / couldn't do full time / wanted live in despite what was specified in the ad.
When we hired (through an agency in the end), the nanny was amazed when I told her we had to pay the agency and how large that fee was - she geniunely didn't seem to realise how agencies ran.
In terms of your ad, maybe say that current nanny will give you a family reference? also I know the net / gross thing is done regularly on here, but maybe put the net amount so they can work out what they get in their pocket?

I'd definitely put highly recommended by previous nanny who has been with us for x amount of time. And I only meant mileage costs at quite a good rate so she would definitely not be out of pocket. What about advertising in a local paper, or Lady magazine or magazine for nursery nurses. But that can work out expensive.

That's a great idea to say that our current nanny will recommend us / give us a family reference, I know that she'd be happy to. Mileage rate we pay is 45p a mile.

Bobbi, I agree re the cost of agencies - to use the agency we used last time would cost us £800, and they're not the most expensive round here. But they did the job last time, so it is my last resort.

Right, so I will look into other advertising options, and steel myself for the sifting needed from Gumtree, tweak the advert a bit, with less emphasis on previous experience. And tell DH he has to cycle to work! Insurance for an under 25 would be horrific mind. Thanks all!

I would possibly not even include the bit: "The position will involve preparing three meals a day, plus light nursery duties." as unless you are expecting 3 cooked meals per day, then it's standard in nanny jobs to be giving the children breakfast/lunch/tea. Light nursery duties - people mean different things by that, so you may want to tell candidates more about the actual job role once you have them interested in applying.

The advert is to get people interested. Once you have them interested you can then send them a full job description.

I agree with the others about 5 years experience. That will limit applicants... could you drop it to say 2 or 3 years?

Looking at where you live I can see that a car is going to be needed, but I would have thought that live-out nannies would be drivers with their own car. However if you are able to offer a car, then that's something to include on the ad - but insurance could be high. So I would leave it as it is - driver with car needed.

Look on sites like Childcare.co.uk - there looks to me to be quite a few in the area, though if your job fits with what they want is another matter. Worth joining it for a while... having an ad, plus sending messages to nannies in the area.

Maybe advertised at the school you child will be attending. You never know there may already be a nanny at the school with her own children who is looking to go back to work. I know when I was nannying I only went through agencies but that was over 10 years ago and things have changed since then. If the applicant was able to speak to the current nanny I would think that would be good.

Can you list it under Avon as well. I have just looked and it only come up under Gloucestershire. Job near where I live also only come up like that and I am in south glos and would of expected it to come up as Avon as Bristol is not listed as a county

i didnt see the original ad, but the one that shows now seems fine to me (tho has obv been mn tweaked )

if you were in my area, i would be happy to apply if the salary was higher (but my area pays higher and im old so charge more lol ) and if there is a car

that is one thing i wont budge on

so tbh i am surprised that you havnt had lots of enquiries

Blondes that was the original ad! It's off line now so assume the OP is editing it.

I didn't see anything wrong with the ad. It states the hours, the salary, duties etc. I can't see why you aren't getting more applicants. I would have applied but I have a 19mth old DD in tow and 2 weeks holiday in August.

try posting your ad on the local areas of netmums too

good luck