The Importance of References in the Nanny Hiring Process

When hiring a nanny, references play a crucial role in helping families make informed decisions. A strong reference can validate a candidate’s experience, reliability, and childcare skills, while a questionable or fake reference can create major red flags. At our agency, we emphasize the importance of authentic, relevant, and verifiable references to ensure a smooth and transparent hiring process.

Why Are References Important?

References provide firsthand insight into a nanny’s work ethic, reliability, and ability to care for children. Families rely on them to:

Confirm work history – Verifying past employment ensures that a candidate has the experience they claim.

Assess professionalism – References highlight a nanny’s strengths, reliability, and approach to childcare.

Understand communication and interaction – A good reference sheds light on how a nanny interacts with children and parents.

Gauge long-term fit – Families can learn about a nanny’s ability to adapt, handle challenges, and build lasting relationships.

What Kind of References Should Be Shared?

Not all references carry the same weight. To provide the best impression, candidates should share references that are:

Recent & Relevant – Ideally, references should come from families or employers they’ve worked with in the last 3–5 years.

Childcare-Specific – Families prefer references from previous nanny positions, daycare roles, or similar caregiving jobs rather than unrelated industries.

Direct Employers – References should be from parents or direct supervisors rather than colleagues or family friends.

Verifiable & Responsive – Candidates should ensure that their references are available and willing to speak to potential employers.

The Consequences of Fake References

Unfortunately, some candidates may be tempted to provide fake references in an attempt to secure a job. This is a serious breach of trust, it is illegal, and can have lasting consequences:

Damaged Reputation – If an agency or family discovers a fake reference, it can permanently impact a nanny’s credibility.

Loss of Opportunities – Families rely on references to make hiring decisions. Providing false information can result in immediate disqualification.

Legal & Ethical Implications – Falsifying information in the hiring process can lead to legal repercussions, especially in professional agencies.

How Our Agency Ensures Reference Integrity

At our agency, we take reference verification seriously to protect both families and candidates. Our process includes:

Directly contacting references – We call and speak with previous employers rather than relying on written letters alone.

Asking detailed questions – We dig deeper into the nanny’s strengths, responsibilities, and areas for improvement.

Cross-checking employment history – We ensure consistency between a candidate’s resume and their references.

Honest, high-quality references are essential for securing a nanny position and building trust between families and caregivers. Candidates should always provide genuine, relevant references and agencies should thoroughly vet them to maintain the integrity of the hiring process. If you’re a nanny looking for guidance on gathering strong references or a family seeking reassurance in the hiring process, we’re here to help!

For more information or to begin your nanny search, contact Manhattan Nannies today!