How long have they been in Business?
Three years or more is a good place to start. All of the best agencies have been established at least this amount of time.
Do they have professional liability insurance?
Ask for proof. Contrary to what many people are led to believe, very few agencies have insurance.
Are they members of International Nanny Association or any other professional organizations?
The INA is the premier organization for nanny agencies in the U.S.
How do they check references?
This is one of the most important ways to protect families from incompetent or dangerous applicants. Many, perhaps most agencies do not fully check references. Does the agency
inform you if they have been unable to contact a reference? Ask to see copies of the agency's reference check sheets. If they won't provide them, beware. How many questions do they ask? And what do they
ask? A good agency has at least one page reference check sheet that asks a variety of questions.
Does the agency look for phony references and is their staff trained in finding them?
Unfortunately, 25-30% of all applications contain phony references. Many times a good screener will know a reference is phony before the applicant even leaves the office. They know what salaries are typical
for neighborhoods and what skill levels bring what salaries. Agencies should be asking specific questions on the application and then matching that information when the reference is checked to be sure that a reference is real.
Does the agency take copies of ID and a photograph of the applicant?
Can they tell phony ID when they see it? The better agencies have a complete set of the applicants ID and a photo.
Does the agency conform to all current immigration laws and standards?
Though we are fortunate to have applicants from around the world, each person referred must have the proper credentials required.
Does the agency verify GA MVR and provide you with a MVR printout of the applicants driving record?
Does the agency send each person placed for CPR, if they do not have a current certificate?
Does the agency do a criminal background investigation?
A privately done background report, while limited to one county, will show any conviction in Superior and Municipal court.
Does the agency do a Drug test on each applicant they place?
The standard is lab testing for the five most used drugs: Marijuana, cocaine, opiates, PCP and amphetamines.
Does the agency charge the applicant a fee for the application and/or to get a job?
The better agencies would never charge the applicant a fee. They are generally out of work and in no position to pay. A diligent agency may only be able to place one in five applicants and
to take money from people you know you can't help isn't right.
Does the agency transport the applicants to your home or have an office?
The better agencies allow the candidates to get to the job interviews on their own, unless there are extenuating circumstances. They feel if someone is capable of the job they should be able to get to an interview on time using their own resources. And most qualified agencies do have offices.
Does the agency assist with Employee/Employer Agreements?
Reputable agencies assist families with this agreement so that their new employee knows up front what is expected of them.
Does the agency send you a confirmation letter regarding their terms of engagement?
And, do they provide you with complete information on all the services they provide?
