Aside from employment and dating background checks, live-in nannies are one of the most common areas where background checks are necessary. Indeed, if you’re going to allow someone to live in your home and take care of your children, you want to know who you’re dealing with.
Strange as it may seem, some people let the high-stress hustle and bustle of their corporate life rush them into a decision they wish they hadn’t made. As Axl Rose once sang, “All we need is just a little patience.” You can’t afford to not be patient when hiring a nanny.
Here are a few red flags most commonly encountered when running a background check on a potential nanny hire:
Name and social security number/drivers license number don’t match. Hey, we all make mistakes and sometimes this can be a simple mistake wherein a person writes a wrong digit in there. However, do your due diligence, as it can easily be a case where that person is trying to hide something from their past by falsifying their identity.
Criminal record of theft. Truth is, especially in today’s economy, people with criminal records are having a hard time getting a second chance and finding a good job. With unemployment the way it is, there are too many people with clean records competing for the same job so those with a criminal record look for alternative employment opportunities. The last thing you want is to allow someone with a theft conviction into your home.
Suspended driver’s license. This is especially a cause for concern if the suspension was in any way alcohol related. As with job candidates with criminal records, pickin’s are mighty slim for those with a DUI on their record, as well. Additionally, how can this person run any errands you may need them for?
Active arrest warrants. Uhh…yeah. Strange, but true, this does happen. While a warrant isn’t an actual conviction, it’s a major red flag because no one is going to show up for a job interview and say “Oh, by the way, there’s a warrant out for my arrest but I’m really good with kids.”
Categories: Screening Nannies and Caregivers
