The nanny industry can be a tough one. Many parents believe that a nanny is just a glorified baby-sitter and want to get something for nothing. Others may genuinely want a professional nanny but have no idea how much nannies are paid. If you’re contemplating taking a new nanny job, here’s how to negotiate a higher salary:
Educate About Nanny Salaries
Many professional nannies leave an informational portfolio with families after the interview. If you’re interested in creating a nanny portfolio, I’ve written a guide to doing so here. One of the best things you can include in your portfolio is some basic information about nanny salaries. Many first time nanny employers have no idea what to expect in terms of hiring a nanny and will be grateful to get the advice. Moreover, giving your potential employer a reasonable rubric for a fair salary is likely to get you a higher hourly rate. This site provides excellent nanny salary guides.
Screen For Potential Scammers
When you first start looking for a job, you need to screen out families who don’t appreciate nanny work and who are looking to pay the lowest amount possible. If a family says that it is, “a very easy job” or, “you’ll mostly just be watching the youngest one”, these are often key words that indicate a family is attempting to minimize their own perception of the amount of work you’re doing so they can pay you less. Avoid these interviews like the plague!
Project a Professional Image
Nannying is tough work that requires a huge array of skills. In order to get a higher salary offer, you need to convey a professional image. Dress nicely for your interview and have a resume and nanny portfolio available. Conveying that you are a professional and expect to be paid like one is one of the best things you can do to get a higher salary.
Talk Up Experience
In the nanny interview, be sure to answer questions completely and thoroughly. Additionally, focus on answering questions in a way that showcases your experience, education, and unique skill set. It’s especially important to talk about particular challenges you’ve overcome, like working with special needs kids or helping a difficult child stop having tantrums. Be very specific with what you’ve done and explanations of why your nanny solutions work well.
Be Upfront About Salary Requirements
It’s in poor taste to talk about salary before the end of the first interview, but you should be frank about what you need to make in subsequent discussions. Allow a parent to make the first numerical offer; the general rule is that whoever throws out a number first is the loser, and you don’t want to throw out a number that is lower than the parent was planning to pay you!
After the salary negotiations have begun, be honest if the salary offer is not enough. Explain, “I really like your family and would love to work with you, but I need to make at least x amount a week/month/year. What can we do about this?” Being willing to walk away in a friendly, non confrontational way may get you a higher salary offer in a few days, so don’t settle, don’t get resentful or hostile during negotiations, and always be honest about your salary expectations. It is also always helpful to reiterate your experience and qualifications. Try something like, “Given my degree in child psychology, my five years of experience, and my CPR training, I just can’t accept less pay than X amount.” When parents realize that this is your job and not just a hobby, they often offer more.
To properly negotiate salary, you need to channel a warm and professional demeanor. Don’t be shy about asking for what you are worth. If you accept a lower salary than you can afford, the odds are good you will be looking for a new job very soon!
