What makes a part-time nanny search viable?
Start with the actual schedule, guaranteed hours, pay, duties, and expected length of the role. Test that offer with candidates who actively want part-time work before promising a search timeline. If the available pool is too small, tell the family which terms could change the result or decline the search. An agency's minimum hours should reflect its market and capacity.
How should an agency qualify a search under 15 hours a week?
Ask whether the hours are fixed, whether the family can guarantee them, and whether the schedule conflicts with school-day or other work. Estimate the sourcing effort and explain any minimum fee before accepting the search. A higher percentage alone may not cover a small placement; compare the expected fee with the work required.
How can an agency keep a part-time candidate interested?
Screen for someone who wants this schedule, then confirm pay, hours, duties, start date, and the family's decision timeline in writing. Keep the candidate updated during delays. Do not treat a candidate seeking full-time work as a stable part-time match simply because they are available now.
What if a trial is cancelled at the last minute?
Confirm the reason and whether the family still intends to hire. Give the candidate a clear update, offer one concrete rescheduling option, and reopen sourcing if the timeline slips. A backup referral partner may help with coverage, but do not promise an immediate replacement until availability and fit are verified.
How can an agency accept more part-time searches without lowering match quality?
Qualify each request before promising candidates: fixed days, guaranteed hours, pay, duties, commute, and whether the family can offer a long enough term. Compare that package with people who actively want part-time work, not only candidates available while they seek full-time jobs. Tell the family which conditions limit the pool and offer specific changes, such as a steadier schedule or more hours. Track accepted interviews and placements by schedule type so the agency knows when to decline or redesign a search.