Responding to Job adverts found on internet sites:

As you will all be aware the increased use of the internet means that more and more people are using websites to find work.This is great as it gives you more flexibility and options in how you gain work. There are however some serious downsides to this such as the advertisers may not be who they say they are and may be trying to gain a meeting with you for other reasons than to interview you for a childcare position. You need to be aware of this and take sensible precautions when responding to such adverts such as:

- When you call /email an advertiser for the first time NEVER give out your home address, or any other personal details such as your surname or date of birth etc. Get as much information as you can about the job and people before deciding whether you want to pursue the job any further. Do NOT be put under pressure to arrange a meeting if you are unsure. Tell the person you will get back to them as soon as possible and give yourself time to think.

- Always try and get their full name,home address and telephone number and if possible a work address before arranging to meet. Then give these details to a trusted friend or relative before you go to meet the person(s).

-When you do arrange to meet NEVER agree to meet in a hotel room or other place where you cannot easily get help.

- Try to arrange your first meeting in a public place such as a cafe and let someone know when and where you are meeting and how long you expect the meeting to be. Get this person to call you at an agreed time when you are likely to be out of the meeting -say an hour later.

- If at any time you feel uncertain about meeting someone trust your instincts and cancel the meeting.

Remember most people are genuine but by following these precautions you will be reducing your risk of coming to any harm if the advertiser is not genuine.