Unclear job descriptions can feel like walking into a mystery box—you’re not really sure what you’re signing up for until it’s too late. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to settle for guesswork. With a little digging and some clear communication, you can figure out exactly what a family needs and decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Let’s break down how to tackle vague descriptions, ask the right questions, and protect yourself with a solid agreement.

Examples of Clear vs. Vague Descriptions

Vague Description: “Looking for a nanny to care for our kids and help around the house.”

• Why It’s a Problem: It’s too broad and doesn’t tell you what “help around the house” actually means. Are they talking about light tidying or full-on deep cleaning?

Clear Description: “We’re looking for a nanny to care for our two kids, ages 3 and 6, from 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday. Responsibilities include school pick-ups, preparing meals for the kids, and tidying up their play areas.”

• Why It Works: This outlines the kids’ ages, hours, and specific tasks, so you know exactly what to expect. While flexibility is required and expected, having a clear outline helps set expectations from the start.

Start by Asking the Right Questions

When a job description feels like it’s missing key details, don’t be shy about asking for clarity. It’s better to get everything out in the open now than to deal with surprises later.

1. “What’s a typical day like?” This is your go-to question to get a sense of daily routines, tasks, and responsibilities. Listen closely for any red flags or extra duties that weren’t mentioned upfront, and be prepared to ask for clarification if necessary.
2. “What are your top priorities for this role?” Families might have a long wish list, but this question helps you figure out what’s really important to them.
3. “How flexible is the schedule?” Flexibility can mean a lot of things, so it’s good to know if they’re talking about the occasional late night or being on call 24/7.
4. “Are there tasks outside of childcare?” Clarify whether they expect you to handle things like cooking, cleaning, or errands so you know exactly what’s on the table.
5. “What’s your communication style?” Knowing how a family communicates can tell you a lot about how easy (or not) it’ll be to work with them.

Protect Yourself with a Written Agreement

Why You Need a Contract: A contract spells out everything—your duties, hours, pay, and even how to handle unexpected changes. It’s your safety net if anything comes up.

Speak Up If Something Feels Off: If the contract doesn’t match what you discussed, ask for changes. It’s better to address it now than to deal with misunderstandings later.

Consider a Trial Period: Suggesting a trial period gives both you and the family time to see if it’s a good match before committing long-term.

Unclear job descriptions don’t have to be a dealbreaker, but they do require some extra work to figure out what’s really expected. By asking the right questions, negotiating specifics, and getting everything in writing, you’ll set yourself up for success. A little clarity now can save you a lot of headaches later.