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When a care provider lists a reference with a valid phone number, we can call the reference on your behalf and post a recording of the call. Once we have the recording on file, we post it to the provider's account so everybody can benefit! We'll also include a transcript of the conversation.

Out of courtesy for the people that have been listed as references, we only call them once. If the recorded reference interview doesn't address topics you'd like to cover, please contact the provider in question and request their reference's contact information directly.

If a reference has a phone number and a recorded reference has not been previously requested, there is a link that says "Request recorded reference interview." Clicking this link will start the request! Please allow a few business days while we complete the interview. We'll send you a message to let you know when it's posted.

There are a few alternatives that you might see in the same space:

"Request recorded reference interview" - This means the reference has a phone number on file and a recorded reference has not yet been requested. Go ahead and request one!

"Recorded reference interview pending" - This means a recorded interview has been requested and we're still working on it. Please allow a few business days while we complete the interview.

"Unable to complete recorded reference interview" - This means we are unable to create a recorded reference interview. Possible reasons might be that the reference does not have a valid phone number listed, we could not reach them, or they declined to participate.

"Listen to recorded reference" - This means we successfully recorded an interview with the reference. Clicking this link will show the player where you can play, pause, rewind, or fast forward the recording.

When a recorded reference is pending, it means we are still working on it. Unfortunately, we can't reach everybody on the first try. We will attempt to reach them 6 times—after that we'll chalk them up as unreachable.

This means we are unable to create a recorded reference interview. Possible reasons might be that the reference does not have a valid phone number listed, we could not reach them, or they declined to participate.

In order to play the recordings, your web browser must have Javascript enabled. In addition, it requires that you have Flash installed.

There are a number of ways to create a video that you can upload to your Care.com profile. Here is a short overview of your options:

1. Use a Webcam - Most webcams come with software that will let you record videos directly from your webcam. (In addition, WindowXP includes Windows Movie Maker and the Mac includes iMovie. Both of these programs can also be used to capture and edit videos from webcams). After you create your video and save it to your computer's hard disk, just login to your account and upload your video to Care.com.
2. Use a Digital Camcorder - Most digital camcorders can be directly connected to your computer, usually through a USB or FireWire connection. Additionally, some camcorders allow you to record directly onto a DVD. After you record your video, connect your camcorder to your computer (or insert your DVD) and transfer the video to your computer's hard disk. You are now ready to log into your account and upload your video to Care.com. A digital camcorder is one that captures videos in Digital8, MiniDV, HDV, or any DVD format.
3. Use an Analog Camcorder - Most analog (or traditional film) camcorders cannot be connected directly to a computer. Accordingly, if you have an analog camcorder you will first need to convert your video into a digital format before it can be uploaded to your computer. This usually requires additional equipment or taking your film video to a specialty shop. After converting an analog video to a digital format and transferring it to your computer, you can then upload your video to Care.com.An analog camcorder is one that uses VHS, VHS-C, SVHS-C, 8mm, or Hi8 tape. (If you have an analog camcorder, you may find that it is more convenient and cost effective to purchase a Webcam than it is to convert an analog video to a digital format).
4. Use a Mobile Device or PDA - You can also record your video with a mobile device (e.g. cell phone) or PDA (e.g. Palm or Treo). However, many such devices only allow you to take very short video clips, which may not be ideal for your profile on Care.com. Furthermore, cell phones often record videos in 3GP or 3G2 format. Since these formats are not supported by Care.com, you will need to convert these files to one of the supported formats before you can upload your video to Care.com.

We recommend keeping your videos short and sweet. Your videos should not exceed 2 minutes in length. Additionally, please limit the size of your video files to 50 MB. Files larger than 50 MB will not be accepted.

So the right families can find you, be sure to include the following in your video:

• Your background—including why you became a care provider
• Your experience—including skills and how you handle emergencies
• Your personality—including your values and communication style

To improve the quality of your video, please consider these tips:

1. Check the Lighting. Ensure that you are recording your video in a very well-lit area. If you are recording your video in a space that does not have good lighting, it is likely that the video quality will be grainy and not very clear.
2. Focus the Camera. It sounds obvious, but check that your video camera or webcam is clearly focused before recording your video.
3. Keep the Camera Steady. Check to make sure that your video camera is positioned in a location where it will remain steady while you are recording your video. You might even consider mounting the camera on a tripod.

After you have recorded a video and have the video file on your computer, uploading it is easy. Just log into your account and upload your video from the Profile section of My Account. Remember, your video file must not be more than 50 MB and it must be in one of the supported file formats .

Depending on how large your video file is and how fast your Internet connection is, it may take 5 minutes or more to upload your video. Please be patient while your video uploads.

After you upload your video, we convert your video into a Flash video file. We do this so that other members can more easily view your video. Members only need to have the Flash plug-in to view your video, regardless of the original video file type.

The process of converting your video to a Flash video can take up to 24 hours, and occasionally longer. While your video is being converted, you will see a message indicating this status when you view your video in My Account. Furthermore, after your video is converted it will be reviewed and approved by the Care.com Member Care team to ensure that it meets our content standards.

Care.com will review and approve all videos that are submitted before they are available to other members on the Care.com site. If your video is not approved by Care.com, you will receive a message from Care.com letting you know. Here are some specific guidelines to follow to help ensure that your video will be approved:

• Limit the length of your video to less than 2 minutes.
• Ensure that the video picture is clear and that the lighting is good.
• Keep the content of your video relevant. See our guidelines on what to say in your video.
• Do not mention your contact information or email address in your video.
• If you are listed as a provider in multiple Care.com services, please create a separate video for each service.
• Avoid using any copyrighted materials in your video or including any materials with may be considered offensive.
• Review the rest of the information on this page for additional tips and guidelines.

You can get a webcam at most retail stores that sell computer or office supplies. In addition, you can also buy a webcam online. One of our favorites, is the Logitech Quickcam Chat.