Be prepared at every step of the way.

JOB SEARCH TIPS

Today’s job market is challenging and competition for great nanny jobs is intense. It’s best to be prepared at every step of the way, so that there is no reason to eliminate you from consideration.

Here are our top tips for job searchers:

  1. Make sure you’re able to fully explain your work history.  You can even practice giving a short summary of it.  Include details that will help a family understand the work you’ve done with children over time. 
  2. Be ready for your personal interviews. If you’re doing a remote interview, be sure your technology is working and your background is appropriate.) For in person interviews, make yourself available, be presentable and be sure to show up on time (not too early and never late).
  3. Have prepared questions to ask during your interviews. This way if there’s a lull in the conversation you can help move it along and you’ll have a basis for comparison among families.
  4. Having presentation materials will set you apart from many other candidates. These can include a resume, dear family letter, letters of references, sample curriculum or activities. If you need help putting this together, we can assist you.
  5. Be prepared to answer questions about yourself that might include why you want to be a nanny and how long you could potentially stay with a family.  
  6. Be prepared to explain how you can bring value-added to a nanny family.  It’s great to give examples of ways that you’ve done this in prior childcare positions.
  7. Ask questions that allow you to understand the family’s needs and childrearing approach so that  you can decide if you’d be a good fit.
  8. Listen carefully to parents’ questions and make sure you are providing direct answers.  Try to avoid going off on tangents that aren’t relative to the position.  
  9. Don’t overshare about/bad mouth previous employers.  It’s okay to describe a challenging situation or two but in a general way.
  10. Jot down notes immediately after your interview, so you’ll remember the family and the details of the job.
  11. Reach out to thank them for their time following the interview.