Just like with all professions, your resume serves as your first introduction when applying for a nanny position or a nanny agency. Crafting a compelling resume is crucial to make a solid impression that matches all you bring to the table. Here are the do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while creating a resume for a nanny position.

So, what should be on your resume, and what is better being left off? Here are our tried-and-true dos and don’ts:

Do:

1. Include Contact Information: The recipient of your resume should be able to easily discern how to get in touch with you. Including your email address and phone number is ideal. Easy enough, right?

2. Highlight Relevant Experience: List out your previous experiences working with children, including the ages of the children you have cared for (when you first began a position), the duration of your previous positions, and your schedule in the role (i.e., full-time, 20 hours a week, on-call, etc.)

3. Showcase Your Skills: Highlight your skills that are relevant to the role, such as first aid certification, CPR training, and any specific educational background related to child development.

4. Include References: Provide reference information (name, relation, number) from recent previous employers or families you have worked for who are able to vouch for your reliability and competence as a caregiver.

5. Tailor Your Resume: Highlight any relevant skills or experiences that align with their requirements. To the best of your ability, customize your resume for each job application, focusing on the specific needs of the family or employer you are applying to.

6. Showcase Your Personality: Use this as an introduction! Include a bit about you, your background, and your passion for working closely with children and families.

Don’t:

1. Include Irrelevant Information: Exclude any irrelevant work experiences or skills that do not directly relate to childcare, as this could overshadow your relevant qualifications. If a position has transferable skills that are easily associated with your desired position, like administrative assistant experience when seeking a family assistant position, that is alright to be included.

2. Utilize Generic Statements: Refrain from using clichés or generic statements in your resume. Instead, use specific examples that speak to your duties and what you’ve accomplished.

3. Overlook Spelling and Grammar: Ensure that your resume is free from any spelling or grammatical errors, as these can reflect poorly on your attention to detail and professionalism. Also, ensure that your resume is well-organized and easily readable, with a clear format and professional font.

4. Include Personal Information: Beyond your name and contact information, avoid including personal details such as your social security number, marital status, or religious affiliations. Stick to providing professional information relevant to the job.

5. Utilize Exaggerations: Be honest and transparent about your qualifications and experience. Exaggerating or—even worse—lying about your skills or experience could lead to complications and a loss of trust during the hiring process and into a position.

Crafting a well-structured and tailored resume is so important when it comes to landing a nanny position. But it’s not hard to accomplish! By following these simple do’s and don’ts, you can effectively present your skills and experiences as a top-notch candidate, laying an excellent groundwork for your job search.