You don’t need to blend in to get hired. In fact, the qualities that make you stand out are often the very reasons a family will fall in love with you. Whether you sing lullabies like a pro, speak three languages, whip up allergy-friendly meals, or have a knack for turning backyard games into full-on adventures, your gifts matter.
Let’s discuss how leveraging your unique talents can help you shine during the hiring process and land a nanny role that feels like more than just a job; it feels like the right fit. From showcasing your skills on paper to sharing them in interviews, we’ll help you turn what makes you you into your biggest advantage.
1) Why Your Unique Skills Matter
In a sea of qualified candidates, what often sets you apart are the extra touches—your passions, special certifications, soft skills, and personal talents that go beyond basic childcare. Families love knowing that their nanny can not only keep their children safe and happy but also enhance their lives in creative, enriching ways.
By recognizing and confidently communicating your unique strengths, you’ll increase your chances of finding a family who’s not just looking for a nanny, they’re looking for YOU.
2) Examples of Stand-Out Talents
You might be surprised to learn just how many “bonus” skills families value when choosing a nanny. Some popular examples include:
- Musical ability – Whether you play the piano, sing, or lead the best toddler music circles in town, musical skills can support early childhood development and bring a lot of joy to the day.
- Bilingualism or multilingualism – Speaking multiple languages is a major asset, especially for families hoping to raise bilingual children.
- Athleticism or coaching experience – Energetic nannies who can lead outdoor play, organize sports, or coach can be a dream match for active kids.
- Cooking or baking skills – Creative meal prep experience, allergy-friendly cooking, or the ability to get kids involved in the kitchen? A big plus that lots of families are looking for.
- Lifeguarding or first aid certifications – These show not only skill but also a high level of responsibility and preparedness, especially for families with pools or beach access.
No matter what your unique talents are, there’s likely a family out there that’s looking for exactly what you bring to the table.
3) How to Showcase Your Skills on Your Resume and in Interviews
Once you’ve identified your strengths, it’s time to make sure they don’t get lost in the shuffle. Here’s how to highlight them effectively:
- Resume & Portfolio: Don’t just list your duties. Add a section for “Special Skills” or “Additional Strengths” and be specific. Instead of “bilingual,” write “fluent in Spanish (reading, writing, and speaking)”.
- Cover Letter: Use your letter to incorporate stories about how you’ve used your skills to enhance the lives of your past nanny kids.
- Interview: Be confident and conversational. Share how your unique talents benefit the children you care for. For example: “I love incorporating music into our day. I’ve taught kids songs on the ukulele, and we’ve even written our own lullabies!”
Tailor your language to what families value, and help them visualize how your special skills would enrich their home.
4) Real Stories from Nannies Who Used Their Talents to Shine
Maria, a former music teacher, transitioned into nannying and mentioned in her interview that she taught her previous nanny kid to play simple tunes on a keyboard. The parents, both musicians, immediately knew she was the nanny for their family.
Devon, a former varsity athlete, found a dream job with a family that spent summers at the lake. His comfort in the water and lifeguarding background helped seal the deal and gave the family confidence in water safety.
Sofia, who is fluent in French, secured a position with a bilingual family who wanted their toddler to grow up speaking both English and French. The parents were thrilled to find someone who could reinforce language learning in everyday play.
Your individuality is your superpower. Whether you’re a great swimmer, a language lover, a creative cook, or whatever it is that makes you YOU, leveraging your unique talents helps you land a nanny job that’s not only a great fit, but it’s fulfilling, too.