Looking for a new job, nanny? It’s exciting, but let’s be honest—it can also feel a little overwhelming. Where do you even start? How do you make your application stand out? And most importantly, how do you find a family that’s the right fit for you?

The good news? With a little preparation, you can tackle your nanny job search with confidence and ease. We’re here to share our top nanny job search tips to help you get organized, highlight your strengths, and land a role where you’ll truly thrive.

1) Reach Out to Past Families

Our first tip for planning for the future? Look to the past. A great reference can make all the difference in your nanny job search. Before you start applying, reach out to past families to chat about your search and how their word can play a big part. Here’s how:

• Ask for Permission: Confirm that they’re comfortable providing a reference.
• Update Their Contact Info: Verify their current email address and phone number.
• Refresh Their Memory: Mention anything that might make a big difference in the type of position you’re currently seeking, such as sleep training, meal prep, or educational activities.
• Request a Letter of Recommendation: While it won’t necessarily replace a reference, having a letter of recommendation can help strengthen your application, especially if a family is unavailable for direct contact.

Having strong references in place makes a HUGE difference. The difference strong references make in a candidate’s application can’t be over-emphasized. Put in the time and effort required to ensure you’re maintaining those relationships with previous families to ensure a solid addition to your application, leading to the types of positions you want!

2) Prepare Your Materials

To stand out in your nanny job search, you’ll need to ensure your materials are professional and polished. Nannying is an intimate career, yes, but that doesn’t make the path any less professional than any other industry, and the preparation required and expectations are similar to that of other jobs. Make sure you have:

• An Updated Resume: Include your most recent experience, certifications, and key skills. Make sure you have details like ages upon hire, duties, your schedule, and the dates worked included!
• A Well-Written Cover Letter: Tailor it to highlight why you’re the perfect fit for each job. It doesn’t have to be long, but a short and sweet letter about what makes you excellent at what you do can go a long way.
• CPR & First Aid Certifications: Many families require these, so ensure they are up-to-date.
• A Portfolio: Showcase letters of recommendation, certificates, and photos of activities you’ve done with children (with permission from past families!).
• A List of References: Include past employers with their current contact information and a brief note about your role with each family and how it connects to your resume.
• A Background Check: Some families may request this upfront, so being proactive can set you apart.

Having these materials ready to go means you can respond to job postings quickly and confidently, knowing that your materials are professional and polished.

3) Get Clear About What You’re Looking For

It can be tempting to apply left and right to any job that comes even remotely close to what you’re looking for. But that can be a big waste of time. So how do you avoid this pitfall? Get specific about your non-negotiables. Before diving into applications, take time to define what you want in your next role. Consider:

• Work Schedule: Are you looking for full-time, part-time, or weekend? Live-out or live-in? Would you be open to a non-traditional schedule, like a Tuesday-Saturday schedule? What factors currently in your life could change within the next few months (school schedule, familial obligations, etc.)?
• Age Group Preferences: Do you thrive with infants, toddlers, or school-aged children? Would you be comfortable working with multiple children?
• Household Expectations: Are you open to light housekeeping, meal prep, or pet care? What about driving the children?
• Salary & Benefits: Research industry standards in your area, and know your worth.
• Family Dynamics: Do you prefer working for a single-parent household? Perhaps a larger family with multiple children? Would you be comfortable working in multiple households?
• Location Preferences: Are you open to relocation, or do you want to stay within a specific area? Are you comfortable committing to a longer commute?

We know that a lot of these factors depend on the individuals involved. But getting specific with various logistics helps save you time in the long run. Clarity on these factors will help you find a job that aligns with your needs and skills, making your nanny job search more effective.

4) Utilize Job Boards and Nanny Agencies

Finding job opportunities is easier when you know where to look. Here are some top resources for your nanny job search:

• Nanny Agencies: Working with a trusted nanny agency can provide access to exclusive job listings, pre-screened families, and contract negotiation support.
• Nanny-Specific Job Boards: Websites like com, Sittercity, and Nanny Lane are resources built for caregivers to find families that are actively hiring.
• Networking: Let friends, family, and fellow nannies know that you’re looking for your next opportunity. Word-of-mouth recommendations can lead to great positions!
• Social Media and Local Groups: Many parenting and childcare-related Facebook groups post nanny job listings. Search online to find local job boards and parenting groups near you.

Why not try a few avenues? A combination of these methods will give you the best chance at finding the right position.

5) Ace the Interview Process

Once you secure interviews, preparation is your key to success. Here are some essential nanny job search tips for making a great impression:

• Dress Professionally: Choose an outfit that is polished but also practical for a nanny role. Is it presentable enough to make a striking first impression but realistic enough that you could get on the floor with the kiddos and play? That’s the balance you’re looking for!
• Bring Necessary Documents: Have copies of your resume, references, and certifications on hand, even if the family didn’t ask for them.
• Prepare Answers to Common Questions: Families often ask about your childcare philosophy, discipline style, and how you handle emergencies.
• Engage with the Children: If the interview includes meeting the kids, interact with them in a warm and friendly manner.
• Ask Questions: Show interest in the family’s expectations, daily routines, and long-term needs.
• Follow Up: A thank-you email or message after the interview can leave a positive impression.

6) Negotiate Your Contract

Before accepting a job, ensure you and the family are on the same page about expectations. Here’s what to discuss:

• Salary and Payment Schedule: Determine your hourly rate, overtime pay, and whether you’ll be paid weekly or biweekly.
• Benefits: Discuss paid time off, sick days, and health insurance contributions if applicable.
• Duties and Responsibilities: Clearly define job expectations to avoid misunderstandings.
• Schedule and Flexibility: Confirm work hours, potential overtime, and how schedule changes will be handled.
• Termination Policy: Establish notice periods for both parties in case the arrangement doesn’t work out.

Having everything in writing ensures a smooth working relationship and protects both you and the family.

By reaching out to past families, preparing your materials, and getting clear on your goals, you’ll be well on your way to landing your next great nanny position. Utilize job boards, ace your interviews, and negotiate a fair contract to set yourself up for success. Keep these nanny job search tips in mind, and you’ll approach your search with confidence and success.