Working as a professional nanny can be an incredibly rewarding career. But being at the top also comes with high standards and expectations. Top agencies, such as Westside Nannies, receive thousands of applications a year, and only a select few candidates meet the criteria to be considered truly exceptional.
If you’re wondering what separates a good nanny from a great one, or how to stand out in a crowded field, let’s break down what agencies are really looking for when it comes to identifying top nanny candidates.
1. Professional Experience and Credentials
Agencies are first and foremost looking for nannies with a strong foundation of experience. This doesn’t always mean decades in the field (though it can, depending on the job at hand), but rather consistent, high-quality roles that show growth, commitment, and passion for childcare.
a) What stands out
- Recent professional nanny experience—the more, the better—that demonstrates a commitment to the industry
- Long-term placements (1+ years, but the longer, the better!) that demonstrate loyalty
- Experience with the age group you’re applying to work with
- Specialized experience: working with multiples, high-profile families, children with special needs, traveling with families, etc.
- A degree or coursework in child development, education, or a related field (not always required depending on the agency, but can be highly valued)
b) How to level up
- Document your experience with a detailed, polished resume
- Obtain letters of recommendation from past families
- Stay current with CPR/First Aid certification and any relevant continued education
- A level of self-awareness about what you bring to the table skill-wise goes a long way (for example: an agency is less likely to be able to support you if you’ve only ever worked with ages 4-9 but only want to work with newborns moving forward)
2. Strong Communication Skills
There’s only so much you can do to control the experiences on your resume. So how else can you become a top nanny candidate? Start with what you can control. And at the top of the list is your communication skills. Top nanny candidates know how to communicate clearly, respectfully, and professionally with children and adults.
a) What agencies look for
- Well-written emails, resumes, and cover letters
- Prompt and coherent responses
- Professional and approachable demeanor during phone and in-person interviews
- Ability to provide detailed daily updates to parents without oversharing or under-communicating
- Emotional intelligence: ability to navigate sensitive conversations with tact and empathy
b) Pro tip
Practice mock interviews and prepare thoughtful answers to common questions. It might feel funny to practice either with yourself or a helper, but communication skills can be developed like any other skill with time and practice.
3. Reliability and Professionalism
Agencies rely on their candidates to represent their brand with integrity. Top candidates are consistent, punctual, and understand that their job is a professional one, even though it takes place in someone else’s home.
a) What that looks like
- Showing up early (but not too early!—5 minutes is the sweet spot) to interviews and trial days
- Following through on commitments without constant reminders
- Being responsive to messages and requests in a timely manner
- Maintaining boundaries with families (e.g., understanding the line between personal and professional)
b) How to stand out
Treat every step of the process, from your application to your first week on the job, as a reflection of your work ethic. Agencies notice consistency.
4. Flexibility and Adaptability
Families’ needs can change quickly, and the best nannies are those who can roll with the punches without becoming overwhelmed or defensive.
a) Top nanny candidates:
- Can shift gears when a child gets sick or a schedule changes
- Handle transitions (such as a parent working from home) with grace
- Are open to feedback and willing to adapt to the family’s parenting style
b) How to cultivate this trait
- Stay solution-focused when challenges arise
- Avoid taking feedback personally
- Be proactive about asking for clarification or support when needed
5. Passion for the Work
Agencies can tell when someone is nannying because they love it, versus when they’re just in it for a paycheck. Passion doesn’t mean being perfect or sacrificing your own well-being, but it does mean being deeply committed to children’s development, happiness, and well-being.
a) Signs of passion
- Engaging in play with genuine enthusiasm
- Planning thoughtful, age-appropriate activities
- Staying curious about early childhood education trends
- Showing up each day with energy and intention
b) What to do
Share specific examples during interviews of moments you felt proud of your work, like a nanny child’s milestone, a challenge you overcame, or a project you led.
6. Discretion and Trustworthiness
In every household, but especially in high-profile or high-net-worth households, discretion is non-negotiable. Families want to feel safe knowing their nanny is respectful of privacy and can be trusted with confidential information.
a) How agencies are able to assess this
- How you speak about previous employers
- Your social media presence
- Background checks and reference calls
b) How to strengthen your reputation
Maintain confidentiality at all times. What happens in your nanny family stays there.
7. Cultural Fit and Emotional Intelligence
While skills and experience are essential, agencies are also looking for candidates who will mesh well with the family’s lifestyle, values, and personality.
a) What this means
- You’re observant and can adapt to how the family functions
- You ask thoughtful questions during interviews to learn what the family values most
- You demonstrate humility, kindness, and respect in every interaction
b) Bonus tip
Sometimes the best way to be a top nanny candidate isn’t to be the most experienced, but to be the most emotionally attuned. Families want someone who truly gets them and a vibe that fits right into their household.
8. Proactive and Independent
Top nanny candidates take initiative. They don’t wait to be micromanaged or told what to do. This doesn’t mean you need to read the family’s mind, but a proactive approach goes a long way.
a) What this looks like
- Anticipating needs (i.e., packing a change of clothes, prepping a bottle, setting up a learning activity)
- Handling light household duties related to the children without being asked
- Problem-solving calmly when plans change or a challenge arises
b) How to become more proactive
Think one step ahead. Ask yourself: “What can I do now to make things easier for the family or kids later?”
9) Final Thoughts: How to Become a Top Nanny Candidate
Being a top nanny candidate doesn’t mean you have to be perfect. But it does mean being intentional, professional, and passionate about what you do.
To recap, here’s what agencies are looking for in top nanny candidates:
- Strong professional experience and credentials
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Consistent reliability and professionalism
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Passion for children and the job
- Discretion and confidentiality
- Strong cultural fit and emotional intelligence
- Proactive mindset and initiative
At Westside Nannies, we’re committed to working with exceptional nannies who are serious about building long-term, meaningful careers. If you’re ready to take your next step, we’re here to help you shine.
Apply today and show us why you’re one of the top nanny candidates we’ve been waiting for.
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