Tips for Standing Out When Applying for a Nanny Position

Are you wondering why you aren't securing a position despite having great experience, solid references, and a clear understanding of what you bring to the table?  In this post, I’ll cover some of the main reasons why nannies—or any applicant, regardless of industry—might not secure the job. I am in the process of creating a blog about what should be included in a nanny portfolio to assist you in securing your next role.

APPLICATION// As an agency owner with nearly 11 years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of working with so many amazing individuals. I truly believe that your application is your golden opportunity to shine and make a fantastic first impression. One key aspect I look for is your ability to follow the detailed instructions.

Take, for instance, the experience question on my application: “Describe all of your professional childcare experience since the age of 18. Include the type of position (nanny, family assistant, etc.), hours worked per week, dates of employment (including months and years), reasons for the role ending, and the ages of the children when you started.” While it might seem straightforward,  I would say half the applicants, maybe even more, who come through miss out on providing this vital information, and sadly, I am not able to move forward.  By completing the application thoroughly and taking your time on the application, you’re taking a fantastic step toward securing the role you desire.

ORGANIZATION// When applying for a position, it’s understandable that you may be applying for multiple roles, and it may get confusing about what job you are applying for,  though it’s crucial to keep track of the positions you’re applying for and which agency represents each family. To stay organized, consider using sticky notes, a notes app on your phone, or good old pen and paper. For each nanny agency you apply to, write the agency's name and underneath, list the positions you're interested in with that agency. This method helps you stay on top of your applications and quickly identify which agency is contacting you and which positions you’ve applied for.

COMMUNICATION// After reviewing an applicant's application, the applicant and I communicate through email, and I truly believe this is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your professionalism! To make a great first impression, always start by addressing the recipient by name and ensuring it's spelled correctly—after all, my name is Kyla, not "Kayla." You’d be surprised how often this simple mistake occurs. When crafting the body of your email, be thorough and don’t forget to use spell check. This is your chance to shine, so let’s keep things professional—no emojis or acronyms like “btw, ttyl, lol,” please! Lastly, remember to sign your name at the end. I highly recommend running your emails, questionnaires, and other written materials through a spelling or grammar checker.

Another key piece is sending out an email to the family you have just met, thanking them for their time and highlighting the things you liked about their family. This is a great time to ask if they have any follow-up questions.

TIMELINESS// As a busy mama and business owner, I understand that not every email can be responded to immediately and that family always comes first. However, timely responses are critical to being taken seriously if you apply for a position. I recommend a max of 24 hours to respond to emails. After all, we want to know that you are eager about the job and organized enough to know when an email thread is awaiting your reply. By responding promptly, you're showing your commitment and eagerness for the job, which can significantly improve your chances of securing the role.

INTERVIEWING// Many applicants go through various types of interviews, including phone, Zoom, and, ultimately, an in-person meeting. I personally conduct all initial interviews via Zoom before sharing the nanny's information with the family for an in-person meeting. During the Zoom interview, I look for a few key things: being in a well-lit space with your phone or camera securely propped to avoid distractions, dressing in appropriate attire, and feeling comfortable and at ease answering basic questions. Most importantly, I look for someone personable and easy to engage with. Avoid driving, applying makeup, or texting during our interview – yes, that does happen. When meeting families in person, remember that every family is unique. Some may have severe allergies or may not celebrate certain holidays, so bringing gifts to an interview, though thoughtful, can sometimes lead to an awkward situation. Make sure to be 10 minutes early to find parking, and take a deep breath before walking up. Be mindful to remove your shoes and wash your hands when entering someone's home. Keep an eye on the time, do not overstay your welcome, and most importantly, just be yourself.

REFERENCES// Having strong references when applying for a position is essential. It’s crucial to ensure that your references know they may be contacted and that you know what they will say about you and your time with them. Too often, nannies are unaware that one of their references may not give the most positive feedback. Honesty with the nanny agency you’re working with goes a long way. Disclosing all previous positions is crucial, even if they didn’t end on the best terms. Being transparent builds trust with the agency, which is key to a successful working relationship.

You will also want to build your portfolio with written references. While they do not replace an actual reference, they are an important piece of your portfolio when you are applying. Now is the time to ask prior employers if they would consider writing up a reference.

Landing a job as a nanny position requires more than having the right experience and qualifications. It’s about presenting yourself professionally from the moment you apply to the final interview. Paying attention to detail on your application, communicating clearly and respectfully, responding promptly, and making a great impression during interviews are all critical steps. By being mindful of these areas, you’ll stand out as a strong, reliable candidate, increasing your chances of landing the position you want. For more details on what the interview process with a nanny agency entails and additional steps for success, be sure to check out my blog post, Interviewing With a Nanny Agency

Cheers,

Kyla Lopez

The Nanny Consultant