A Nanny Match Blog

Choosing a career in nanny-hood is a rewarding experience. Here at A Nanny Match, we understand how difficult finding the right nanny job can be. We’re here to give you some helpful tips in landing your ideal position!

1. Find your nanny-community

Whenever you’re starting out or trying to progress in a career, it’s important to network with others in your field. These connections can not only help you find employment but also serve as a support system throughout your nanny adventures. Here in NYC, we have a thriving nanny community. However, these tips five tips can be applied no matter where you are located.

Not sure where to begin in finding your Nanny-community? Here are a few ideas:

• Join a Nanny Facebook Group
• Inquire about taking your nanny-kids to activities or classes where you will meet other nannies.
• Be friendly and proactive while meeting other adults at the park.

2. Polish up your resume

As with any career, a well-written resume is crucial in landing your next job. It’s important to clearly list your experience including dates, children’s ages, and location. If you don’t have any nanny experience yet, list relevant childcare experience such as teaching. Adding a family friendly photo will help you stand out from the crowd, and a cover letter expressing your interest will speak volumes.

We also suggest getting certified in CPR/First Aid. Bonus points for completing child development and early childhood education courses!

Other sought-out skills include a first or second language, nutrition, and child psychology.

Put yourself out there as much as possible, with agencies and on childcare websites. Note that nanny agencies typically require 2+ years of nanny experience.

3. Fine tune your communication skills

Communication is the key to a happy and healthy work environment. It’s critical to honestly communicate your background, experience, needs, and availability during the interview process. Surprises in these categories immediately break trust.

On the job, you must be able to effectively communicate the children’s needs to parents, and understand professional boundaries.

It’s equally important to be able to communicate with children in a way that they feel heard and respected while being able to set and maintain boundaries.

4. Self-care

When life gets busy, self-care can often get pushed aside. Our nanny kids well-being always comes first while on the job. However, during off hours, it’s so important to “do you!”

Here are some tips for self-care. Feel recharged and the best nanny you can be:

• Sleep.
• Stay physically active.
• Make time for friends and family.
• Meal Prep: planning your meals for the week saves time and helps you stay healthy. 
• Make use of your vacation days! Plan a trip, even if just for a weekend.
• Stay hydrated: make sure you're drinking your water!
• Journal: write down your feelings and thoughts!

5. Continue your nanny education

Knowledge is power. Staying current with parenting trends, while remaining open to learning each family's unique methods, is a great way to show you are informed and interested.

Expanding your childcare education boosts confidence in day to day life as a nanny and it makes you a more desirable candidate.

We suggest reading parenting and child development books and finding local classes to enhance your nanny-skills! Many colleges offer childcare certifications online and can be completed in a couple of weeks or even days.

A Nanny Match is proudly partnered with NYU’ and can offer a discount on the courses in their Childcare Management Program. These courses can be completed in just two Saturdays at the NYU campus in NYC. Contact us for more information!

With these five tips, you should have an easier time finding a nanny job. We hope we helped you and if you have any other tips we’d love to hear!