Top 10 tips to find an amazing nanny job 

Allison Gouskos 

23
February, 2024
So you’ve decided you want to become a nanny… You love children and have a passion for helping little buds grow into blossoming flowers. Perhaps you already have a degree in childcare, education, or have some experience as a babysitter or Au Pair. You want to help shape the minds of the upcoming generations. The thought of being confined to an office makes you want to run away screaming. And you’ve heard about some of the wonderful perks of nanny jobs such as travel, extra vacation time, rewarding experiences, and enticing salaries. Being a nanny opens many doors and can be an incredibly enriching experience. Now you need to figure out where to start your nannying journey! Finding a nanny job can feel like a daunting task, but Great British Nannies is here to help you land your dream role with our top 10 tips for getting started.

Here are our top 10 tips for finding an amazing nanny job:

1. Do Your Research – Is Nannying The Right Job For You?

Becoming a nanny can be incredibly rewarding. After all, you’re helping shape a little human! But it’s not always rainbows and butterflies. A nanny job requires immense patience, flexibility, a can-do attitude, teamwork, and at times, long hours and holidays (not yours). While there are a lot of perks, like travel and tangible proof of your hard work, sometimes you have to put your personal life on hold.
There are some major considerations to keep in mind. Nannying doesn’t simply entail playing with kids. It’s also about creating a healthy and stable environment and forming a secure bond with your charge(s). It’s worthwhile to look into the varied aspects of nannying, from managing tantrums to creating and implementing educational activities. Having a deep understanding of a nanny’s responsibilities will help you decide if the job is aligned with your skills, interests, and lifestyle. That being said, a genuine passion for shaping young lives will make this job immensely fulfilling!

2. Make A Shining Childcare Resume
Next, it’s beneficial to create a tailored resume specifically for nannying. Consider any roles with transferable skills such as calendaring, management, any other childcare roles like babysitting, and organization, to name a few. You should also look beyond work experience.
Add any job-related achievements and quantify your impact in previous roles. You can demonstrate your ability to create safe and educational surroundings for children, include information about special projects or activities you’ve participated in or initiated, and think about adding other relevant skills, such as cooking. And don’t forget soft skills! Empathy, positivity, teamwork, and effective communication are all crucial for any childcare role. Your unique combination of skills, even if they’re transferable, will make you stand out for any nanny job in this competitive field!

 

3. Think About Creating Professional Social Media Accounts

As you would for any other professional role, you may want to consider your social media platforms. It’s a digital age and unfortunately, sometimes our online presence can be tied to our professional lives. Scroll through your social media and think about whether or not  it’s reflective of the professional persona you want to portray. Needless to say, we should have freedom to express ourselves online, so it may be worth setting your profiles to private while job hunting and/or creating separate professional childcare-oriented accounts. Or, of course, you can opt to leave your online presence as is! This is a tricky aspect of applying to jobs and as always, the best rule of thumb is to trust your own instinct!
If you do decide to make a separate childcare or professional account, remember that photos, posts, and tweets should reflect your nanny image. Highlight your passion for childcare by sharing relevant articles, experiences, or achievements. Keep in mind that potential employers will almost certainly browse your social media. Demonstrating a commitment to and interest in childcare within your online presence with a professional account can leave a great impression on potential employers. And remember, never share photos or videos featuring children unless you have a parent’s or legal guardian’s express permission.

4. Is A Headshot Necessary?
 

While a headshot is not a requirement or necessity, some families do request a photo. It should be entirely up to you and your comfort level when it comes to providing a headshot. We understand and believe that appearance should not be a determining factor for families seeking a nanny. However, if you so choose to include a headshot or one is required by the family, there are some general guidelines.

A professional headshot is an excellent choice, but never fear! Something professional-looking will do the trick, an easy feat to accomplish these days. Your headshot should reflect warmth and approachability. Keep in mind the background and lighting to ensure a clean and professional appearance. If a professional headshot is inaccessible, you can ask for the help of a friend with a good camera or set the selfie-timer and stand in front of a neutral-colored wall with good lighting. Be sure that the photo shows your personality and professionalism. It’s a great opportunity to let your inner light shine through your smile! But again, this is an entirely optional factor.

 

5. Find A Reputable Agency (Like Great British Nannies!) 

Once you’re sure about finding a nanny job, have decided whether or not to include a headshot, and put together a tailored resume, it’s time to look for a reputable agency, like Great British Nannies! Navigating the sea of job opportunities can be overwhelming. A reputable agency can be your guiding compass, connecting you with families that align with your values and preferences.
Agencies usually have an established network of clients and candidates, so you’ll have access to diverse and high-quality nanny-job options. Great British Nannies, for example, focuses on matching skilled nannies with families looking for exceptional childcare. Research agencies that have a good reputation for professionalism and successful, long-term placements. You should choose your agency wisely. Not only are they an excellent resource to help you find exciting roles with great families and ensure both parties are satisfied, but you’ll also work closely together in the future!

 

6. Market Yourself And Your Childcare Skills 

This is where social media can be used to your advantage when searching for a great nanny job! Post photos and videos of your work and any certifications and qualifications you have. You can even make separate accounts to showcase your childcare and/or educational experience and skills.

Begin by creating a portfolio and curating content on LinkedIn, Instagram, or other platforms demonstrating your skills and passion for childcare. Post photos or videos of your previous experience and write cute captions or short, sweet stories. Also, be sure to post any certifications and other notable and related achievements. Remember, if posting something with a child, be sure to ask for the parents’ permission first.

 

7. Consider Continuing Education

While it’s possible to find a nanny job without a degree in childcare or another related field, it’s certainly always an advantage! Contemplate pursuing continued education in early childhood education, child psychology, or even social work. Not only does this increase your personal knowledge, but also showcases your commitment and dedication to growing within the childcare field.

You can find courses online, with Coursera , Udemy, our own GBN Nanny Course (coming soon), or check out your city’s local educational institutions. Going the extra mile and highlighting these efforts on your resume, socials, and during interviews will ensure your nanny profile stands out for the right families and shows dedication and a proactive attitude to your new profession.

 

8. Get Specialized

If you have an idea of a niche you’d like to work in, you should consider a specialization. Maybe you absolutely adore infants, you’re drawn to help children with special needs, or you’d love to put that French minor to use? That’s great news! And those roles usually require specialization which you can achieve through courses or certification programs. By specializing in a field of your professional interest, you’ll also become an attractive candidate to selective clients looking to fulfill a niche need. Some popular specializations for nanny jobs are infant care, special needs education, or foreign language education. Whatever you choose to specialize in, it will increase your marketability and your ability to provide excellent childcare for discerning parents.

9. Take Extra Courses

On that note, extra courses will make you stand out on your hunt for the perfect nanny job. First Aid courses, CPR, and other health & safety certifications are not always required. However, oftentimes they are a necessity. Regardless, you will look like a superstar candidate for taking that extra measure to ensure your charges’ safety and wellbeing!

Like specializing or continuing your education, taking additional courses shows future employers your passion and dedication to children and their wellbeing. Not only will they feel more comfortable and relaxed leaving their precious children in your care, but it will also give you peace of mind knowing that you can handle any challenges that may arise.

 

10. Keep Applying!

Sometimes it can take a while to enter the world of nannying. Persistence and a can-do attitude are key! Remember, if you’ve followed the steps above, you’re on the right path and a worthy candidate. It’s only a matter of time until you will find the perfect nanny job for you. As you search, refine your tactics. You can ask for feedback from agencies following interviews to improve your approach. You can also try networking with other caregivers already in the field. Your agency can put you in touch with more experienced candidates, or you can find groups on Facebook, LinkedIn, and other platforms to connect with childcare professionals.

Remember that it’s just as important that you like your employer as it is that they like you. Often it’s better to wait for that perfect match than rushing into a role that isn’t aligned with your values and professional vision. Don’t stop applying, and keep your chin up. Good things come to those who wait!

There you have it! We’ve curated this list of the top 10 tips to find an amazing nanny job. All that’s left for you to do is start checking off the list! While it can be difficult to get your foot in the door, stick with it and you’ll be in for an exciting and rewarding journey with your new nanny job. Don’t forget, Great British Nannies is here to guide you every step of the way. With years of expertise and experience in the childcare profession, GBN will be happy to represent you. You can contact us here and be sure to check our blog for more useful nanny tips and how-tos!

Sources:

How to Become a Celebrity Nanny

How To Become a Nanny for Rich Families and Celebrities-Tips, Tricks, and Secrets | by Rebekah B | Medium

Real talk with nannies: 20 tips for getting your first nanny job – Care.com Resources

What it takes to be a $200,000-a-year nanny | CNN Business