For nannies who are seeking employment, it’s important to find the right nanny job with the right family. Even the most qualified nanny isn’t the best nanny for every family.
When seeking a new position, nannies must consider what types of personality types, management styles and parenting philosophies they work best with. Nannies who excel at working in a super structured environment with parents who are organized and tidy aren’t going to enjoy working with a laid back family that goes with the flow and is always running late because no one can find their shoes as they’re heading out the door.
Nannies must also consider the intensity of care they wish to provide when seeking a new position. Some nannies prefer to be full-charge nannies who are responsible for everything related to the children, while others prefer to receive a concrete daily plan from the parents and simply implement it. If you’re the type of nanny that loves heading to the playground and going out on play dates, you’ll want to be sure the family you decide to work for will allow their nanny to transport the children to age-appropriate outings and activities.
Before beginning the job search, nannies should make a list of their skills and qualifications, as well as a list of tasks they are willing to tackle and duties and responsibilities they are willing to take on. A nanny who will only do housekeeping tasks related to the children isn’t going to be thrilled with a position that requires her to do the entire family’s laundry. Identifying your ideal job and writing down what that entails will help guide you to the right job with the right family.
From social media updates to word-of-mouth referrals, there are several ways to find a nanny job. Nannies should cast their nets wide and consider utilizing all of their job search options to improve the likelihood of finding the best employment match. Nanny placement agencies, nanny classifieds, nanny job sites and posting on bulletin boards in libraries and coffee shops are ways many nannies find job leads.
To find the best match, nannies should have a clear understanding of the role they wish to play, the responsibilities they’ll agree to assume, the personalities and parenting philosophies they work best with, and the salary and benefits they’re prepared to accept. When a nanny identifies this information, regardless of how a nanny finds a potential family, she’ll be guided to the right job with the right family.
10 Ways to Find a Nanny Job
For nannies seeking employment, there are more ways than ever to learn about nanny jobs and to advertise their services to parents seeking an in-home childcare provider. The more parents that nannies have the opportunity to connect with, the more likely they are to find the right family to work for.
As you consider your job search, be sure to utilize these ways to find a nanny job:
- Let parents know you are looking. When someone is looking for childcare, everyone in their network typically knows. Don’t be shy about telling moms you meet at the library or coffee shop you’re a nanny seeking employment.
- Connect with other nannies. Many areas across the country have nanny groups that meet for networking and educational events. There are even Facebook pages and Yahoo groups dedicated to nannies. When you get connected to other local nannies you’ll be in the loop when it comes to hearing about parents who are hiring.
- Utilize social media. Use your Facebook status to your advantage. Update your status to reflect that you’re looking for work and invite your friends to share your status with others.
- Register with a nanny placement agency. Nanny agencies match nannies seeking employment with families seeking nannies. Reputable agencies don’t charge nannies a registration fee, and instead have the parents pay for the placement of a nanny.
- Post advertisements at churches or community centers. Hang up fliers with contact information and a brief description of your qualifications. Many families are often involved in churches and community centers, so this is a great way to advertise to local residents.
- Peruse classifieds. Parents who need a nanny quickly may rely on a major job site like Craigslist to find a caregiver. This works especially well in urban areas, as Craigslist has specific sections for different regions. Make sure to read postings carefully to avoid scams.
- Search nanny related websites. There are many websites that are designed especially for people looking for nannies, and many of these have forums or message boards that people use to communicate with one another.
- Create a profile on a nanny job website. These websites allow families to look through profiles and contact nannies who they think would be a good match for their needs.
- Place an advertisement in a local newspaper. Parents who are not as technologically savvy may notice advertisements in print instead of online. Utilizing both Internet and newspaper advertising is a good way to get the word out to as many different people as possible.
- Look in the local parenting publication. Many communities boast free parenting publications, most of which have a classified section. Consider putting an ad in the publication or skimming through it in search of parents seeking a nanny.
When looking for a nanny position, cast your nets wide to find the right job with the right family. While it can be tempting to take the first job that comes along, don’t. Nannies and parents who want a long-term care position will work so intimately with each other that it’s important to secure a good match.
