In a bustling career path for childcare professionals, finding your ideal nanny job can be quite the journey. As a busy, nationwide nanny agency, we understand the unique challenges you face when seeking a new role in such a competitive, dynamic industry. We have so much respect for your abilities and your passion for nurturing young minds, and we’re committed to providing a seamless experience as you navigate your career path. In this post, we aim to answer some frequently asked questions and offer advice on how to stand out as a nanny candidate, so let’s get started!
Can You Tell Me More About The Family?
First and foremost, it’s important to understand the sensitive nature of our work. As a professional nanny agency, we are dedicated to maintaining the privacy of the families we serve. Often, nanny candidates inquire about specific details pertaining to the families advertising nanny positions. Although we appreciate your enthusiasm and absolutely understand where you’re coming from, we can only share the information listed in the job description during the initial application process. However, once you’ve been selected for an interview or trial, you’ll have the opportunity to ask more in-depth questions and get a real feel for the family’s dynamics.
I Want To Apply, But My Ideal Rate Is Higher Than What’s Listed — Does The Family Have The Flexibility To Pay More?
In general, the compensation that is listed in the job description is the range that the family has expressed they are comfortable with. That being said, should the position feel like the perfect fit for you, we are happy to share your profile with a family (if your qualifications match their needs as well) at whatever compensation range you are most comfortable with when considering the job duties, schedule, and benefits package. It is important to keep in mind that the family is seeing other profiles and prioritizing candidates that are closer to their compensation range as well.
I’ve Been Applying But Haven’t Heard Anything Yet — What’s Up?
Don’t worry – we’re not ignoring you! The job market is incredibly competitive, and though we only represent the best of the best candidates (including yourself), each family we work with on average will meet 4 to 5 candidates out of the hundreds that apply to their role. Though we wish we could, we are simply unable to share every qualified candidate with each family they apply to. Many different factors can affect how quickly your profile is shared with families, including how quickly you apply once the job is posted on our website (we review applications in the order they are received), the family’s timeline, the progress of their search, if they’re accepting new applications, what qualifications they’re prioritizing, candidate and family location, and more. We also take into consideration our experience working with you, your communication style, your relevant experiences, any special skills you have that the family is looking for, and your turnaround time when requesting updates from you. As a candidate who has already been through our thorough vetting process, as soon as you apply to a position you are on our radar.
I’m Interested, But My Schedule Doesn’t Match The Family’s Needs — Can They Be Flexible With The Schedule?
Another query often raised by nanny candidates is about the flexibility of the family’s required schedule. Unless explicitly stated in the job description, most families prefer candidates who can accommodate their desired shifts as they are detailed within the job description. While some flexibility is occasionally possible, being able to provide consistent, reliable support during the times most needed by the family is vital for successful nanny-family relationships.
The Job Description Says “Live-Out”, But I Want To Live-In, Is That An Option?
Probably not. The families we work with have specific needs, and they’ve hired our team to help them find their ideal candidate and family fit. The family’s preference for the position to be live-in or live-out will be noted in the job description. If the family is open to either option, the job description will contain that detail too!
How Does Relocation Work?
Relocation works differently with each family. Most of our families are open to contributing to relocation costs, however, it’s your responsibility to do your due diligence to prepare and make a plan for your relocation needs. Do a lot of research on the area you are moving to, and in general, keeping it simple is the best way to go! Relocation costs that families are often happy to contribute towards include: airfare, moving trucks, assistance with deposit or first month’s rent on a new apartment, gas, and lodging if driving to relocate.
What Is The Next Step In The Process If You Do Submit My Profile Since I Am Not A Local Candidate?
First, the family will schedule a phone call or video interview. If that goes well, the family will either schedule an in-person interview or a trial, or a working interview. The family is responsible for the costs of transit and accommodations during the trial and all working hours will be paid at an hourly trial rate. This is your opportunity to spend time with the family, see if the chemistry is a match, and let them get to know you!
Throughout the years, we’ve garnered a deep understanding of what makes a nanny candidate stand out. Here are a few more tips that can improve your chances of securing that dream nanny role:
- Highlight Relevant Skills + Experiences — Be sure to emphasize any relevant experiences in your application, especially those related to the specific job requirements listed in the job description. Special skills, such as proficiency in a second language, CPR certification, or specialized training in child development, can be a significant asset. Check out our blog post about optimizing your resume for more specific advice!
- Clear Communication — Effective communication is crucial in our industry, particularly since so many first impressions happen digitally. Be reliably quick in responding to any emails from our team, and from the hiring families. Additionally, make sure to articulate your goals, preferences, and questions clearly and professionally throughout the entire process. Take a look at our blog post about communication to learn more about this vitally important topic!
- Consistency + Reliability — Reliability is a highly valued trait in the nanny profession, and families are drawn to candidates who have a proven history of providing consistent, reliable support for the children in their care. Nannies who can adapt to the parenting style of the family (while continuing to learn more about other teaching and parenting modalities) will often fit seamlessly into the dynamic lives of the families they work with.
- Professionalism — Most nanny roles involve working within a family’s home, and despite the level of intimacy that can create, it’s essential to remember that childcare is a professional position, and learning how to navigate the unique dynamic of working in a private home is crucial to your long term comfortability, and professional success. With that in mind, be sure to treat any interactions during the application and interview process as you would for any professional job, laying the groundwork for a clearly defined, communicative working relationship right from the start.
- Continued Learning — Show your commitment to this growing industry by pursuing ongoing training and development opportunities. Whether it’s attending childcare-related seminars, workshops, and conferences, renewing certifications, or learning a new language, continued learning shows dedication to your craft.
While the journey to your next dream nanny role may seem challenging, we are here to guide you every step of the way. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you in your job search, providing support and expertise as you navigate this competitive field. Remember, every application brings you one step closer to finding your perfect match. Your unique skills, experiences, and passion make you an invaluable asset to any family. We invite you to explore the additional resources on our website, especially our comprehensive FAQs and insightful blog posts, tailored for professional nannies like yourself. When you’re ready, our job board is full of exciting opportunities waiting for your applications, and we encourage you to review our process to know what to expect moving forward.
Have more questions for us? We’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us on Facebook, Instagram, and check out the other posts on the blog!
If you are looking for an exceptionally skilled nanny, newborn care specialist, or private educator for your child, we’d love to hear from you!
If you feel that you have what it takes to become an Adventure Nanny, newborn care specialist, or private educator, reach out to us.