Getting your ideal nanny job: The Complete Guide for Nannies
Getting a great job as a nanny can be a vital step to a rewarding career
This guide might be all you need to get a nanny job
So you want a nanny job
If you love engaging children and spending your days on adventures of imagination or learning, you have probably already considered a job in the field of childcare. Many childcare professionals make their way into nannying, a rewarding career that allows for lots of individual attention and a unique relationship with the parent employers. But how does one go about finding a nanny job?
We’ve got you.
At Smart Sitting, we have worked with nannies for well over a decade, helping the very best childcare professionals find their ideal jobs with all sorts of families and arrangements. Want to help a jet-setting family care for their kids around the world? We can do that. Want to work part-time as an after-school sitter while pursuing a creative career in one of the country’s biggest cities? We can do that. Want to join a family from the very start of their parenting journey and be an important part of their child’s life for years and years? We can do that, too.
To that end, we like to think we know a thing or two about how nannies can find jobs, no matter their skill level or availability. So we have put together this comprehensive guide over the various way to find nanny jobs – whether that’s through social media, online platforms, or via an agency like ours. Equipped with this knowledge, you can make an informed decision on your job search strategy and be one step closer to the nanny job of your dreams.
Social Media Sites
Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, offering a vast network of connections. Nanny jobs are no different. By engaging with parent forums and communities and making it clear to your network that you are looking for work, you have a great chance at finding a family looking for someone just like you.
Facebook Groups: Joining local nannying groups can provide valuable job leads. You may also find someone in your extended network simply by posting your availability and spreading it around.
Instagram: May not be the first place you think of to find a nanny job, but by using the right hashtags, you can build connections and get seen.
Parenting groups: Other online groups and forums for parents can connect you with nearby families and may be a great way for current employers to recommend you.
Pros and cons of using social media to find a nanny job
Pros:
They are free to use
Parents and nannies alike know how to use them and how they work
You can connect with families directly
If you find a job within your extended network, both you and the potential employer can feel a sense of trust from the start
Cons:
Limited job security and background verification
It may be hard to find available jobs - or you’ll find too many that don’t work for you
You will need to be actively involved and consistently networking
Childcare Platforms
Online platforms, such as care.com or Sittercity, specifically designed for childcare professionals offer a dedicated space to connect with families seeking nanny services. There’s often an opportunity for you to post your availability and profile as well as search through open listings and apply to the ones that seem right for you. Since they are so large, many of these platforms exist even in smaller cities.
Pros and cons of using childcare platforms to find a nanny job
Pros:
The pool of potential employers actively seeking childcare services is often large
There are built-in tools for background checks and references so that you can have it all in one place and easily share with families
Cons:
Many of these platforms are expensive for nannies
You have limited opportunities to customize the job search process
High competition among nannies on the platform
No way to check the families - verifying their authenticity nor ensuring your security
Nanny Agencies
Nanny agencies serve as intermediaries between nannies and families, providing personalized assistance throughout the job search and hiring process. Their processes vary. Some may mostly be a space where families and nannies find each other and there is some level of accountability. More premier agencies will create tailored connections between families and nannies based on what suits both the employer and the employee. While there are numerous nanny agencies available, it's important to choose reputable ones in your area and do a little digging before applying. Here’s a little more information about what to look for in a nanny agency.
Pros and cons of using a nanny agency in your job search
Pros:
You can get personalized assistance and guidance from experienced professionals
Access to exclusive job opportunities not publicly advertised
Support in negotiating contracts and clarifying job expectations
Cons:
Some families will not be able to afford a nanny agency, so your pool of available jobs may be lower
The hiring process may be longer compared to other methods
If you are a nanny with less experience, it may be hard to get in with an agency
Start the search within yourself
Keep an eye on the blog to learn the tricks you may be missing.
The bottom line is always: what fits you?
Perhaps you just moved to a city or left a job and now you need loads of babysitting gigs, stat. Then a childcare platform may be the best way to quickly connect you with lots of families.
Maybe you are an experienced, top nanny looking for exactly the right fit in a family before you commit and give them your all. Then a premier nanny agency may be able to take you all the way there.
Whatever your preference, there’s a way to make the most of your search and help you get that right childcare gig, and get you on the right track toward job security (and daily rewarding giggles, too).
In the coming weeks, we’ll be digging into each of these avenues for finding a nanny job, with more details about where to look and how to maximize the potential of each method. Keep an eye on the blog to learn the tricks you may be missing. And for all you need to know about childcare careers, being the best nanny you can be, and navigating the logistics and paperwork of a nanny job, sign up for our newsletter below. Good luck on your search!