Want to be a nanny in NYC? How to land your dream job.
So you’ve come to New York City for a sparkling new future, found a fun sublet, and now just need the NYC nanny job of your dreams to go with it. Or you’re already a long-term New York nanny looking to put your experience and childcare skills to good use in a new job after years of relying on referrals.
No matter why you are trying to find a nanny job, the task can seem daunting at first. But never fear. As a veteran nanny agency with roots in the city that never sleeps (until your magical sleep training kicks in), we know just how to land that dream nanny job in NYC.
How to find and book the best nanny jobs in NYC
There are several way to get a leg up on the job search for your dream nanny job in New York. Keep this 4 top tips in your back pocket and you’ll be sailing to that handshake for a job booked.
4 top tips to book a nanny job in New York:
1. Online marketplaces vs. nanny agencies
There are oodles of places to find NYC nanny job listings online, and some are more trustworthy than others. Marketplaces like Sittercity or Care.com may offer you many opportunities, but it’s up to you to see which employers actually suit what you’re looking for and to ensure they are legitimate.
A reputable NYC nanny agency like Smart Sitting will get to know you and ensure that you meet with families that are a good match. You can read more pros and cons in our post comparing nanny listing services vs. nanny agencies to find a job.
2. Come prepared
Applying for a nanny job is like applying for any professional opening. Have all your ducks in a row with:
a comprehensive resume
references who have agreed to be contacted
proof of CPR certification if you have it
any other documentation that will convince potential employers you are just right for them.
Showing up well put-together for interviews applies to nanny interviews as well, but with one caveat: dress professionally but ready to play, in case you get some time to connect with the kids, too.
Get all the tips you need for your nanny interview here.
3. Know your NYC neighborhoods
In a town that’s a hundred different cities all crammed together, it’s likely you’ll work somewhere other than where you live – and that neighborhood is entirely different from yours.
If you’ve worked near the family before, tell them!
Let them know you know the best playgrounds, the best parks, the easiest route to pottery class with a stroller.
If you don’t know the neighborhood, scope it out before a potential interview to get a sense of it. Don’t forget to time your commute—on good days and bad—so you can confidently show up on time every single shift.
Additionally, and a little less scientifically, different New York neighborhoods have different vibes, and families may gravitate toward neighborhoods that align with their parenting styles. Use this to your advantage by learning which neighborhoods value a nanny who’s all about organic, homemade snacks / free-wheeling artsy kids who make messes / well-groomed nannies and children who know how to convey status. It can help you in your job search, and it can help you make it clear to families that you are just what they’re looking for in a caregiver.
4. Wow families with your special skills
New York families are high-achieving families, and they are looking for the best for their kiddos. Experience in childcare is a given, but dazzle them with your dancing, swimming, language, chess, painting, and gymnastics skills – anything beyond childcare that makes you a well-rounded, awesome person they want influencing their kids.
Not only does this let families know you are the cream of the crop, they’ll also realize the immense value of your ability to keep up when their kiddos need to practice. (Did we hear rate increase?) Tutoring experience and language skills in particular are a big ask among parents and tend to earn higher rates.
For all the advice you need about dazzling parents before you’ve even met, deep dive into our comprehensive guide about writing your nanny resume.
Bonus tip:
Always. Have. A. Nanny. Job. Contract.
It’s easy at the beginning of a working relationship when you and the family both are delighted at having found each other, to think it will always be easy and that all the terms are clear. But if something comes up down the line – disagreements on paid time off, sick leave, or about traveling together – it will be nearly impossible for you to make your case if it’s not on paper.
A nanny job contract helps both you and the family rest assured that everyone is taken care of and makes conflicts easier to solve.
Give your best to your NYC nanny agency & expect the best in return
If you do choose to find nanny jobs through an agency, make sure to choose one that puts you first. A true agency for nannies will listen to your needs, get to know your strengths, and help find a position that meshes with both. They will have already sorted through the non-starter jobs and employers who do not take your professionalism seriously. They will also help negotiate rates and benefits on your behalf.
To learn more about working as a babysitter or nanny through Smart Sitting, read how we provide you with more than a nanny job.
Do you have tips on finding a great nanny job in NYC you can share with our community? Tell us all about it on our Instagram or Facebook and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for all the guidance you need in your childcare career.