Need to earn some extra cash while at school or during holidays? A part-time babysitting job could be the answer.
Here is some advice about how to find a babysitting job and getting hired:
Where Can I Find Part-Time Babysitting Jobs?
- Online
Websites like Care.com are a great place to find babysitting jobs. People join Care.com to connect with carers and find the help they need for their family. Odds are good that you will find a babysitting job, especially on a site where people are searching for someone like you. - Libraries
Local libraries are often the centre for parent-child groups, community events and other activities. Many libraries offer story hours, sing-a-longs, and other family-friendly fun. Some have bulletin boards where you can post flyers or business cards. Ask the librarian if it’s okay to post a flyer so families can contact you if they need a sitter. - Churches or Religious Organisations
If you belong to a local church or religious organisation let other members know that you are interested in babysitting. Families may find it reassuring to hire someone who shares the same values. You could ask your organisation to post your ad in the monthly newsletter. Many communities have lists of members who need assistance with all sorts of jobs; running errands, homework help, odd-jobs, there’s a good chance that child care will be on that list too. - Preschools & After-School Clubs
Though many families choose to enrol their children in after-school clubs, they may still need a sitter for Saturday night. See if after-school clubs in your town keep a list of babysitters’ information on file for families in need and get your name on that list. - Social Networks
You know all those Facebook friends you have? Have them help you find babysitting jobs. A simple post on your Facebook page helps spread the word that you are looking for work. Join Twitter, LinkedIn, and other social networking sites. Cast a wide net and you will be more likely to find work. - Your School, College or University
If you’re in secondary school or college, check out the bulletin boards in the Main Office where local families may post babysitting jobs. Ask your teachers if they need help with their children. Even if they aren’t looking for a babysitter, there’s a good chance they will let the staff know you are available and can even help you post a notice in staff rooms.Similarly, if at university check their newsletter and local newspapers for babysitting ads posted by families. You can also ask your careers advice and student support centres if they keep local babysitting jobs on file.
How Do I Get A Holiday Babysitting Job?
School holiday childcare is a concern for many families; the children are on holiday but, unfortunately, the parents are still at work. With the obvious need for someone to watch the kids and help them enjoy their leisure time, a trusted babysitter provides the answer to this problem.
Here are some tips to help you get a holiday babysitting job:
- Post your profile:
Be proactive and post a profile on a babysitting website like Care.com. Provide as much information as possible; your education background, the years of babysitting experience you have and, of course, your favourite babysitting activities to entertain children. The more you include the better your chances will be of securing a summer babysitting job. - Search in the term leading up to the holidays:
Start your search for a holiday babysitting job early in the term leading up to that holiday. Although families may not be thinking about the holidays yet, the seed is planted. When they are ready to get their schedule settled, they’ll remember you. - Get weekend babysitting jobs in term time:
Develop a relationship with a family and do some babysitting for them at the weekend. Families may be more likely to extend a job offer for the school holidays to someone who already sits for them. - Post an ad in newspapers and on town websites:
Families turn to town websites and newspapers more regularly in the holidays to find “things to do”. Place an ad in the newspaper and on your town’s website, more readers means a better chance that someone will see your ad and contact you.