One of the most important aspects of becoming a successful nanny or babysitter is the ability to find new families. Sure, you might fall into caregiving by watching younger family members or your neighbor’s kids, but eventually, you’re going to want to branch out. This means putting yourself out there and doing everything you can to find new families to help.
Plenty of parents are out there looking for the right caregiver for their child, but finding them might not always be straightforward. So, how can you increase your visibility and find the right nanny and babysitting jobs? We spoke with a number of professional sitters and nannies to help you find new jobs. Read on to see their tips and then put them into action!
1. Be active in your community
“If you are already nannying, be friendly with the parents you see at kids’ activities. If there are families who always go to the same after-school activities, strike up friendly rapport with them so you build trust and they think of you when they are in need of help.”
– Samantha Steiger, founder of Sittersam, traveling pet/house sitting and nannying with 15 years’ experience
2. Tap into your current network
“Networking is a must when it comes to finding your next dream nanny or babysitting job. Engage with other parents and children while at the park, on playdates, at children’s classes/clubs and more. Build relationships with other caregivers, teachers and parents in your community. Word-of-mouth and reviews go a long way in this industry, so make sure you’re putting your best foot forward and representing yourself well!”
– Brooke DeFranco, nanny for 8+ years, Boynton Beach, Florida
3. Ask for referrals
“Chat with the people who are already in your life who may have connections. Do any of your relatives have children or children-related jobs and frequent places where they can be a good reference for you? Ask trusted peers for referrals and offer that energy exchange back to them in whatever [way] you can. Fellow sitters also count! Consider creating a network in which you and fellow sitters share open slots, referrals, etc. with each other.”
– Samantha Steiger, founder of Sittersam, traveling pet/house sitting and nannying with 15 years’ experience
4. Don’t discount the value of word-of-mouth recommendations
“Networking and word-of-mouth recommendations can work wonders in finding new job opportunities. Inform your friends, family and colleagues about your availability, and express your interest in finding a new position. You never know who might have a connection or know someone seeking childcare services. Recommendations from trusted individuals hold significant weight and can help you secure new positions.”
– Sarah Johnson, nanny with 3 years’ experience at Muffetta’s Domestic Assistants, New York City
5. Reach out even if you aren’t the “perfect” fit
“One trick would be to check Care.com frequently, and reach out even if it might not look like the perfect fit. Families might be more flexible than what they are required to put on their listing.It doesn’t hurt to reach out.”
– Cynthia Halstead, nanny with over 10 years experience, Denver
6. Look for leads on social media
“Look on local Facebook forums in your area. I have joined all of our local mom groups, and I get the majority of my business from there.”
– Elizabeth Hawksmith, nanny and child care provider with 26 years’ experience, Indianapolis, Indiana
7. Make your online profiles shine
“Online, polish your profile. Make sure your pictures are professional but not too business-y. Don’t be afraid to show your playful side because that’s your profession. Run spelling and grammar checks throughout your profile, and update your availability to exemplify your attention to detail.”
– Maggie Larkin, parent coach at The Radical Nanny with 22 years’ experience as a babysitter, New York City
8. Then, make sure you stay active online and respond quickly
“Creating a comprehensive and appealing profile that highlights your experience, skills and availability is crucial. Actively engage with the platform by responding promptly to inquiries and proactively reaching out to families that match your preferences.”
– Sarah Johnson, nanny with 3 years’ experience at Muffetta’s Domestic Assistants, New York City
9. Create opportunities to meet new clients
“For landing new clients, I always just listen to people talk while I’m shopping. Practice observing what people are traveling with and how cumbersome their experience is, and when the moment is right, share your information with them while helping them in some way. Maybe by opening a door and grabbing an item on a shelf closest to you. Being instantly helpful breaks the ice and creates a memorable exchange to draw upon when it’s time to make a follow-up contact.”
– Kimberly D. Edwards, personal concierge with 15 years’ experience in child care, Denver
10. Don’t be afraid to advertise
“Don’t be afraid to advertise! Talk to other nannies and parents at the playground. They may have a former family looking, or maybe they’re looking to move on.”
– Maggie Larkin, parent coach at The Radical Nanny with 22 years’ experience as a babysitter, New York City
11. …including advertising the “old school” way
“You can put ads up in supermarket bulletin boards or in your local laundromat. If you live in a building, you can post a sign in the lobby that will let your neighbors know you are available as a sitter or nanny. You can also put an ad on Craigslist, but be cautious: there could be some scammers on there.”
– Rachel Devine, former babysitter with 10 years’ experience, Bayside, New York
12. …but understand an agency might cost you a bit
“Be aware that the fees [for a nanny agency] can be steep; however, you’ll likely get the salary and benefits you’re looking for, as well as families who understand how to employ a nanny.”
– Elizabeth Hawksmith, nanny and child care provider with 26 years’ experience, Indianapolis
13. Always have business cards on hand
“Have business cards, make sure you leave some with current families and don’t be afraid to hand them out. I usually give my card to the parents of kids [my client’s kids] played with.”
– Katy M., former nanny for 7 years (with 5 years’ experience in child care and education), Orlando, Florida
14. Remember, communication is the key to standing out
“Be a clear and concise communicator. With all the noise and drama out there, being able to communicate effectively will go a long way. The more you communicate in a timely fashion, the better.”
– Cristina Twigg, babysitter with 20+ years’ experience, founder of Easy Care Sitters (2010-2020) and freelance copywriter, Lafayette, Colorado
