The Nanny Toolkit
Camille Ho / Monday, January 10th, 2011 / No Comments »
For many people trying to find a permanent nannying position, it seems that the competition keeps getting tougher and tougher, and good families are becoming harder to find. Because of this, it’s important for nannies who are hoping to find a good placement to make sure that they come prepared—both to the interview, and to the job itself. The following are some suggestions of things to have in your arsenal so that you’re prepared for even the most obscure question or situation.
The first thing that every good nanny should have is a thorough resume, along with a list of references (it’s usually best if they include at least two families that you have worked for in the past). Make sure that your resume is professional looking, with a streamlined style, and not too many out of place clip art pieces. If you have difficulty putting a resume together, there are plenty of resume templates to choose from if you conduct an internet search.
Another thing that will come in handy (and score you more points with potential clients) is a list of any kind of medical or childcare training that you have gone through. Many parents like to make sure that their childcare providers are CPR certified, and this can be a great way to bolster your resume as well. Check your local Red Cross branch or hospital for CPR class times, and consider getting certified. It will be well worth your time and money for the peace of mind that it will give you and any potential clients you might encounter.
Also, bring along a bag of tricks for your littlest clients—the actual children you will be working with. You may want to talk to the parents beforehand and make sure that nothing is off-limits (like play-doh, or any other kind of toy), but otherwise, it’s always a good idea to come prepared. Look up easy craft ideas that are age-appropriate for the kids you are working with and bring the supplies along so that you can ensure you’re not missing anything. Parents are highly impressed by nannies that are self-motivated enough to plan out crafts and activities for their children, and it also shows that you care about your job and the children you are working with.
Finally, bring along the best attitude you can. It may sound a bit cheesy, but it’s important to “fake it until you make it” because this can turn a wild day of work into a manageable and even pleasant experience. Children are very perceptive to the emotions of people around them, and they can tell when you don’t want to be there—so do your best to be enthusiastic and your day will go much more smoothly.