Ten Tips for Nannies Seeking Jobs Through Agencies

Oct 31, 20245 min read

If you're ready to dive into the job market and are considering going through agencies, you're in the right place. Working with agencies can make the search much smoother, but you must know what you're looking for and how to use the system. Here are ten tips to get you hired faster!

1. Know What You Want

It would help if you had a clear idea of what you're looking for. Having a clear idea of what your ideal job is will help you heaps. Are you looking for a ROTA job? Are you all about full-time roles? Do you want to travel? Are you happiest in a structured or laid-back household? Knowing these answers keeps you from wasting time on positions that don't fit your lifestyle or preferences. A Nanny who clearly articulates what they are looking for sets them apart.

2. Research the Agencies

There are millions of agencies out there. Make sure you do your due diligence because not all of them are working ethically. Just last week, I found two agencies charging candidates in case things take a bad turn. Agencies should not be charging candidates.

Agencies have their niches. Some work with HENRY's (High Earners Not Rich Yet), and others work with HNWI or UHNWI (High Net Worth Individuals or Ultra High Net Worth Individuals). Knowing what you are looking for will help you identify the agencies you want to work with.

Check out reviews, ask around, ask Nanny Consultants like me, check out Nanny Associations, or even visit nanny forums for the latest scoop. But keep in mind that personal experiences will vary. Just because you were happy with one agency does not mean I will be, too.

3. Contact the Agencies

Once you've got a shortlist, reach out! This isn't about calling every agency under the sun but strategically contacting the ones that fit your goals. Most agencies have an intake form or an email to get in touch, so don't hesitate to make that first move.

A word of caution: Before reaching out, make sure you meet the agency's qualifications to join. Read the requirements on the agency's website.

4. Create a Winning CV/Resume

Your resume is your first impression, so make it count. I have shared this multiple times and on multiple platforms, but I keep seeing resumes or CVs that do not do you justice. Tailor it to highlight your nannying superpowers—your experience with multiples, your cooking skills, or your travel experience with families. If you are struggling with your CV or resume, I have included a template in the Nanny Society Membership, or you are considering working with a resume writer to give it that extra polish. CVs and Resumes are not written in 10 minutes, even for someone who knows what they are doing, so give yourself some grace. Sit down with a good cuppa, pen and paper (or laptop) and take the first stab, you will have multiple variations before you are happy with the final version (and now you know why resume writers charge so much!)

5. Use a Cover Letter

Yes, cover letters still matter. They allow you to introduce yourself more personally, which can make a huge difference. Cover letters should be relevant and interesting. Nobody wants to know that I learned to swim when I was 4 years old, but they do want to know that I taught my charges to swim. Keep it short, sweet, and relevant to the role you're applying for, but sprinkle in a bit of your personality.

6. Read the Job Descriptions

Don't skip the details! There are so many clues in job descriptions (if they are written well). By reading the job description you should get a sense of who the family is looking, did they say bubbly? Are you bubbly? If so, you are a step ahead of me! You can also use the job description to craft questions if the family interviews you. So don't just skip to the compensation and benefits section to see if they pay well; read and re-read the job description.

Plus, knowing the details will help you tailor your application and make you look like the perfect fit.

7. Apply Following the Instructions Provided

If an agency asks you to apply a certain way, follow those directions! I see so many applicants who do not follow the rules. A few days ago, I shared a job with a group of nannies. With clear instructions on how to apply and what to include, out of the tens of applications, only one person followed the instructions. I will remember that one person; I will not remember the others who did not follow the instructions.

By doing so, you are showing the agency/recruiter that you can follow simple instructions, you are serious about your job search, and you are detail-oriented. These are traits that families are looking for.

8. Communicate Professionally

No matter how the communication takes place, make sure you keep it professional at all times.

Even if they seem super chill, remember they're still deciding if you're a good fit for their clients and for the agency. Aim for clear, polite, and timely responses.

9. Prepare Interview Questions

If the agency sets up an interview with the family, make sure you are prepared—don't just fly by the seat of your pants!

There is nothing more off-putting to a family than a nanny who has no questions. Having questions ready shows, you are serious about finding the right role and care about learning about the family. If you don't know what to ask, refer back to the job description, ask what the childcare philosophy in the home is, or prepare a standard set of questions and add to it.

10. Have a Strategy

We have all done it, throwing spaghetti at the wall, I mean. Job searching without a plan can feel like that. Create a strategy to keep things moving. An Excel spreadsheet can help you track which agencies you've applied to, who you've followed up with, and where you're in the process.

And hey, if this whole process feels overwhelming, consider joining my Pro Nanny Path Academy—I've got tons of tips, resources, and support.

Helpful Links

Here are some resources to help you nail your agency applications:

Pro Nanny Path Academy: Your go-to guide for a successful nanny job search!
Nanny Job Buzz: A great place to learn about the latest trends and tips in the nanny world.
Excel Spreadsheet for Tracking Applications: Trust me, it's a lifesaver.
Resume Writers: Get your resume looking sharp.