Add a Personal Touch to Your Nanny Resume
You’re applying for a nanny position; you know you have great experience, but your resume just isn’t standing out amongst the rest. We recommend you take the time to create a thoughtful letter of introduction. This letter adds a personal touch that helps a family better understand who you are as a unique individual in addition to your work experience. Since you will potentially become an extended member of their family, connecting them to your life, interests, and personality will help them to decide if you are the type of candidate they are looking for.
We have put together some dos and don’ts to help you get started…
While these ideas may not be relevant to all applicants, consider responding to the following questions:
What made your family or upbringing unique?
This question taps into your own family experience, culture, and relationships. Talk about your early experiences and how they have impacted your life today. For example: Were you raised in a large family? Did you spend time in countries outside of the US?
Was there a significant event in your life that you want to share?
Some people have experienced an inspiring, game-changing, or even devastating event. For example: Did you overcome a physical disability or serious illness, or the loss of a close family member? How did this event shape you into the person you are today?
What are you passionate about?
Passion is both uplifting and compelling; describe what drives you on a daily basis!m For example: Maybe you are driven by the love of music, nutrition and health, art, or supporting a specific cause.
What is your favorite way of connecting with children?
There are many approaches to engaging with children, both emotionally and intellectually. Describe your approach. For example: Maybe you are a theatrical storyteller, or perhaps you see a child’s endless questions as opportunities to teach them something new!
How does this job fit into your future?
While you may not be considering a nanny job as a long-term career, explain your vision for your future. For example: Do you have plans to earn a teaching credential? Maybe you are working as a nanny while you search for your dream job in broadcasting or marketing.
Avoid the Following:
Stating your age
Age is not only a legally protected characteristic, but sharing your age prematurely may illicit preconceived biases. Let your background and experience speak for itself, and leave this detail out!
Using cliché “cover letter” phrases
Those phrases you use (solely because you think an employer wants to hear them) are most likely the LAST thing they actually want to hear. Employers want to know you’re being genuine—keep it real!
Giving unnecessary personal details
You want the letter to tell your story and let your voice be heard, but you also must maintain professional boundaries. Mention personal experiences or details that are relevant to your life now, but avoid over sharing.
Mentioning expected pay and/or benefits
A letter of introduction is NOT the time or place to discuss compensation. This letter is a way to give employers some personal insight about you; it is NOT a negotiating tool!
Remember, this letter is all about sharing the uniqueness of YOU. So feel free to pick and choose from the above list and keep the letter to a maximum of one page in length. Finally, don’t forget to ask someone you trust to read it over and edit it before you send it out.
Good luck with your job search!
