A resume is an important part of securing employment in many different professions, but a nanny resume is unique in a few different ways. This is a great opportunity to highlight your nanny resume skills, as well as your past experiences with children and your defining capabilities that set you apart from other applicants. 
Here are some tips for how to list nanny experience on a professional resume to find your dream job working with children.
The Importance of Nanny Resume Skills
It is often very difficult for parents to trust a new person with their children, especially if they are uncertain about that person’s level of experience. This is why past experience is the most important aspect of a nanny resume to put parents’ minds at ease that their little ones are in good hands while they’re away.
In-Demand Nanny Skills to Put on Your Resume
Although every nanny job is different, there are many skills that are universally relevant to this profession and in high demand by parents. It’s easy to simply list desirable characteristics in single words on your resume, such as dependable, attentive, and detail-oriented. But the best nanny resumes take these words a step further by describing how you put those characteristics into action.
Here are some examples of how to list nanny resume skills:
- Engaged children with games and puzzles
- Scheduled daily activities and tutoring sessions
- Cleaned up after children, including laundry and toy organization
- Provided daily reports to parents about children’s behaviors and activities
How to Describe Job and Career Changes
It is normal and natural to have a few job changes or even big career moves in your life, so don’t be ashamed of or afraid to share this information on your nanny resume. Always list start dates and end dates next to each job you put on your resume. If you are a new nanny with limited experience, feel free to add jobs with crossover skill sets that highlight how organized, compassionate, or reliable you are. You can be vague about why you left certain jobs on your resume until you are asked more directly in an interview.
Nanny Cover Letters and References
Every great nanny resume is accompanied by a cover letter that briefly explains who you are, why you are interested in the job, and why you are the best candidate for the job. Your cover letter should not exceed one page and provide a preview of what your resume describes in more detail. In addition to mentioning a few key skills and accomplishments that are relevant to child care, you will also want your cover letter to mention that your resume is enclosed, that you would be pleased to visit for an interview, and provide your contact information.
It is not typically necessary to provide contact information for your professional references initially when you submit a resume and cover letter. Instead, mention at the end of your cover letter and also make a note at the bottom of your resume that your references are available upon request.
Putting Your Polished Nanny Resume to Work for You
At Household Staffing International, we are fortunate to work with many highly skilled nannies who are looking for placement with caring families. To find the best nanny job for your skill set, fill out our online application form and upload your resume so we can get to know you better. Meanwhile, families looking for nanny care can complete our family application to tell us more about your needs and be one step closer to bringing a wonderful new nanny into your life.
For more nanny resume tips, including a sample successful nanny resume, check out our website or give us a call at 212-683-7722.