Finding it hard to land jobs you love as a sitter or nanny? We’re here to help. Depending on the time of year and the season, you might notice that there’s more competition for jobs. Still, there are plenty of ways to stand out as a babysitter in your profile and through your communication. We’ll break down what families are looking for right and how to stand out in ways that feel authentic to you.
What Families Look for in a Babysitter
When families are choosing between caregivers, they’re typically asking themselves a few critical questions:
- Does this sitter seem reliable?
- Does this caregiver communicate clearly and thoughtfully?
- Does this sitter understand our family’s needs or try to learn about the role?
- Can I picture this sitter caring for my child or children?
While experience does matter, it’s definitely not the only factor. Families often prioritize trust and fit over a never-ending list of credentials.
Profile Tips That Make a Difference
How your profile looks is super important since it’s typically the first impression you give… and sometimes it’s the only one. Possessing a strong profile helps families quickly and easily understand who you are and whether or not you’re a good match for their family.
Write a Babysitter Bio That Sounds Like You
Your Sittercity bio shouldn’t read like a résumé. Rather than listing how many years of experience you have, try to focus on how you care for kids. The best bios use natural, friendly language and explain your caregiving style (playful? calm? structured? flexible? fun?). It also — and this is a big one — includes what you love about working with kids. So, for instance, instead of saying, “I have 4 years of babysitting experience,” try “I love to create calm routines for toddlers and help older kids unwind after long, busy days at school” and “I love to do arts and crafts with kids and read books before bedtime.”
Be Specific About Ages, Routines, and Strengths
Including specific details in your profile will help families feel more confident about reaching out to you. Think about adding in particular ages you’re most comfortable working with as well as the types of care you’ve done, such as homework help, bedtime routines, driving children, light housework, child’s laundry, etc. You might also want to include a line or two about what families most appreciate about you (such as your energy or creativity). Remember: Being as clear and detailed as possible will draw families that are a fit for you.
Small Things That Help Babysitters Stand Out in a Big Way
Often the biggest builders of trust are the simplest — and families pick up on them quickly. For example, response time: Replying to messages in a timely manner makes a big impact, projecting conscientiousness and strong communication skills. Keeping your availability updated is always appreciated, and following through is a key indicator of clear, respectful communication. Some of these behaviors might seem second nature to you, but they’re incredibly important when it comes to helping you stand out among other caregivers.
How to Message Families Without Sounding Basic
After a family posts on Sittercity, they might receive tons of messages from caregivers like you. So what can set you apart? Responses that are kind, thoughtful and personal are most likely to stand out. A few pointers: Be sure to reference something specific from the job post, and ask at least one question that’s relevant to the role and its description. As always, keep your language warm yet professional. One example that shows interest without being over-the-top:
“Hello! I noticed that you’re looking for after-school care for your 6-year-old. I’ve worked with children that age and I really enjoy helping with homework and doing after school activities. I’d love to learn more about your routine and what you might be looking for.”
How to Stand Out as a Babysitter With Less Experience
Let’s say you’re newer to babysitting… or maybe you’re returning to child care after taking a break from it. Sure, you might have less experience than other caregivers, but experience isn’t the only thing families are looking for in a sitter. You can still set yourself apart by demonstrating clear, reliable communication and related experience (such as working as a camp counselor, a tutor, or a teacher). Showing motivation and an interest in learning is also important and, we’ll say it again, being professional and following through with what you say you’ll do. In other words, plenty of families pay close attention to how you present yourself.
Remember: You don’t need to apply to every job or be available 24/7 to stand out as a caregiver. Small, thoughtful decisions all add up, and often, those are exactly what families remember when deciding who to hire. Your goal doesn’t need to be landing every gig but rather connecting with families who are the right fit for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Standing Out as a Babysitter
What’s the best way to stand out as a babysitter?
Put together a thoughtful, authentic profile that lets the you shine through, and focus on communicating clearly. Be responsive and reliable with your replies. Many families prioritize trust and fit over tons and tons of experience.
What do families look for in a babysitter?
Every family is different, but most are searching for sitters who are reliable and have clear communication skills and relevant experience as well as a person who comprehends their child’s needs. Just like you, they’re looking for a good fit!
How do I land more babysitting jobs?
Be sure to keep your Sittercity profile and availability updated, and be sure to message families in a timely manner.
Can new babysitters still stand out?
Absolutely. People who are newer to babysitting can still stand out by sharing related experience, enthusiasm to learn, and a genuine interest in caregiving.
