How NOT to Respond to Job Postings
We recently received a very compelling email from one of our loyal parents about how several sitters don’t seem to know exactly how to respond to a job posting. Yes, babysitting has a reputation for being a “casual” venture, but, as this parent put it, “caring for the lives of children is a REAL JOB.” So here are a few quick dos and don’ts when it comes to responding to job postings.
DO
- Treat the job with the respect it deserves. Be professional — don’t send anything to a parent that you wouldn’t send to any other type of employer or corporate recruiter.
- Use complete sentences, proper grammar, correctly spelled words.
- Proofread your application carefully. Copying and pasting everything into Microsoft Word is one way to catch blatant misspellings, but remember that it won’t catch those times when you leave out a word or accidentally use “of” when you meant “or.”
DON’T
- Don’t start by telling the parent why you need/want the job. Instead, focus on what THEY want by telling them why you would be a good fit for what they need.
- Don’t treat parents like your IMing or texting buddy. Ditch the slang, abbreviations and super-casual tone. If you can’t be bothered to type full words, parents may wonder what other corners you’ll cut on the job.
- Don’t launch into a biography about your personal life, such as, “I’m married with a child, I like to paint, I’ve lived here all my life.” Always bring these things back to your skills: “As a parent myself (to an energetic 3-year-old), I understand that caring for a toddler requires….” and “I’ve been painting for two years now, so I always try to incorporate art projects when I babysit — no relying on TV here!” and “Since I’ve lived here all my life, I know all of the best parks and playgrounds to take the kids to.”
- Don’t make demands. At this stage in the hiring process, it’s not wise to state a laundry list of things you’ll need from your potential employer. It’s considered arrogant/presumptuous (you’re assuming you’ve got the job) and inflexible (not a good quality of someone working with kids!).
This is just a basic list that we’re planning on expanding to be a more comprehensive library article. Parents, do you have anything more to add?
May 15th, 2008 at 10:11 am
Whole heartedly agree with the above. I would also add that making the effort with correct spelling and grammer is going to really benefit you getting hired in that most parents will want to hire someone who cares about good english to be with their children (ie influence them on good english). Also, submitting a photo is a really big plus. I am less inclined to view someone’s page without a photo.
May 15th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Yes, when applying for any job, it is important to take it seriously, clearly state what your qualifications are and what you can bring to the table, as well as convey enthusiasm and competence. Parents who need a full-time nanny especially, are sensitive to the importance of leaving their child or children with someone who will positively influence them as well as care for them. They also have had experience interviewing for jobs themselves …. they know that they would never be hired or taken seriously if they misspelled their cover letter or seemed distracted or flighty in the first contact with their employer.
By treating opportunities as a way to leave a positive impression overall, the nanny/babysitter will win in the end. First of all, she is likely to get the job. Secondly, even if she does or does not want to further her career in the caretaking field, by making a positive impression on her employer, she is likely to get great references to use for future jobs in ANY field. Also, remember that parents can act as mentors and advisors to those they like and respect. Perhaps a parent is employed in a field you are interested in or want to work in eventually!
May 15th, 2008 at 10:43 am
I also want to add that nanny/ babysitters should consider uploading photos only of themselves. It is confusing if there is a photo of two women and it isn’t clear who the nanny/babysitter is. And, some parents are not enthusiastic about seeing pictures of caretakers with children. I certainly would not want to have my child’s picture up on the site without my approval. If asked, I would not grant approval either.
May 15th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
As a seasoned nanny I would like to say that I agree with the blog post. Proper grammer and correct spelling are important when replying to an ad as well as the other do’s and don’t’s. To the parent that said she is less inclined to view a page without a photo, not everyone has the option to upload a photo. She may miss out on a great nanny by not viewing the page and reading the nanny’s experience. I also think that parents should be as complete as possible when listing their ad. They should list the days and hours they need care, especially those who are looking for part-time nanny’s. Some nanny’s work for more than one family and may not be available on certain days. Lastly, parents should at least answer all replies even if it is to say they can’t use the nanny. If a nanny takes the time to reply it usually means she is interested and would like to know either way.
May 15th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
I still am surprised when someone types a reply to me as if they were texting me. It is important to use real English and not the abbreviated texting version. It shows that you are educated and can communicate. I want someone who knows proper English and grammer being a part of my children’s lives.
May 15th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
I completely agree with what was said above about parents/families replying back to a nanny. Even if you have filled the position or you don’t think we are a good match for your family, it is nice to now, so we can look for other work. This happened to me when looking for a position for this summer. I was unable to secure a full time position.
May 16th, 2008 at 5:20 am
Great Truly agreed blog is really helpful
May 16th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
I, as a sitter, totally understand and commend the blog. I work whole-heartly to make the environment a fun one. With that said, I also agree with the right grammar and english when trying to go for a job, whether it is just for babysitting or a job anywhere else. By revising and getting your point across without sounding like your lost in a forest, a sitter can also recieve great practice on coverletters when applying for a position in the industry of their choice. I find it soothly to write coverletters that include information that is helpful like “red-cross certified” or “college senior” because it shows that I am there wiht experience in an health emergency (i.e. choking) and having almost 16 years of education (or whatever the number is) can be beneficial for families with children who are in the grades that acquired lots of studying/tutoring outside the school because it shows that they have someone can possibly help their children in their studies. Lastly, I think babysitting a wide variety of families helps you become of the diversity that this world has to offer. It is very helpful to work different backgrounds because this is a melting pot of so many hertiages that we need to acknowledge. =)
May 16th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
I also agree that it is nice to hear from the people you apply to. I also haven’t been able to get a job lately because I keep waiting for responses back from families I have replied with. I don’t want to apply for another job while I still have an application out.
Also, this post is very true. Though I’m the babysitter and not the one with children, I know that it is important to act as if these families are employers- because they are! Great post- really helpful!
Thanks!
May 16th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Here’s some irony: There is not a single response to this blog that, expressing agreement about proper spelling and grammar in correspondence, has spelled “grammar” correctly.
May 17th, 2008 at 7:15 am
As a professional nanny, I am appauled that this blog had to be posted. Perhaps I know how to apply for jobs because I am a college graduate. When I read the blog I couldn’t believe it. It’s a life skill. Thanks for the blog sittercity. I hope it helps a few sitters get a job. As for the picture comment, I have a picture of myself with a child The child is my cousin and I do have her mother’s permission for it to be posted on the site. I would never ask my clients to let me post a picture of their children on any website.
May 17th, 2008 at 8:21 am
Good Blog, great advice and nice feedback.
I have to disagree on one point. I always state that I am from the area. In this day and age parents are often grateful to find a nanny who is US born. I don’t use a photo, I tried one but didn’t get more or less responses because to it. Being an older mature Nanny gives them enough of a mental picture of me. When I worked n the corporate world I didn’t have a photo on my resume either.
When I repond to a parent, I give a brief statement about my relivent experience, sitting, teaching being an experience Mom, etc.
May 17th, 2008 at 10:31 am
I know it seems silly, but when I see someone write “nanny’s” when they mean “nannies”, or spell words incorrectly, I am likely to prejudge the applicant. Little things are important with job applications and with kids too. Remember, future nannies: a nanny’s best friends are the spell and grammar checks! (I used it myself when writing this note!)
May 17th, 2008 at 11:22 am
I completely agree with the blog, but as a nanny myself I completely agree with what was stated by two nannies above. It would be great to hear back from parents one way or the other, even if it is just to say we found a better fit! As a nanny I try to have respect for the parents as I write my cover letter and I only reply when I am really, positively interested in the job and so to know that the parent has enough respect to at least acknowledge you would be very nice!
May 17th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
This is a great blog to have caregivers and parents interact in an envirnment in which there is no obligations and I see the postings are very positive. I do not like it when postings are used to vent out frustrations. Keep up the great job. I am a mother and also a teacher. I would definitely mentor a caregiver who I see potential. I also agree with giving a letter to that person.
May 17th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
If someone is careless in spelling and/or grammer what else are they careless about? Makes me wonder as a Mom and a provider!
May 18th, 2008 at 3:45 am
Don’t shoot the messenger-I am what they call a “grammar snob”, so just thought I’d point out the typos in the posts about grammar.
My point exactly-the word is spelled grammAr, not grammEr-must be Kelsey’s fault (Frasier lover here!). Also it’s proper English, not good English. Just my two cents b/c that stuff drives me crazy! :o)
May 18th, 2008 at 11:41 am
Exactly, it is just as important for the parent to respond back, even if they are not interested in hiring you. It is the polite thing to do!
May 18th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
These are all good comments — though I giggle to see how many words are spelled incorrectly in our own write-ups. I would say in defense of sitters applying that the size of the text on the screen is SO TINY that I cannot always see what I have written correctly. Please give the sitter the benefit of the doubt if there is a word left out or used incorrectly — (or instead of “of”) because this font used on the website - unless you have a large screen — shows up at tiny.
I am a sitter myself — an adult with grown children — and the parents do sometimes take a cavalier attitude about responding. The sittercity “application” profile lets a sitter see the applications and their status — most of my applications show they were not read — yet I know they were because I have made contact with the families. Perhaps SitterCity could be clearer in how their system works — that if you do not use the sittercity link to respond, your application is not tracked properly (and you are unable to get or leave reviews unless the exchange took place 100% on SitterCity.)
Enjoy!
May 19th, 2008 at 12:04 am
Thanks to all the parents for their tips as to what they look for in a babysitter/nanny. I also do agree with my fellow sitters on the fact that parents should respond to the emails they receive either they want to hire the individual or not. I believe it is curteous. I have sent a lot of applications and I am sad to say that about 95% of the time you get no response to even know if your mail has been read or not.
May 19th, 2008 at 11:44 am
“jaredbogacz Says:
May 16th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Here’s some irony: There is not a single response to this blog that, expressing agreement about proper spelling and grammar in correspondence, has spelled “grammar” correctly.”
I also found this quite amusing and ironic.
May 19th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
thank you all the tips and comments made in this chapter. it is very important to remember that, all the covering letters should be treated as an offical letters,because you do not know who you are talking to. i was a professional teacher back in africa and even though, i am not teaching hear in america but i always try to keep those things in mind. i also treat all my interviews offical, dressing ,presentation etc. however, the parents too,also have to bear in mind that, we took much time in writting so it would have been very polite if they take some of their time to reply us . i myself have putting a alot of applications but only one of them have reply me which i am not happy about. just simple words like sorry the position has been filled that would’nt take much of your time. thank you all for taking your time in reading my piece of writting.
May 19th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
While I agree with a lot of what is being said, I do have to point out that both nannies and parents are spelling “grammar” incorrectly. If you can’t spell that word, do you really have the right to criticize someone else’s GRAMMAR?
May 20th, 2008 at 5:18 am
I am not an American citizen yet, I’ve been here for almost five years now but I think you have to know how to write something exciting about yourself that will make a good impression as well. Relate to the photos parents posted and everything goes from there. My response to the job posting was brief, I made very good impressions at all my interviews and within weeks I found the perfect family. What I did not appreciate was when families did not tell me they had found somebody else they liked and you had to guess. It is saddening. Thank you Sittercity.
May 20th, 2008 at 9:31 am
I think the blogs is good,I desagree that everybody is focus on the grammar spelling when you should be focus on the experience,training and responsability that this person could had,the care love and respect that your child will recive ,also will be nice if parents respond to the aplications posted ,that way ,the aplicant will know if she need to keep looking for jobs or not,Thanks
May 20th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
I agree with the other Nannies/Sitters out there regarding the parents answering back to the job applications sent to them. It is very important to get back in touch with the person, even if it is to say the job as already been filled. They could even do what only one mom has done for me. They could send an email saying thanks for the application but I filled it already but I will keep you in mind for the next time I need someone. I appreciated it whole-heartedly the time it took to send a response….Thank You for all whom answer our applications!!!!!
May 20th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
I completely agree about families getting back to the sitters. I have gone on interviews and never even got a phone call or e-mail after. Obviously every job I apply to I am interested in, but if I am not the right fit I would like to know rather than waiting or not applying to other jobs because of the possible committment. I know I would never babysit for a family if they waited months after the interview to contact me.
May 21st, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Thank you for posting this blog, Sittercity. As a parent, the first impression is the most important. I am not your texting buddy (”if ur still look 4 sum1 call me”), I am your potential employer. Remember that many Sittercity Moms are educated professionals, and they are used to people taking care with communications and perhaps questioning of those who don’t. Though many have poked fun at misspelled words and other grammar mistakes above, it is the whole effort not perfection that matters to me. If a sitter will make every attempt to write complete and coherent sentences, capitalize and use punctuation, and respond to my specific requests with specific information, I can overlook the incorrect word here and there. They are showing they treat the job seriously and with respect. If you are not a native English speaker, it might be wise to preface your email with “I am a native Spanish speaker, so I ask your patience with my grammar and spelling, however I look forward to sharing my language with your children.” Then we will understand you are giving this your best shot. My reply to a sloppy application is “This is a job application. If you wish to be considered, please provide a properly written and specific reply. Thanks.”
May 23rd, 2008 at 8:28 pm
Thank you for all this information! I always treat my sitting jobs as profesional as possible, but the biography section gave great advice about always getting back to why that specific personal information is relevent to sitting.
May 26th, 2008 at 12:16 am
I agree with everyone above in that parents should reply back to nannies. With that being said, I also think its benefial to say why they did not recieve the job. For me, it helps me improve so that I do not go to each interview making the same mistakes over and over again.
May 26th, 2008 at 6:47 am
I know it’s been said, but I have to “piggyback” because I hadn’t realized that others were dealing with the same issue. Parents, in the same way that you expect sitters and nannies to be professional in applying (you have every right to expect that as we are applying to look after your children), it’s also important that you realize that many of us take our jobs seriously. I am sure that you get many applicants reasoning as to why they are the best fit and you have your busy schedule, but looking at this from a person’s perspective who wants to make this his/her job, it would be very nice to notify people about the status of their application and especially if they’ve interviewed with you already. There have been quite a few times where my scheduling with other families was made difficult by parents who did not get back to me for whatever reason. Perfect example, I was not notified that the position was filled until AFTER I showed up for the interview. Again, I understand that the applicant volume is tremendous, but I’m sure they each took the time to sift through the networks of families and decide on the ones they felt they could provide for the best. So even if it’s very general, please let them know that you will not need them. Thank you…
May 26th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
I find it sad, grammar is more important than the safty of our children!!!……………………………………………………………………………
May 27th, 2008 at 10:37 am
i think that even though the nanny doesn’t get the job then they could email the person telling them that. like i have applied for a couple jobs and only got one back saying that they found someone better. it just makes me feel better because i can see that the parent takes time to answer people and actually cares.
May 27th, 2008 at 11:14 am
I have read all the comments and so because of that I want to add that as much as the parents want good grammar we the sitters want a message back telling us if we didn’t get the job. Some of us are Hispanic and grammar is harder but like me I have activities that allow you to teach proper grammar no matter what. As a parent I dont worry about grammar as an importance I worry more about how safe my child is with their childcare provider. As a parent, I would let the sitters know why they didn’t get a job or at least help them out so next time they can have better chances at landing a job. I have a great childcare provider whos grammar is not so great, but I wouldnt trade her for the world. She has other kids too and I talk to the parents and asked what they based her qualifications on and like me they said the same, Her honesty and the way she expressed herself. Then they gave her an interview and she amazed us even more. So for all you parents who want good grammar remember we ALL make mistakes. That is why I rather call the Sitter and interview over the phone instead than a coverletter I dont want to miss a great person over GRAMMAR.
June 1st, 2008 at 8:49 pm
I just got through writing to Sittercity this very evening, and am very pleased to see other potential sitters in the same delimma. With this wonderful website and so much to read on the home page alone, I had never noticed the application page you could go to to see all sent applications (sometimes it just takes me awhile) and was absolutely astounded at the number of applications I had sent over the course of several months (22) and the number that had actually been read (2). I questioned SitterCity to see if they can answer what all of this means. Luckily, I am already a registered sitter with a large agency and have worked with them for 6 years now, otherwise, I am not quite sure I could count on this site to make contact with potential families. I do not believe that families are responding or not responding to our credentials since they haven’t actually read the profiles or applications to begin with. This is very confusing to me since some of these have been requests for sitter ads that I responded to as soon as they were posted. I hope a least one mom/dad will help shed some light on all of this for us sitters. I have touched base with at least 2 or 3 families and have had wonderful experiences sitting for them through this site, but for the others I have applied to and they never read my application, it is very disheartening!
June 2nd, 2008 at 9:49 am
There’s some great discussion going on here, so thanks to everyone for sharing your thoughts!
June 6th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
Hi, I just scanned the article, but I can tell you that the most important thing in my experience so far is for the applicant to read the job advertisement! My pet peeve is that I receive applications from people where the text of the cover letter or the answers to questions in the profile do not match my advertisement. For example, I will say “English fluency required.” and it is clear from the writing or the phone screen that the person is not fluent. Or, I have received cover letters where people are ask for pay that is beyond the pay range specified in the job. Or, I specify in the ad that I have dogs and cats, and it turns out while screening the applicant that they are not comfortable around dogs, etc. So the request I have is to read the ad carefully and only apply if you meet the qualifications or will be satisfied with the stipulations. Do not use the cover letter as an opportunity to tell the job poster what you want. Leave that for the in-person interview, if you want to negotiate some aspect of the job stipulations. Thanks!
June 7th, 2008 at 12:55 am
I am still finding this frustrating. I have applied to at lease 2 more jobs since your post and they two have not been read. So I am stuck with 20 applications on this last list and still only two have been read whether in a Gmail account or not. I am also registered on 2 other websites and I have only applied to maybe 2 or 3 assignments on each and have heard back (immediately) from at least 4 of them. Most responded that they had already found someone, but at least they responded! I find it really odd that I am not the only one experiencing this with your site and I only wish that SitterCity would post something that would encourage the families to respond somehow one way or the other. I am starting to give up hope. I actually had someone request to see my background check, talked with them on the phone one evening and she mentioned specifically what time she would call me back the next day (1 week ago) and never did, which is o.k but just not making much sense. Hopefully some of these sitters will blog with their success stories to give the rest of us a little hope.
June 10th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
I agree with Jen. Parents often do not respond to e-mails from babysitters, so it definitely goes both ways!
June 11th, 2008 at 6:40 am
catsuny
I ALSO AGREE,THESE PARENTS HAVE TO REMEMBER OR BE REMINDED THAT SOME COME ACROSS AS WELL YOUR JUST THE BABYSITTER ….
UMGH! THAT STSTEMENT JUST KILLS ME…WE ARE NOT JUST THE SITTER,ITS A SCARY WORLD OUT THERE TODAY,BEING RESPONIBLE FOR A CHILD IS SERIOUS AND THE CARE OF A SENIOR. I HAVE LEFT A HOME ,BECAUSE THE PARENTS DIDNT CARE IF THEY ARRIVED LATE.OR LEFT LATE.
OR THEY THREW IN AN OCCASIONAL TO DO THING ,LIKE IF YOU GET CAUGHT UP DURING YOUR FREE TIME,OR WHEN THE BABY IS SLEEPING AND YOUR NOT DOING ANYTHING COULD YOU ETC..THEY WOULD THROW IN A CHORE…..IAM A SITTER AND DO NOT CLEAN UP AFTER YOU ,OR TAKE CARE OF SOMETHING YOU DIDNT DO. I HAVE LEFT BECAUSE THEY SAID THEY WOULDNT PAY MORE FOR THIS OCC.SERVICE..NOT FAIR ,NOT GOOD AT ALLL. SOME PULL THIS AFTER THE FACT..SO THIS IS A TWO WAY STREET,AND THEY NEED TO BE WAY MORE CONSIDERATE AND RESPECTFUL OF WHO,WHY ,HOW THEY HIRED AN INDIVIDUAL. I KNOW SOME FRIENDS OF MINE THAT LEFT BECAUSE OF THE OH BY THE WAY COULD YOU OR I DIDNT GET TO …BUT YOU COULD DO THIS ,,ETC…
June 11th, 2008 at 7:25 am
Please spell correctly. Especially if you are saying spelling and “grammar” not “grammer” are important.
June 11th, 2008 at 7:43 am
I agree that all the above is important. However, I have never received a reply back from a parent. Am I not applying correctly? Why do parents not respond to applicants? I really like Sittercity but so far I haven’t landed a single job through this website and I’m a really great baby-sitter!
Help…?
June 11th, 2008 at 8:05 am
I think that the points regarding grammar are being misunderstood. I highly doubt that most parents will overlook a qualified candidate based solely upon a grammatical error. Of course safety and well-being of the children are the most important things. HOWEVER, if a parent is presented with two very qualified individuals and one has a finer command of the English language, that person can provide an extra perk– every caring parent wants his/her children to have all possible advantages. Educationally speaking, children who hear proper English spoken regularly will learn it more easily and not have to “unlearn” poor speaking habits. This will help them to succeed in the world.
Granted, English is not everyone’s strong point and obviously those who have it as a second language will often have more trouble in this regard, but at least making the best attempt at using proper language when dealing with children will make most parents happy. I know when my girls were little, I was very selective of my sitters based not only upon their skills in keeping my girls safe (which is, after all, a basic job requirement!), but also in how much they could compliment their education.
I am probably a little more picky than the average person, as I am a National Merit Scholar and a former college English tutor, but I still think that preference will always be given to the candidate who can bring the most to the table.
June 11th, 2008 at 8:25 am
adriabarysh
I totally agree with the above comments. I too have responded to ads without even a response back from the parent. I even left 2 voice messages and no response either. I believe that if someone takes the time to respond in proper grammer, explanation of skills, etc. then in courtesy the parent should respond one way or the other so that I may continue to search other employment opportunities. I do not believe that a photo is all necessary when you can determine the kind of sitter the person is by the application letter. If the parent is questioning the looks of the sitter, then I suggest a meeting be set up so the parent can get the complete package and not make pre-determinations by an uploaded photo. I hope parents take the time to respond when receiving application letters in the future.
June 11th, 2008 at 8:58 am
Sarasw981
Yes I do agree with what a lot of the posts are stating. I am a person with 17 years of experience and I state in every application that I will offer a safe and fun environment making sure all of the parent’s rules are followed even in my care. I also offer transportation when necessary for the position. Then I state please contact me with my number and email address…you would think the parents could offer a quick no thanks, I already found someone? I replied to probably 30 posts on this site and found a reply from 3 of the families. Even parents who have posted a question to me on my profile and then when I respond I still do not receive a thanks but no thanks. I do not understand this.
June 11th, 2008 at 9:33 am
Can I just say though, that I, for instance, am a great babysitter. I have a ton of experience and I love kids. I also happen to have a full time job, and master’s degree. In some of the applications the parents put me through round after round of questions and narrowing their search (we’ve picked ten of you, tell us why you are the best, we’ve picked two of you…). I take babysitting seriously, as I am dealing with the most precious commodity anyone could ever have. But I just don’t have the time to put more effort into a babysitting application to pick up a few Saturday nights than I would put into an application for my day job.
If parents want that kind of a career babysitter they should be hiring a nanny, but if they just want an educated fun person to help on a job-to-job basis then they need to understand that they are looking for babysitters here, and people are just not going to stick around if they come off as high maintenance.
It is absurd to expect a perfectly drafted letter of intent for this and it was exhausting to be pitted into competition for jobs that under any other circumstances the parents would be competing for a good babysitter not vice versa.
The only times I have ever stopped babysitting for a family was because of the parents, not because of the kids.
June 11th, 2008 at 9:55 am
I’m not sure why people on here are so obsessed with seeing a sitter/nanny’s photo. Are we applying for a nanny job or Miss America? This isn’t a dating website either and I find it unprofessional and down right creepy that people are requesting these. I went to the English Nanny and Governess School and we were never required to submit photos. Most of the positions were live in at people’s home with high profile families even celebrities. They didn’t get to see what we looked like until they spent the money to fly us out to where they lived. If these kind of people weren’t that concerned with our looks, why should an average middle class family be? I know of one nanny at the school, who had a client that was a single father, ask to see her photo. Single father-enough said. The school got rid of him as a client immediately.
Think about it….Have you ever submitted a resume or filled out an application where the employer asked for a photo? Unless it was for reality TV, you probably would file a sexual harassment report if they asked for this. I’m really disappointed in this site and it’s lack of professionalism. No other site that I have seen has asked for a photo. I’m wondering if it is even legal to request a photo with an application for a job that isn’t about looks and shouldn’t be! Especially when most of the so called salaries being offered on here are less then 13 year olds make babysitting for their brothers and sisters. Can people actually live on $150 a week for a full time position? I think welfare pays more! I’m surprised that this site doesn’t do more to protect the nanny/babysitters and there livelihood. Most sites set a standard bottom salary that is reasonable for both parties and provides enough for someone to live on. Allowing people to offer such degrading salaries is letting those employers take advantage of their hired help. If you want professional in home care, it doesn’t come cheap! If you want cheap, go to a daycare center or a home daycare. If you can’t afford a Mercedes then buy a Chevy. Simple logic. At the nanny school, nannies started out at $550 a week plus benefits and a governess would start out at about $1000 a week plus benefits. If I was able to relocate, trust me I would be going through their placement department. I realize that I can’t command those prices in my hometown but I know what I am worth and it is enough to live on. Ladies, please know that you are worth the hard work and love that you give in helping raise these children. And employers please realize that we deserve to be compensated the way you would want to be compensated if you were going through everything that we do on a daily basis with your children. I understand that some of you cannot afford more but then please realize that and find alternative care instead of insulting our intelligence by offering what is way below fair. We are not slaves or migrate workers and should not be treated or paid like them.
One last thing, here is the proper terms and definitions for childcare positions. I see these so often misused and it’s not fair to people who have earned the right to be called by certain job titles. Not to mention it is highly unprofessional.
Nanny-Someone who has completed a certification at a professional nanny institution in childcare.
Governess-Someone who has completed a certification at a professional nanny/governess institution in childcare and has a bachelors degree as well.
Au Pair-Someone from a foreign country, typically a third world country, with no training in childcare and usually no experience with children, typically very little, if at all, education, and may or may not speak English. They desire to come to the United States, usually because they are hoping to find a way to stay here,(marriage to an American is usually the best way). Although sometimes it is just for the experience of being here. They are typically very young, just of legal age in the states, and work for room and board and very seldom a small allowance that is just enough to buy souvenirs for their families back home. When you here horror stories on the news about shaken babies and so called nannies stealing, these are usually the girls they actually mean. I thought slavery went out with the Civil War in this country but it seems to be alive in well in suburban America with the Au Pairs.
Babysitter-Someone who watches/cares for children. Anyone who cares for children without formal training from a certified nanny institute-no matter how much experience they have or how many CPR/First Aid certifications/classes, college degrees, etc.. falls under this category.
If you have to be professionally trained and certified to cut hair, a dog’s toenails, or cook someone’s steak to order, then it should be an absolute that you are professionally trained and certified to care for someone’s child. Sad is the society where this is a reality.
Good luck to everyone out there!
June 11th, 2008 at 10:12 am
I have been applying for sitting jobs on this site for several months now and have gotten very few replies. Ihave gotten a couple of very nice replies and met with a couple of families that will, hopefully hire me for their occasional needs. However, I was looking for a full time summer job and applied to several with no response. I even sent follow up emails asking that they please let me know if they were still looking, might be interested, or had either filled the position or did not feel I was a fit. Not one responded. I think that is rude, and uncaring and I’m not sure I’d want to sit for those folks. It makes me feel that they would not be reliable and would cancel last minute, etc. Both sides have to be considerate of each other.
June 11th, 2008 at 11:28 am
I worked as a church childcare provider for awhile, and when I left, the gal that took my place was amazing! Her grammar skills weren’t the greatest, and it was obvious that she didn’t have the best education. However, she was awesome with the children - getting them involved, talking about (and expecting) good behavior, every aspect. Wouldn’t we want to pay more attention to the character of the person rather than their ability to incorporate good grammar? Not to say that this isn’t important! I know of many well educated individuals that shouldn’t be near children! Parents are the primary educators, and time with someone else shouldn’t have a negative effect on the kids. If raised in an educated environment, the kids will know what’s incorrect - yet still do fabulously with someone loving who cares.
June 11th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
I am a nanny but I agree with the comment about having one adult in the picture. I too have a picture posted with my nieces whose mother gave me permission. However, I only posted them along with me at the suggestion of sittercity when I signed up. I would never post a child I sit for without the parents permission, which I have never dared to ask for. I do plan to ask if I can take a picture with their pet since I don’t have one of my own. Seeing a potential employee with someone or pet that they would care for shares volumes more. The smile on a child’s face or the comfort the caregiver has with the pet can sometimes only be seen.
June 11th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
It’s nice to know I am not the only sitter who experiences potential employers who cannot respond to their positions. It works both ways. It is professional to let the applicant know that they did not meet the requirements or that the job was already filled. I find it appalling that all these applicants do not get responses. It just confirms the fact from our side that we do not want to work for people whose expectations do not go both ways.
June 11th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
This is a very good opportunity for nannies, as well as families to grow and see what each side has to offer and expect. I am commenting from the prospective of a nanny. I have 30 years as a caretaker. At the risk of sounding arrogant. (which I am not). I know without a shadow of a doubt, that I am an “excellent” caretaker. I am always prompt and go above and beyound my call of duty when I am on any job. Not just that of the position of a nanny. I have seen throughout the years that employers do as some have mentioned, do not know the difference in a nanny and a housekeeper. They are two different positions. I have known one family personally go through 3-4 nannies in a year’s time. This should tell one to examine himself. Just as families expect nannies to respond to them, we should be given the same courtesy, rather we are chosen for the position or not. This will help one to develop their skills more if the chosing of another person was for something that could be improved on.
Also the thing about seeing a photo, everyone does not have this capacity and what difference does it make how someone look. This process could cause one to be judged on the basis of their race, color or weight without being given an opportunity to interview, which is total discrimination.
To Ms Vickie, I disagree with you that one should be trained as a nanny. Books and training are fine, but experience and “love” are the best teachers. I have seen so called certified teachers without one tap of good old “common” sense, and has placed many a child in a dangerous situation.
I have also seen some that were not as educated or trained that provided excellent care. I agree that nannies should treat these positions as a professional job interview, but the employer should too. I have had prospective employers make me wait outside because I was early or their spouse come late and flop on the floor half asleep.
There are “MANY” rude, disrespectful and inconsiderate employers out in the field too. There should be rules for employers, just as there are for nannies. We need to come together and respect each other and have some balance in this process. I pray that all that are looking for a position and those that are offering a position do find what they are looking for and that both will get into the perfect match for their situation.
I have been looking for 4 months and am at the brink of giving up, because of some of the issues discussed here. I really love children, have years of experience, and really want a long term commited position, but may have to result back to the private or public school system. It seems that some of the seekers here do not know what they want or how to employ a serious applicant.
Wishing all of you the very best!!!!!!!
Love Gail
I have two BA degrees and a Master’s degree, plus 30 years of experience, yet I find it hard to fill a “nanny” position. Something is wrong here.
June 11th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
I do think that spelling and grammar are important, but at the same time you can’t simply judge someone based on these factors alone. You should still take the time to meet this applicant or talk to them more. Don’t rule them out completely, thats ridiculous.
June 11th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
I would love to hear responses from parents who do not need my services. I, like many others, only apply to jobs that I am available for and would like to do. It would be great to hear that they found someone, even if it is not me.
I would also like to point out that I have gotten contacted by parents who did not look at my availability and wanted to hire me for a full-time position when I clearly did not have the availability. Parents need to make sure that they are looking at the whole application. It seemed weird that they had not looked at my availability…
and I did respond that I wouldn’t be able to fill their position.
June 11th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
I whole-heartedly agree to all postings above, and like most of you, I am very well-equipped with all the quals and certifications along with my educational credentials and teaching background I have utilized and applied to my being a care provider over the years.
It is a sad fact that unfortunately, not all share our sentiments as to how we approach this noble profession of sharing of ourselves with our charges hopefully leaving an indelible mark or a great positive impact on their growth and development as future citizens or even leaders of this great wide world.
I appreciate parents who see that initially in our profiles. And I see and feel that those who do, have pre-judged that most probably, coming across as a “Professional Nanny”, that we would be demanding an enormous amount of money. For parents really looking for quality care which should be “the most important thing” for “the most important people” in their lives, nothing should get in the way of that for they, their kids, deserve nothing but the best. And those parents are there, they are also seeking us. All we could do is wait, and they come, they come calling or emailing us. As it is out of our control, as frustrating as it may sometimes seem, that is all we can do, but I guarantee you, they come. I would rather wait for my match and my fit than deal with people who have no clue what I am all about, insult my intelligence and waste my time. I move on to the next. I remind myself that I have no control over whether or not they’d have the same courtesy or sense of propriety of getting back to me after responding to their postings.
I also realize, it is frustrating being left in the dark as to whether or not your message to the parents was properly relayed. Being my own personal advocate, I use my own resources to get to them whenever at all feasible, using any clue that would get me to them.
Gail, or “Anonymous”, I can relate to a lot of what you’ve posted, you are most welcome to “PM” me or email me at google.com. I admire your articulacy…
MzMary
June 11th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
My understanding of the definition of Nanny vs Sitter is a Nanny is committeda to regular “sitting” full time or part time with a regular schedule. A sitter is someone you call for a Saturday night or once in awhile. I consider myself a Nanny and so do my families.
June 11th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
I agree with most of the comments that have been left here. I thought I was the only one who felt that parents were not responding. It is nice to know that, even if I am not what you are looking for or the position has been filled, the parents would take the time to let me know. After all, I did take the time to write to them and try to answer their needs. Thanks!
June 12th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
My two cents on this one::
I keep my contact email short and sweet. I state that I am available for the job and ask them to please look over my profile. Then I politely advise that they may contact me directly by giving my phone number [I don’t have an issue with that as this is my business but some can say to contact via email of they feel better about that] in the initial email and ask them to contact me if they feel we would be a good fit.
So, make sure those profiles are up to date and looking great with “proper” English and “grammar” in check! *hehe* *wink*
Good luck to all.
June 12th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
I hope that I am not the only sitter that finds the rates that some of these parents are offering through this site astounding. I work for a large agency in Atlanta and have been with them for 6 years now. The beginning rate for 1 child is 11 per hour and goes up from there. The real draw beside the fact that they keep us busy is that there is a 4 hour minimum. That has absolutely nothing to do with this site where parents are not paying fees on top of that rate, but what kind of sitter are you expecting to show up at your home for the rate of $5-8 per hour anyway? As my friend mentioned when we discussed this recently, are they really going to pay the higher amount mentioned when there is a payrange scale. As the blogger mentioned above, the kind of help you will receive when offering a rate that even a pre-teen would turn down would never have been acceptable to me when my kids were small and I needed good help. I actually saw an ad posted here a while back that mentioned her girl/girls were 8 or 9 and you would not have to do hardly anything for them while they are in your care. There were 2 shifts on the same day 3 or 4 days per week and one of them did not start until 10 p.m or so and ended very late at the rate of $5-8 per hour. What? It was as if you could just show up, open the back door, let the kids roam the neighborhood, no meal preparation involved, and whistle for them to come in and get in the bed whenever. There was also a petsitting position that offered I believe $10 per day with 2, yes I said 2 visits involved. Unless you live across the street from these folks, who could possibly afford to drive anywhere for $10 per day? My whole point is that it is a sad moment when parents will invest more in their personal trainers, hairdressing appointments, mani’s, pedi’s, vacations, etc. but skimp every way possible when it comes to care for their kids. I have been doing this for years and could have written a book on the pro’s and con’s of providing childcare but the “Nanny Diaries” gals beat me to it. The majority of us love caring for your children and that is just it, hardly ever a problem with the children, just always conflicts with the parents. The wonderful families I have encountered over the years and continue to call me back are the ones I cherish and never take for granted. I, like many of you, can weed out the good from the difficult in most every potential situation and every day I am truly grateful for that insight. I had a nanny friend whom had her weekly check bounce from a well-to-do family (which should have nothing to do with it) only to spot a check on the kitchen counter to the personal trainer for $1000! Where in the world are the priorities here? We see ad after ad, some with fair, very fair or at least the going rate. Others are posted asking for Mary Poppins to show up ready to cook, clean, tutor, do arts/crafts, enjoy nature walks, walk the dogs, etc. etc. at the most insulting rates. Years ago, I showed up at a new 9 hour assignment and it took me close to an hour to read the itinerary. At the very top highlighted for the sitter that day was “absolutely no television, videos.” After spending all morning at the next door park, reading, playing, drawing the little guy begged me to put on a video, or several, the whole Disney collection and then some took up the entire entertainment center. I politely explained that mom had asked that we not do that while she was out and we could do other things instead. He looked up at me with his sweet little 3 year old face and said “I know, only when mom and dad are here, then we get to watch videos until we go to bed.” Thank goodness for the families that put forth that extra effort to hang on to a nanny that is a terrific fit for their children. What in the world would we sitters do without them? For that, I also put in the extra effort, which the majority of the time feels completely effortless! May all of us stand up for our self worth, in business and in life.
June 13th, 2008 at 12:16 am
I am a mature RN student who have been applying for mainly sitting jobs. I truly detest the idea that you must post a photo of yourself to get a job, why is it that sittercity allows nannies only to post photo and not the employers. There should be a set standard for both employer and employee and not a one sided affair. I consider myself a professional at what i do and most times when i open an application and view/see the amount of money that some employers are offering, i immediately close the site. I totally agree with the blogger who said that parents spend extra monies on everything else beside the provision of good quality care for their children. Sometimes when i see the things they continue to buy for their children, evne though they have more than they play with , yet still refuses to up my salary to compensatory with the care given. SOME WORLD.
June 15th, 2008 at 10:52 am
I am a child care provider and I’ve been with this website for about a year now. I have had a lot of success. I only apply for jobs that are in, or very close to my town. I also avoid the jobs that don’t meet my salary requirements. This way, I know that I won’t have to travel too far (especially if my potential employer is not willing to reimburse me for transportation costs), and I will be getting the pay that I am requesting. In my profile, I also make it clear that my rate varies depending on number of children in my care, and any additional duties.
As a Psychology student, I understand why parents would prefer potential employees to provide a profile picture. The parents get a little preview of the person applying for the job. After all, it has been said that the greatest fear is the unknown. I think it’s also fair to say that in many cases, there is some underlying, subconscious discrimination here. A well-dressed, good-looking, woman with a big, bright smile would seem to be harmless, and be the optimal candidate for a babysitting position. We all know that this isn’t necessarily the case. Criminals come in every age/race/religion/size, etc. but this is all psychological. Although I must add, as a Black female, I have met many wonderful families (mostly Caucasian) through this site, and I have never noticed any subtle or blatant discrimination/racism. Maybe my big smile helped. (Excuse my dry humor).
“Helpinghand” wrote that photos should be a standard for both employees and employers. I just wanted to point out that profile pictures are optional for both parties. Many parts of the profile are NOT required but can help potential sitters/nannies secure jobs. I’ve only seen a few employers with pictures of themselves and their children (I personally, would never put pictures of my children on the internet) posted on the site, and I agree that it is nice when employers post pictures so we can get a little “preview”.
And that’s my 4 cents =)
June 17th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
I was not going to send a reply here but something I learned in College is that the little people we are all talking about here are CHILDREN not KIDS. Kids are little baby goats not little people. I am a Sitter and a mom and this is very helpful to me. I would not think of some of the things mentioned here but I am not a very picky mom when it comes to some of the things mentioned here. I am one that believes in the dictionary and if I needed someone to watch my children and aid in their homework then I would not discount someone for needing to use the dictionary to look up the proper way to spell something, it would actually show my children that they do not have to be perfect because even adults do not know everything.
June 23rd, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Considering that this blog began as a, “what not to do when applying for a job”, I had a sitter tell me that a good way for me to contact her would be through her myspace page. When I logged on to that, it was filled with language that I would NEVER use in a child care or job situation. And I’ll be honest, I never contacted her back, because what could I say. That based on the information she had provided I wouldn’t want her within a mile of my children!! I’m not saying that this person would have used that type of language around growing minds, but if you’re going to use a webpage as a contact method, make sure you present the right message.
June 30th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
I am blogging yet again! I just read two newly posted positions and I am once again astounded at the rate at which a parent is putting out there for someone to come and watch their children. As I previously mentioned, work for a sitter service and the going rate for us starts at 11.00 per hour and 1.00 per hour extra for each additional child. Infant rate starts at 12.00 an hour and I believe my agency is in the minority with these rates. Some agencies are setting 13-15.00 per hour for the first child! I have no clue what day-care centers pay (not enough I am sure indicated by the huge turn overs) but once again what kind of mother/father would offer to pay a sitter 6-8.00 per hour to watch not only 1 but 3 children? 1 3 year old and 2 infants under 5 months. Am I the only one losing my mind here? What happens in a situation like this as someone mentioned before in a previous blog is that you are asking for the most incompetent care or someone who is in desperate need of a few dollars and does not even value themselves enough to not even respond to such a ridiculous ad. These parents are even asking for someone that will play, read, do arts and crafts, etc., I assume with the 3 year old, and then have 2 infants on top of that for a full 9-10 hours a day! What kind of sitter would you expect to come to your home and then not get stressed on top of that with this kind of extreme responsibility. Some of these families are wanting to “share” a sitter and offer pay below what even a teenager would expect. Where in the world are the priorities of these parents? It scares me to no end and I am no doubt risking my ability to use this site for seeking an occasional family or so, but what in the world?
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:50 pm
I say: There are a lot of parents out there looking for your kind. You will see them when you peruse the site, if what you see does not excite you, go on to the next. It’s that simple. I do not waste my time with jobs that do not meet my expectations. It should go both ways… Life is short… Keep on cruising, somehow you’d run into whatever you’re looking for. I always believed in the law of attraction: Whatever, whomever you are seeking, is also seeking you…
Enjoy your day…!!!
MzMaryPoppz
July 3rd, 2008 at 12:38 am
I am amazed at how many people can’t spell grammar.