1. Set realistic expectations: Everyone wants a high paying salary, but do you have the experience and qualifications for a top-paying nanny position? If you answer is, "heck yeah", see if you meet the following criteria:
- 10+ year experience working as a professional nanny, I repeat AS A PROFESSIONAL NANNY.
- A college degree
- Longevity at your positions 3+ years (not hoping from job-to-job)
- Flexibility to travel for weeks, possible months at a time.
- Verifiable references (reference letters & UP-TO-DATE phone numbers of former employers)
- Passion. Are you living your passion. Is being a nanny, working with children, something you are passionate about. This will come across to anyone you come in contact with. Live your
passion!
*Know that with high-paying nanny positions comes lots of competition, you need to bring your A-game.
2. Presentation: How do you present yourself during your interview with an agency, and if given the opportunity with a potential employer:
- Professional attire is ALWAYS a plus, and shows that you take your career seriously.
- Your hair and nails should be well groomed. No excessive jewelry or make-up.
- Have a copy of your resume and copies of your references in hand.
- Give a firm handshake and look the interviewer in the eye when speaking
3. Salary: It's a hard topic and the majority of the nannies who I meet are not comfortable discussing salary. The truth of the matter is the economy is still struggling, and nannies need to be flexible with their salaries. As an example, nannies who used to make $20/hr. are now willing to accept a position for $18/hr. Most nannies who meet (and exceed the qualifications listed above) are set on making a top-salary. On average, if you are not flexible with your wages, you will be looking 3-6 weeks for your next position (possibly longer). Nannies who are more flexible with their wages, are more likely to get a new job- or at least an opportunity to for an interview. I know we all have bills to pay, but if possible I suggest being flexible with your salary.
4. Professional Resume: Need I say more? This is a MUST. This is a whole other blog post, and I will post "how to have a professional resume" later this month.
5. Patience: "Good things come to those who wait." If an agency says "check in with me once a week," then by all means call them once a week. Agencies (good agencies that is) receive hundreds of emails and phone calls of week of potential candidate's. I suggest emailing, rather than calling the agency you have applied with.
*VIP Nannies Inc. represents the top nannies in Southern California, those who have a genuine passion when it comes to working with children. For more information about how to become a VIP Nanny, visit www.vipnannyagency.com or LIKE them on Facebook, www.facebook.com/VIPnannies
