{"id":842,"date":"2012-09-22T05:48:46","date_gmt":"2012-09-22T12:48:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.enannysource.com\/blog\/?p=842"},"modified":"2012-09-15T06:49:42","modified_gmt":"2012-09-15T13:49:42","slug":"expert-insights-donna-shannon-of-the-personal-touch-career-service","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.enannysource.com\/blog\/index.php\/2012\/09\/22\/expert-insights-donna-shannon-of-the-personal-touch-career-service\/","title":{"rendered":"Expert Insights: Donna Shannon of The Personal Touch Career Service"},"content":{"rendered":"

by\u00a0Michelle LaRowe<\/a>
\nEditor in Chief<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Recently I had a chance to catch up with Donna Shannon of The Personal Touch Career Service<\/a>. I\u2019ve called on Donna to present at several nanny conferences I\u2019ve helped organize over the years and when it comes to job searching in the private service industry, she most certainly knows her stuff. From common mistakes nannies make when looking for a new position, to what to include in an online profile, I\u2019ve asked Donna for her best career advice for nannies.<\/em>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

eNannySource: What’s the biggest mistakes nannies make when looking for a new nanny position?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Donna:<\/strong> One of the biggest mistakes nannies make is not using all of the recruitment tools available to them.\u00a0 It’s not enough to be listed with one or two agencies.\u00a0 Instead, nannies need to work all of the angles. This includes using online sites, listing with multiple agencies, and using their own network.<\/p>\n

For example, Facebook has actually become much more important when finding a job.\u00a0 Many agencies are announcing their open positions in their status updates, instead of paying for advertising.\u00a0 Make sure to follow all of the major agencies in your area.\u00a0 But that’s not the only thing that social media can do for the job seeker; some people land new jobs just by asking their online network if they know of any openings.\u00a0 And of course don’t overlook LinkedIn.com as well – there are some very good nanny groups currently going on LinkedIn.<\/p>\n

eNannySource: For nannies who are using online recruiting sites, in addition to or instead of traditional agencies, what can they do to make themselves stand out? Are there any key things they should include in their profile?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Donna: <\/strong>First and foremost, they need to make sure their profile is complete and that there are no spelling or grammar errors.\u00a0 I know that sounds simple, but spelling and grammar issues are one of the first reasons that candidates are disqualified from a potential job.\u00a0 It shows a lack of attention to detail.<\/p>\n

Next, they should be sure to include a strong skill set, as well as any specialties that they have in child care.\u00a0 Some examples may include working with special needs children, caring for twins\/ multiples, tutoring older children, and experience as an infant care specialist.\u00a0 Many parents look for nannies with specialties.<\/p>\n

eNannySource: What’s your 3 best tips for creating an awesome resume?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Donna: <\/strong>Including a comprehensive skill set is absolutely essential.\u00a0 This can win a job, plus shows how flexible the candidate is.\u00a0 Next, don’t use an “objective” statement.\u00a0 Instead, write a strong profile which explains why you are a great candidate.\u00a0 Finally, don’t be afraid to show your passion for this work.\u00a0 Parents want to hire someone who loves to work with children – be sure to let them know that you do.<\/p>\n

eNannySource:<\/strong> Is a cover letter important?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Donna: <\/strong>Cover letters are essential as well.\u00a0 The advantage is that you can completely customize a cover letter to the job, as opposed to making constant changes to your resume.\u00a0 Plus, using one is standard business practice.<\/p>\n

eNannySource :What’s your best piece of advice for nannies currently job searching?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Donna: <\/strong>Don’t give up and leave no stone unturned.\u00a0 The right family is out there for you, and you don’t know where they may be looking right now.\u00a0 The people who get hired the fastest are those who use multiple job search methods.<\/p>\n

eNannySource: Tell me about your book?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Donna: <\/strong>Updated for 2012, How to Get a Job Without Going Crazy <\/em>features the latest techniques for the modern job search.<\/p>\n

Learn:<\/p>\n