Nanny Guide: The Nanny Application & how to use it to find great nanny jobs

We provide a complete written nanny application that is not part of your nanny registration.  The nanny application when completed will give you a real edge-up on nannies that don’t fill it out. It will show that you are a serious, dedicated, educated professional nanny.

The Nanny Application: Why should I take the time to fill it out?
There are normally over 6000 nannies that are competing for jobs on eNannySource.com. Families have to sort through these nannies in order to find candidates that will best fit the needs of their nanny position. Imagine the way you will stand out if you are the only person that they are considering that has taken the time to provide all that valuable information.

The internet provides a great many benefits for nannies looking for nanny positions because of the large number of families and nannies that can find each other using our advanced database nanny search engine. One thing it can’t do is provide all the detailed information that a complete written application can.

Why a nanny application over a nanny resume?   
Our system is able to present enough information about nannies that there isn’t a great advantage to a written resume. The application and the online registration don’t replace the need for a resume since it can give families  a lot of information in a brief form. But, the nanny application when used with our online registration and perhaps a nanny background check can’t be beat. It’ll get you interviews with families that might not normally interview you for their nanny positions, but now you stand out from the pack.

Sections of the Application:

Job Preferences link to this section of the application
This section has the basic questions that families will want to know about to see if you’re compatible with their nanny job.  One of the most important questions in this area is the one about how long you’d like to work as a nanny. It’s important to think this through because families can understandably get upset when a nanny says she’ll work for one year and she leaves after six months to return to school. Hard feelings can be avoided by being as clear as possible in this area.

Regarding living arrangements, salary, and other particulars, it pays to be certain you can live with the preferences you list—some careful thought now can save disappointment or discomfort later.

For more information on how to determine an appropriate nanny salary figure, go to our Nanny Salaries article.

Type of job applying for and Check where applicable
You can check off as many of these job types as you like. Most nannies would check nanny and nanny/light housekeeping. If you check nanny/housekeeper you will get more families that will be interested, but it may be very hard to both watch the children and do the housekeeping.

The check where applicable has a number of boxes that you may check to let families know what you are willing to do. Remember the more things you’re willing to do the more families will be interested in interviewing you for their nanny jobs.

Prior Employers
This section of the nanny application aims to create a relatively thorough overview of your relevant nanny job experiences.  The information requested—such as the ages, sex and number of children you worked with—may be essential to some families.  It is best to be as honest as possible about what you liked and disliked about your prior nanny jobs. 

eNanny Source’s goal is to provide nannies and families with as comfortable a fit as possible. This is most possible with honesty on both sides of the negotiations—in fact honesty is only to your advantage.  For instance, let them know if you strongly dislike doing housework—after all, you will only be dissatisfied with a nanny position that requires many regular chores.

Driving, Criminal Record and Medical information
We know that this is all sensitive information to provide families, but please keep in mind that it’s reasonable for families that are serious about hiring you and bringing you into their home to take care of their children to request this. Now’s a good opportunity to order a report on yourself and really show the family you are a self-confident professional. Order a criminal background report

It is important to truthfully disclose the required medical information.  Remember that the law protects you from discriminatory employment practices.  Families that offer you a nanny position are extending a great deal of trust to you, and relying on you to keep their children safe.  Therefore it is important that your employer knows if you have any medical conditions that could affect your ability to safely do your job.

Education & interests
The last page and a half of the application is your chance to show what makes you unique among all the other prospective nannies.  Your education, skills and interests are all important.  Creative types are often big hits with kids—your musicianship or theater skills could provide unexpected opportunities, while knowing a hundred rainy day activities or games never hurt either.  Spend enough time on this section so that prospective families can see some of who you are—after reading this section, a family should know why you enjoy working with kids. 

This section puts the other information you supply in a larger context, and may demonstrate the personality or skill set that makes you perfect for the next available nanny job.  Throughout this section, as in others, honesty is key.  Being open and upfront about yourself, your abilities and your likes and dislikes is essential—and more likely to result in a good nanny position.