Nannying is a profession. The best nannies I work with treat it that way, and families can tell. Here is what I look for when I interview nannies, and how you can show families who you really are.
I have spent more than 17 years in child and youth services, including leading child and youth programs for the Navy and working on statewide child care operations. I have hired, trained, and worked alongside a lot of caregivers. The ones who stand out rarely have the fanciest resumes. They have a few things in common that anyone can build.
Treat your resume like a professional document
Your resume is often the first thing a family sees, so give it the same care you would give any professional application:
- List the ages of the children you cared for and how long you were with each family. Families want to know you have experience with kids like theirs.
- Name your responsibilities clearly. Meal prep, school pickups, homework help, potty training, managing a schedule for multiple kids: all of it counts.
- Keep certifications current and visible. CPR and First Aid are the baseline. Anything in early childhood development is a plus.
- Explain gaps simply. A short, honest note goes further than leaving families to guess.
Be ready with real stories
When I interview nannies, I ask about specific situations. What did you do the day a child would not stop crying at drop-off? How did you handle a disagreement with a parent about screen time?
Strong candidates answer with real stories, not general statements. Before your next interview, think of three or four moments that show how you care for kids, how you communicate, and how you solve problems. Those stories are what families remember.
Show how you communicate
For most families, communication is the thing that makes or breaks a nanny relationship. Talk about how you keep parents in the loop, whether that is a quick text during the day, a written log, or a short check-in at pickup. If you have handled a hard conversation with a parent well, share it. That tells a family more than any reference letter.
Be yourself
This one matters more than people think. Families are not hiring a resume. They are inviting a person into their home. The nannies who stand out are the ones who are honest about their strengths, their quirks, and what kind of family they thrive with.
It is also okay to know what you want. If you do your best work with toddlers, or you need a family that respects your time off, say so. The right match works for both sides.
Keep growing
Great nannies keep learning. Trainings, workshops, conferences, and connecting with other caregivers all help you grow and show families you take this work seriously. Keep a short list of the trainings you have done and what you took from them.
Get references that speak to who you are
Ask past families if they would be willing to speak about you, and let them know what kinds of families you are applying with. A reference who can describe how you handled a real situation is worth more than one who says “she was great.”
Join a network that has your back
Finding the right family on your own can be exhausting. The Wise Steps Nanny Network is free to join. Members get invitations to connect with families whose needs match what they offer, early access to new placement opportunities, and invitations to professional development events and meetups.
Looking for your next family? Apply to join the Wise Steps Nanny Network
