Nannies possess a range of valuable soft skills like patience, communication, multitasking, and problem-solving.
These interpersonal abilities are paramount to the role and show dedication to the work.
However, it can be challenging to convincingly and quantitatively communicate these on a nanny's resume.
You want the parent or guardian looking at your resume to know that you’re the right person to welcome into their home and care for their child.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- How to quantify impact on your nanny resume for a role that relies on soft skills
- How to describe your broad range of experiences in a way that’s easy for potential employers to understand
- How to increase your employability and keep your nanny resume up-to-date with verifiable certifications
- How to highlight achievements to showcase your skillset and commitment to your career
If a nanny resume isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, check out some of our other guides for similar roles:
Nanny resume examples
By Experience
Part-Time Nanny
- Incorporating childcare-specific phrases and achievements – Utilizing terms such as "age-appropriate developmental activities," "positive reinforcement techniques," or "meal preparation adhering to dietary restrictions" demonstrates an understanding of the nuanced requirements within the childcare sector. Mentioning specific accomplishments, like successfully managing dual-child households or developing tailored routines, conveys both expertise and practical know-how employers seek in a part-time nanny.
- Ensuring alignment between resume presentation and professional profiles – A standout resume reinforces a cohesive personal brand by echoing key attributes, certifications, and core values from the candidate’s LinkedIn or online profiles. When resume language and profile summaries share a similar tone—emphasizing reliability, nurturing qualities, and specialized certifications—it reassures prospective families of authenticity and intentional professional development.
- Ending with a persuasive final message – Concluding the resume with an impactful statement, such as expressing a genuine passion for fostering safe and stimulating environments, and inviting families to arrange a meeting, projects both confidence and approachability. A direct, courteous call to action motivates parents to reach out, establishing an enthusiastic, proactive first impression.
Temporary Nanny
- Leaving a lasting impression with a compelling ending – A standout Temporary Nanny resume always concludes with a confident closing that highlights the candidate's enthusiasm for supporting families and encourages the employer to initiate contact. An effective final statement is warm yet professional, reiterates key strengths, and ends with a proactive invitation for an interview or further discussion, which distinguishes the applicant from others who simply list facts without engagement.
- Demonstrating a genuine understanding of the employer’s needs – Exceptional resumes go beyond generic claims, directly referencing the organization’s philosophy, values, and unique requirements. This could involve tailoring experiences to match the agency’s approach to early childhood development or aligning with specific family dynamics and routines, which clearly conveys that the candidate has thoroughly researched the company and is committed to being the right cultural and professional fit.
- Creating a positive and immediate sense of readiness – The most impressive first impressions come from resumes that are concise, organized, and full of relevant expertise. By spotlighting adaptability, trustworthiness, and experience in short-term placements, the candidate immediately positions themselves as someone who can step into temporary assignments seamlessly, providing reassurance to families seeking reliability and poise under shifting schedules.
By Role
Childcare Nanny
- Blending warmth with competence for a personal yet polished approach – The best childcare nanny resumes strike an ideal equilibrium between expressing genuine enthusiasm for working with children and maintaining a high level of professionalism. This mix reassures families that the nanny not only possesses the necessary qualifications and experience, but also fosters an authentic passion for nurturing and engaging with children, setting the resume apart from more generic applications.
- Instantly conveying reliability and a natural fit for nurturing responsibilities – A standout first impression depends on more than just listing skills; it stems from a resume that emphasizes trust, patience, and adaptability. By underscoring a clean background, strong references, and heartfelt commitments to child safety and growth, the nanny demonstrates suitability for the deeply personal role of becoming a trusted member of a family’s daily life.
- Organizing details for seamless readability and quick impact – The use of clear section headings, concise bullet points, and consistent formatting throughout the document ensures that a prospective employer can easily navigate and identify key information. Highlighting certifications, relevant experience, and special skills with structured clarity catches attention while projecting organizational skills that are crucial for childcare settings.
Babysitting Nanny
- Evidence of understanding the employer’s values – A standout babysitting nanny resume clearly references the company’s or family’s priorities, perhaps by mentioning their educational philosophy or commitment to fostering a supportive household. This signals that the candidate has researched the environment and is intentionally tailoring their approach to mesh with the specific expectations of the employer.
- Professional journey aligned with caregiving – The resume shines when it weaves together previous roles and responsibilities, especially those highlighting work with children or families, to demonstrate a deliberate progression toward this career. Such context proves that the applicant’s experiences have equipped them with not only practical childcare skills but also the emotional intelligence vital for nurturing young minds.
- Instant clarity and appropriateness for the job – A memorable first impression is achieved when the resume opens with a concise summary that immediately establishes reliability, warmth, and relevant certifications. Clean formatting and well-chosen details further underline that the applicant is not only suited for the position but also takes the responsibility of childcare seriously.
Infant Nanny
- Clean formatting amplifies key details – Strategic use of white space, clearly defined section headers, and an easy-to-read font all contribute to a visually appealing resume that draws attention to qualifications without clutter. Ample spacing between experience entries, succinct bullet points for duties, and logical organization allow busy families or agencies to pick out essential skills and certifications at a glance.
- Harmonized professional image strengthens credibility – Aligning the tone, language, and imagery between the resume and the nanny’s LinkedIn profile projects a unified, professional identity. When employers encounter similar values, keywords, and career highlights across platforms, it reinforces the nanny’s commitment to quality care and reliability, building immediate trust in their personal brand.
- Conclusion encourages prompt outreach – A well-crafted closing that highlights readiness to begin, enthusiasm for supporting families, and a direct invitation to connect can turn interest into action. Specifying openness for interviews or trials, paired with a warm, confident closing phrase, leaves a lasting impression and motivates the reader to initiate contact.
Full-Time Nanny
- Showcasing advanced childcare capabilities – An outstanding Full-Time Nanny resume provides evidence of expertise in various aspects of child development, safety protocols, and age-appropriate activities. Highlighting certifications such as CPR, first-aid, and specialized training in early childhood education demonstrates professional depth and reassures employers of the candidate’s readiness to handle diverse situations.
- Aligning brand identity across all professional platforms – Consistent messaging between the resume and the candidate’s LinkedIn profile or other online presence builds trust with potential employers. By maintaining a unified tone, clearly defined core values, and parallel experience details, applicants reinforce their commitment to dependability, reliability, and a cohesive personal brand.
- Crafting a compelling entry statement – Beginning with a dynamic introduction that swiftly establishes a genuine passion for childcare and years of hands-on experience makes a strong first impression. Such an opening immediately signals relevance and sets the stage for the employer to recognize both the applicant’s enthusiasm and their suitability for a full-time nanny role.
Professional Nanny
- Demonstrates comprehensive childcare proficiency – Showcasing proven abilities such as up-to-date First Aid certification, familiarity with child development milestones, and adeptness in managing multiple children highlights a nanny’s technical expertise. Including specifics about experience with meal planning, lesson creation, or administering medication further solidifies professional credibility in caring for children’s well-being and growth.
- Aligns previous roles with family-oriented responsibilities – Outlining a trajectory through roles like daycare assistant, preschool teacher, or babysitter demonstrates a clear progression toward the nanny profession. Featuring responsibilities such as facilitating educational play, supporting emotional development, or collaborating with parents illustrates a candidate’s strong alignment with the multifaceted nature of a nanny’s day-to-day tasks.
- Introduces personal qualities that elevate service – Infusing the resume with unique qualities—such as fluency in an additional language, expertise in special needs support, or a background in music or art education—spotlights a candidate’s exceptional value. These distinctions not only set one apart but also offer families educational and emotional enrichment options beyond standard care.
Special Needs Nanny
- Exceptional skill set tailored to individualized care – A resume stands out when it showcases specialized training, certifications in developmental or behavioral support, and a compassionate approach designed especially for children with unique requirements. Highlighting this combination immediately signals a deep understanding of and dedication to the distinct challenges faced by families seeking such support.
- Measurable accomplishments highlight their effectiveness – Citing specific success stories—such as implementing a communication system that resulted in notable progress, supporting a child's transition into mainstream schooling, or developing bespoke routines that improved behavioral outcomes—lets employers see concrete ways the nanny has made a difference, rather than just listing duties.
- Evidence of flexibility in dynamic situations – Demonstrating experience with a wide variety of diagnoses, age groups, or home environments, as well as adaptability during emergencies or changes in care plans, signals a readiness for the unpredictability often present in special needs care. Detailing adaptability reassures families that the candidate can seamlessly handle evolving circumstances.
After-School Nanny
- Demonstrating expertise in child supervision and related responsibilities – A resume with a strong emphasis on relevant professional experience—such as managing multiple children, assisting with homework, and coordinating extracurricular activities—signals a high level of competence. Detailing certifications in first aid, child development courses, or specialized training in special needs care further shows a candidate’s depth of knowledge and hands-on ability to handle a variety of after-school scenarios.
- Projecting the ideal temperament and fit for family environments – First impressions are shaped by the overall tone, organization, and clarity of the document. A resume that conveys warmth, reliability, and genuine enthusiasm for childcare, while avoiding generic statements, makes an applicant stand out. Including specific examples that highlight patience, adaptability, and proactive communication reflects the personal qualities clients value in an after-school nanny.
- Capturing attention immediately with a targeted summary – An effective opening paragraph quickly positions the candidate as uniquely suited to after-school care. It should succinctly mention key strengths, such as multitasking skills and a passion for nurturing children’s growth, while also referencing proven track records with relevant age groups. This instantly signals both capability and dedication, encouraging readers to explore the resume in greater depth.
Summer Nanny
- Alignment with the organization’s culture and mission – A standout Summer Nanny resume shows genuine awareness of the company's values, such as emphasizing a commitment to child development or outdoor education if those are central to the employer. By referencing familiarity with the company’s signature programs, philosophies, or childcare methods, the candidate illustrates not just suitability for the job, but a proactive desire to further the organization’s specific approach to nurturing young minds.
- Evokes trust through heartfelt storytelling and personal connection – An emotionally compelling resume hooks the reader by weaving in meaningful anecdotes or examples of building strong relationships with children and families. By highlighting moments of going above and beyond, or demonstrating patience and empathy in challenging situations, the candidate creates a memorable, genuine impression—helping hiring managers envision their positive impact in real-world scenarios.
- Mastery of childcare-related vocabulary and specialized skills – Utilizing terminology specific to child supervision, such as “age-appropriate curriculum planning,” “conflict de-escalation techniques,” or “pediatric first aid,” instantly signals professionalism and competence. Embedding these industry cues demonstrates that the applicant is fluent in the needs and practices unique to seasonal childcare roles, giving the resume an edge of authority and relevance.
Au Pair
- Striking the right tone through warmth and reliability – A standout Au Pair resume skillfully blends a tone that radiates both professionalism and genuine friendliness. This balance ensures that families sense you are trustworthy and capable, while also approachable and invested in creating a caring environment for their children.
- Demonstrating intent with purposeful storytelling – Clearly articulating why you wish to become an Au Pair helps families see your genuine motivation, whether it’s a passion for cultural exchange, a dedication to child development, or a desire to support global families. When your reasoning is transparent and compelling, it reassures families that you will be an engaged and positive presence in their home.
- Standing out through specialized skills and distinct perspectives – Exceptional candidates highlight unique qualities or experiences—such as multilingual ability, experience teaching music, or familiarity with special needs childcare—that promise added value to the host family’s daily life. By pinpointing what you offer beyond basic childcare, your resume captures attention and distinguishes you from other applicants.
Babysitter
- Demonstrating a flexible approach to caregiving tasks – Showcasing experiences where the babysitter smoothly handled a variety of responsibilities, such as adapting to different age groups, managing unexpected situations, or easily shifting between household support and child-focused activities, illustrates valuable versatility to potential employers.
- Crafting a compelling first impression through professionalism – A babysitter resume stands out when it is visually clean, concisely formatted, and tailored to highlight qualities that directly relate to childcare, such as trustworthiness, patience, and attention to safety, all of which suggest strong suitability for the sensitive nature of the job.
- Opening with a focused statement on childcare passion and skills – Beginning the resume with a direct, relevant sentence that emphasizes genuine enthusiasm for working with children, coupled with a key strength like first aid certification or years of hands-on babysitting experience, immediately communicates both commitment and qualification.
Bilingual Nanny
- Ending on a confident and proactive note – Exceptional bilingual nanny resumes distinguish themselves by concluding with a purposeful summary that not only reiterates the candidate’s unique value but also encourages action from the employer. A compelling closing might highlight readiness to foster a multicultural learning environment or express genuine enthusiasm to discuss how their language skills can benefit the family. This approach leaves a strong final impression and motivates potential employers to initiate contact.
- Organizing details for seamless readability – Clear, well-structured content plays a pivotal role in engaging the reader. A standout resume guides the hiring manager effortlessly through sections such as language proficiency, childcare credentials, and hands-on experience. Bulleted achievements, neatly divided categories, and logical sequencing allow the employer to quickly spot the candidate’s bilingual strengths and childcare competencies, making the resume both informative and inviting.
- Demonstrating relevant expertise for the role – The most impactful bilingual nanny resumes draw direct connections between previous positions and the specific responsibilities of the job at hand. By emphasizing roles where language skills supported children’s learning or promoted cultural appreciation, candidates effectively show how their history aligns with the expectations of a bilingual household. This targeted alignment showcases genuine preparedness and a strong fit for the role.
Nanny Housekeeper
- Capturing genuine warmth and dedication – A standout nanny housekeeper resume immediately conveys empathy and trustworthiness through details about forming close bonds with the families and children, showcasing emotional intelligence, patience, and adaptability in handling various household situations. This emotional underpinning allows the reader to sense a real commitment to both care and cleanliness, building confidence in the applicant’s character.
- Crafting a personable and engaging introduction – An effective opening paragraph captures attention by succinctly stating the candidate’s years of experience, unique approach to balancing nurturing and housekeeping, and a summary of core strengths. This introduction sets the tone, assuring potential employers that they are reviewing the resume of a well-rounded professional ready to meet the family's diverse needs.
- Highlighting advanced household management expertise – The technical substance of a resume stands out when the candidate details specific skills, such as expertise in safe food preparation, deep cleaning protocols, child safety measures, and organization strategies. By listing relevant certifications and tangible accomplishments, the resume demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of both childcare and meticulous household care, instilling confidence in their professional capabilities.
Travel Nanny
- Demonstrating expertise in childcare and adaptability to travel settings – A compelling Travel Nanny resume showcases proficiency in early childhood care, detailed understanding of family dynamics, and the ability to seamlessly integrate into various environments. Highlighting certifications such as first aid, language skills, and previous experience coordinating schedules or managing routines in new destinations reflects both technical savvy and readiness for the complexities of traveling with children.
- Striking a harmonious blend of trustworthiness and genuine passion – The most effective resumes convey responsibility and professionalism, but also exude warmth, enthusiasm, and a sincere love for working with children. A well-crafted profile or summary captures a nurturing spirit while assuring families of reliability, cultivating a sense of reassurance and approachability.
- Providing quantifiable outcomes and specific family success stories – Standout candidates offer concrete examples of contributions, such as supporting children through international relocations, successfully adapting to cultural differences, or managing logistics for multi-country trips. Detailing outcomes—like improved language acquisition, positive feedback from families, or smooth transitions across borders—serves as powerful evidence of effectiveness and adaptability on the job.
Night Nanny
- Demonstrates advanced expertise with infant care and routines – A compelling Night Nanny resume highlights not only foundational childcare experience but also specialized training in sleep solutions, breastfeeding support, and emergency response. Certifications in CPR and pediatric first aid, as well as familiarity with various sleep training methods, show a deep commitment to professional standards and reliable, safe care during night hours.
- Brings a distinctive combination of warmth and adaptability – What sets a candidate apart is their proven ability to customize care for each family's unique values and nighttime needs. Showcasing testimonials, multilingual skills, or experience with special-needs infants underscores adaptability, empathy, and dedication to fostering an environment where both babies and parents feel secure and understood.
- Expresses a genuine dedication to nurturing nocturnal family wellness – Outstanding resumes clearly communicate heartfelt motivation for pursuing night nanny roles, whether it's a longstanding passion for infant development or a desire to provide essential respite for sleep-deprived parents. This clarity assures families that their nanny is deeply invested in making a restorative impact during one of the most challenging phases of parenting.
Nanny Personal Assistant
- Showcasing flexibility through diverse roles – A standout resume for a Nanny Personal Assistant highlights an individual’s agility by detailing experience across both childcare responsibilities and administrative duties. Whether managing multiple children's schedules, supporting parents with household logistics, or adapting quickly to unexpected daily changes, this clear demonstration of versatility reassures employers of the applicant's capacity to thrive in varied, fast-paced home environments.
- Demonstrating broad expertise and specialized knowledge – A memorable CV emphasizes professional strength by presenting certifications in early childhood education, proficiency with digital scheduling tools, and a proven track record of handling confidential family matters. Including concrete achievements, such as streamlining family routines, organizing complex travel itineraries, or managing household budgets, signals a well-rounded skill set essential for seamless family management.
- Utilizing clean, accessible formatting for quick reading – Visually, the most effective resumes avoid clutter by employing ample white space, distinct section headings, and bullet points that enhance readability. Brief, outcome-focused sentences allow recruiters to effortlessly scan for key qualifications, ensuring that vital experience stands out and the candidate’s holistic profile is immediately clear.
Live-In Nanny
- Formatting that enhances readability and professionalism – A standout Live-In Nanny resume is organized with concise headings, consistent font choices, and clean spacing, making it easy for potential employers to scan for important details. Strategic use of bullet points and brief descriptions ensures the most relevant information is immediately accessible without overwhelming the reader.
- Relevant childcare experience highlighted for the role – The most effective resumes draw direct lines between previous positions and the unique demands of being a live-in nanny, such as routine management, adapting to family preferences, and providing educational or developmental support. Clearly articulated job histories demonstrate an understanding of the trust and commitment required for this type of employment.
- Concrete examples of measurable successes – Exceptional resumes go beyond listing duties to showcase tangible results, like implementing a structured bedtime routine that improved sleep quality or creating engaging learning activities that led to notable developmental milestones. These specifics prove the candidate’s positive influence and ability to make a meaningful impact within a household.
Nanny Tutor
- Understanding the company’s mission and tailoring accordingly – Applicants set themselves apart by showcasing how their approach to educational childcare mirrors the organization’s values, referencing specific company programs or philosophies to illustrate genuine familiarity and thoughtful alignment.
- Conveying authentic enthusiasm for the position – A standout resume directly expresses a heartfelt interest in blending nurturing with teaching, clearly articulating a personal drive to help children develop academically and emotionally through the unique Nanny Tutor model.
- Connecting past roles to the needs of this job – Well-crafted resumes skillfully demonstrate how previous positions—as a tutor, caregiver, or in child-focused education—have provided the exact mix of soft skills and pedagogical strategies required to succeed as a Nanny Tutor.
Newborn Care Specialist Nanny
- Appealing organization and seamless spacing – A standout Newborn Care Specialist Nanny resume utilizes generous white space, distinct headings, and concise bullet statements to promote ease of reading. Adequate margins and clear separation between sections prevent overcrowding, ensuring that details like certifications, experiences, and skills catch the eye quickly without overwhelming the reader.
- Logical sequence highlighting key qualifications – By arranging information in an intuitive order—starting with a compelling summary, followed by relevant credentials, experience, and specialized training—the resume guides hiring managers through the nanny’s unique strengths. Each role and accomplishment is explained clearly, demonstrating the candidate’s progression and mastery in newborn care, making qualifications readily apparent.
- Warmth and dedication embedded in achievements – The resume becomes particularly compelling when the candidate weaves in stories reflecting their nurturing spirit and reliability, such as testimonials from families or descriptions of challenges met with empathy. This emphasis on the personal satisfaction found in supporting families helps forge an emotional connection, proving the nanny brings genuine passion and trustworthiness to newborn care.
How to format a nanny resume
Applying for a nanny position is different from sending your resume off to a hiring manager or recruiter. You want the parents and guardians looking at your nanny resume to know that you’re the right candidate for the job.
The format of your resume needs to communicate a clear and organized message at first glance. Strive for creative and approachable while maintaining professionalism.
Here are a few areas to focus on to create a nanny resume format that gets callbacks:
- Reverse chronological layout - As the name suggests, a reverse chronological layout focuses on work experience in reverse chronological order. Nannies have diverse roles and a wide range of experiences. Show dedication to your career with a reverse chronological timeline.
- Professional header - Include a header at the top of your resume that clearly states your title and professional contact information. Parents may be looking for someone to care for their children as quickly as possible. Don’t miss an opportunity because your contact info wasn’t easy to locate.
- Single page - Guardians of children are busy people without a lot of time to spare. Get straight to the point by keeping every section of your resume short, concise, and relevant to your nanny achievements.
- Clear safety certifications - Some parents or guardians may be looking for nannies specifically with CPR or First Aid Certifications. Show that you’re qualified by displaying your professional certifications clearly and prominently.
Keep in mind market-specific formats – for example, a Canadian resume might follow a different structure.
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The top sections on a nanny resume:
- Personal Information: This is essential as it provides contact details for the recruiter to reach out for interviews or further discussions.
- Career Objective or Summary: Giving a profile summary or an objective helps recruiters understand the aspirations and skills you bring to the nanny position.
- Work Experience: Including previous nanny or childcare-related positions exhibits real-life practice and understanding of the role's responsibilities.
- Skills and Qualifications: Detailing specific skills relevant to childcare (like patience, first aid certifications, or experience with special needs children) can set your resume apart.
- References or Testimonials: Providing parent testimonials or references can verify your skills and experience, giving potential employers confidence in your abilities.
What recruiters want to see on your resume:
- Relevant Experience: Recruiters prioritize applicants with prior experience in childcare or related fields, as it shows their experience in managing tasks associated with a nanny role.
- Certifications: Certifications such as Pediatric First Aid or CPR are prioritized because they are crucial for ensuring child safety.
- Skills like patience and creativity: Nannies require unique skills, such as patience, creativity, and problem-solving, to handle the unpredictable nature of child behavior.
- Flexible Schedules: Applicants with flexible availability, particularly those able to manage early morning, late night, or overnight care, are often prioritized to accommodate a family's dynamic schedule.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills: Recruiters prioritize those who demonstrate excellent communication skills in their interaction with both children and adults, to ensure clear and effective communication with parents and children alike.
How to write your nanny resume experience
The experience section of your resume lists your work history along with 3-4 bullets highlighting your top accomplishments in the role.
A nanny's role is incredibly diverse, and it can be a challenge to encapsulate all the potential duties, from child care, tutoring, and housekeeping tasks to meal preps, in a resume without making it too long or difficult to understand.
You want to capture your top abilities while highlighting specific achievements.
Let’s look at an example of a nanny resume experience section.
- •Supervised children and babies
- •Provided homework help after school
- •Built relationships with families
What doesn’t work in this example:
- No measurable results - Providing quantifiable metrics can be difficult for nannies, but it’s important to show potential employers how you will achieve goals. Be specific in the outcomes you achieved in previous roles.
- No soft skills - Being a nanny requires strong competency in soft skills like empathy, communication, and problem-solving. This experience section would be stronger with more examples of soft skills.
- Not tailored to the target job - Parents and guardians have varying needs for their children. Make sure that your nanny's resume demonstrates how you will meet their specific expectations by tailoring your resume to your target job.
Let’s make a few changes and take another look.
- •Supervised 12 children ages 2-8, provided emotional and behavioral support for children with special needs
- •Led homework help after school, improved school grades an average of 30%
- •Built relationships with families and maintained a 95% satisfaction rating from client surveys
What works in this example:
- Real numbers and data - Including measurable data like “improved school grades an average of 30%” and “Supervised 12 children ages 2-8” shows potential employers what you’re capable of without leaving anything up to assumption.
- Tailored to target job - Read the job listing closely and add relevant experiences like “Led homework help” and “provided emotional and behavioral support for children with special needs” so parents and guardians will see that you have their specific goals in mind.
- Specific achievements - “Built relationships with families and maintained a 95% satisfaction rating” shows potential employers the success you’re capable of and how you achieved it.
How to quantify impact on your resume
With nanny positions relying on communication and intangible skills, it can be difficult to show quantifiable results.
It’s important to include real numbers and data where possible so potential employers can see specific examples of success.
Here are a few areas to consider when quantifying the impact on your nanny resume:
- Include the number of years of experience in childcare: This reveals the extent of your professional nanny experience to recruiters.
- Specify the number of children you have cared for before: This clarifies the scale of your previous responsibilities.
- Indicate the ages of kids you've worked with: This shows your versatility in dealing with different age groups.
- Mention if you were a live-in or live-out nanny and for how long: This gives a sense of your adaptability and commitment.
- Highlight any accomplishments, like reducing screen time by a certain percentage: Tangible successes in previous roles can convey your proactive approach.
- Include the length of longest tenure with a family: This demonstrates your reliability and commitment to a role.
- Share the number of meals and/or snacks prepared per day: This shows your practical household skills.
- If applicable, list the number of languages spoken: This presents an added benefit for families requiring language learning assistance for their children.
How do I write a nanny resume with no experience
Getting your first nanny job can be intimidating if you have no experience. Whether you’re just starting out or making a career change, you need to show potential employers that you have the right skills for the role.
The best way to do this is to focus on transferable skills instead of work history. Show parents and guardians how you’ve developed nanny skills through other means.
Follow these steps to writing an effective nanny resume with no experience:
- Choose a functional resume layout
- Focus on transferable skills
- Use additional sections to highlight skill development and specialty knowledge
- Tailor every section to fit your target job
A functional resume layout focuses on transferable skills rather than your experience section.
This is a great method to show potential employers other ways that you’ve learned relevant skills like child care and safety precautions.
Don’t pad your experience section with irrelevant jobs just to fill space. Only include roles that equipped you with transferable skills for a nanny position.
Other jobs in a caregiver role like working at a daycare or assisted living facility are a great way to show relevant skills. Roles in education or housekeeping are also an opportunity to show skills like early childhood education and multitasking.
How to list your hard skills and soft skills on your resume
Being a nanny requires unique skills that can be difficult to present on a resume. Organizing your nanny skills into two sections will help to communicate your abilities.
Hard skills are the technical knowledge and abilities needed to perform job duties, whereas soft skills are the interpersonal and communication skills needed to interact with others.
Listing hard skills is fairly straightforward as they don’t typically require an explanation.
Here is an example of hard skills on a nanny's resume.
Families seeking a nanny will have varying expectations. For example, some might be looking for a nanny who can provide homework support while others need someone to help with household chores.
Be sure to only include skills that are relevant to your target job.
Here are a few more hard skills to consider for your nanny resume.
Best hard skills for your nanny resume
- First Aid Certification
- CPR Certification
- Child Psychology Knowledge
- Special Needs Care
- Swimming Supervision
- Language Proficiency (e.g., Spanish, French)
- Music and Art Proficiency
- Meal Preparation
- Newborn Care
- Early Childhood Education
- Driving Skills
- Educational Software use
- Knowledge of Children's Games
- Conflict Resolution
- Cooking and Baking skills
- Cleaning and Laundry skills
- Basic IT Skills
- Advanced Reading Comprehension
- Knowledge of Age-appropriate Learning Activities
- Home Safety Knowledge
Soft skills can be interpreted in different ways, especially for a dynamic position like a nanny. Provide an example of your top soft skills so families will see how you used those skills in previous roles.
Here is an example of a soft skills section on a nanny's resume.
Read the job listing closely and determine what soft skills your potential employers value the most.
Here are a few more nanny soft skills to consider for your resume.
Best soft skills for your nanny resume
- Patience
- Empathy
- Active Listening
- Dependability
- Multitasking
- Adaptability
- Creativity
- Time Management
- Attention to Detail
- Physical Stamina
- Problem-Solving
- Stress Management
- Decision Making
- Compassionate
- Enthusiasm
- Responsible
- Observant
- Cultural Awareness
- Respectfulness
- Professionalism
How to list your certifications and education on your resume
There are no specific degree requirements to be a nanny. However, certain qualifications can increase your employability and value in the industry.
Families and caregiver agencies often want to see that nannies have received certifications in health and safety procedures.
Receiving a degree in childhood education or a similar area can also boost your nanny resume.
Let’s look at the education section of a nanny resume example.
Your education section should include:
- Name of institution
- Name of degree
- Years attended
Your certification section will also be short and concise. Families and agencies want to know quickly whether or not you’re certified. Save them time by displaying your certifications clearly and prominently.
Your nanny certification section only needs to include the name of the certificate and the issuing institution.
Here is an example of a certification section on a nanny's resume.
Certain safety certifications have an expiration date and must be renewed periodically. Be sure to keep your certifications up-to-date and only list valid certificates on your nanny resume.
Here are a few more certifications to consider for your nanny resume.
Best certifications for your nanny resume
How to write your nanny resume summary or objective
A summary or objective is an opportunity to introduce yourself and your value in the industry to potential employers. It captures your career history and top accomplishments in 3-4 sentences.
Though the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a slight difference between a summary and an objective.
A summary is a brief introduction that summarizes your career and top achievements. An objective looks to the future and captures what you are hoping to achieve in your new position.
A summary is more suitable for candidates with experience in the field. Entry-level candidates are more likely to focus on an objective.
If you have at least some nanny experience, combine them by writing an introduction, a career highlight, and a goal you share with your target employer.
Let’s take a look at an example of a nanny resume summary.
What doesn’t work in this summary:
- Generic statements - “Professional nanny with a passion for childcare” doesn’t provide any specifics on what makes this candidate qualified for this specific role.
- Unclear credentials - “Trained in educational strategies” is a vague explanation. If you have specialized knowledge, let parents and guardians know that you have unique qualifications.
- Not tailored for the target job - “Seeking opportunity for my next nanny position” gives the impression that this is a blanket resume. Show your target employers that you’ve read the job description and have specific goals in mind.
Let’s make a few changes to this summary and take another look.
What works in this summary:
- Target niche - “Professional nanny with 9 years of experience caring for elementary-aged children” shows potential employers that this candidate has experience with a specific age group.
- Specialized qualifications - Including expertise in “early education and literacy invention strategies” communicates that this candidate is a good fit for employers looking for a nanny to support their child in their education.
- Specific goal - This candidate lists a clear objective at the end of the summary that shows they aren’t just mass emailing their blanket resume to nanny agencies.
Optimize your resume summary and objective for ATS
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Additional sections for a nanny resume
Additional sections on your resume can be a great way to show how you’ve developed nanny skills in ways that don’t fit the standard resume sections.
Here are a few sections to consider adding to your nanny resume:
- Languages - Speaking multiple languages can be a great skill for nannies, especially if the family you are applying to work for is bilingual or wants their children to learn another language.
- Continuing Education - Continuing to expand your education and increasing your industry knowledge is a great way to increase your employability as a nanny.
- Volunteer Work- Volunteering is a great way to learn interpersonal skills and show how you have developed transferable skills like problem-solving and empathy.
Key takeaways
You’re just about ready to send off that amazing nanny resume that gets interviews! Before you start reaching out to families and agencies, let’s review a few key points.
- Choose a format for your nanny resume that sends a clear message and presents your qualifications in concise sections.
- Present a good balance of soft skills and hard skills to show you have the specialized knowledge required to do the job.
- Tailor your nanny resume to your target job so parents and guardians know that you have the specific experience and credentials they’re looking for.
- Include additional sections on your nanny resume that show how you’ve developed relevant skills in ways outside of your work history.