If you’re wondering how to supplement your income, and looking for one of the best ways to earn money, it’s worth thinking about a babysitter job.
Considered to many as one of the most flexible and well-paid part-time jobs, babysitting is easy to fit in around your lifestyle. It’s one of the best weekend jobs for students too allowing students to balance downtime, studying, and working with ease. Perfect for building skills such as independence and time management, babysitting is also a fun job in which you’re able to share the fascinating world that children inhabit.
When looking for a babysitting job, preparation is key to give yourself the best chance of success. You’ll want to make a good first impression so that parents hire you time and again.
So without further ado, here are our 5 insider tips for landing the right babysitter job for you…
Tip 1: Get your CV together
First of all, it’s important to have an impressive CV to dazzle prospective parents with. Whether you decide to find a babysitter job online, in the paper, or through contacts, you’re going to need a summary of your work experience and qualifications.
If you’re on LinkedIn, you can import your career history into a PDF, otherwise there are lots of free resources online where you can download a CV format.
Remember that this document needs to sell you. Therefore, put your most relevant experience at the top and be sure to include any useful qualifications, such as DBS checks, First Aid training or full clean drivers licence. These may be the deciding factor that sets you apart form a competitor, so use it to its full potential.
You might also want to approach a few contacts for references, which you might need.
If you haven’t got lots of formal work experience, not to worry. Add your extra-curricular activities, your achievements at school or university, as well as your hobbies and interests. If you’ve been a babysitter before, or have any relevant childcare experience, either formal and informal- make sure to add this to your CV.
Tip 2: Register your availability
Once you’re ready to be hired, it’s time to circulate your CV to friends and contacts. Be sure to include a cover note, including your availability and brief summary of your experience to date.
In today’s digital world, many babysitting jobs arise from local families looking for reliable, experienced babysitters online. So, if you’re looking for part-time jobs near you, you’re best bet is to set up an account on a childcare or babysitting website and start looking for jobs through that. Websites such as Yoopies allow you to browse jobs, upload your qualifications, as well as set your own hours. You can also list your own fee and have access to regular, secure payments.
Tip 3: Stay safe
Whether you choose to babysit regularly, or as a weekend job or summer job, it’s important to be safety-aware.
If you found a babysitting job through the local news boards or papers there is less traceability than online. Using an online babysitting agency is a more secure way of working with parents. You’re able to see their previous history and feedback from other babysitters, as well as choose to manage payment online.
You should always share the details of the address and contact of the family with a trusted friend or relative. When first interviewing, we recommend going to a public space such as a cafe.
Tip 4: Be interview ready!
Whilst the idea of an interview might feel intimidating, it is your first opportunity to get to know the family and ask any questions you may have. It is also the perfect moment to show the best bits about yourself, so try to enjoy the experience! Before the interview, spend some time thinking about the kinds of questions a parent may ask you. This could include your previous childcare experience, how you would react in an emergency situation, and why you want to be a babysitter.
When attending an interview, be mindful of the way you dress and come across as you’ll want to give a good first impression and reassure parents that their children will be in safe hands. Remember to be punctual and bring any relevant documents with you such as references, DBS, or First Aid Certificates. If you meet the children during the interview, don’t be afraid to talk and be friendly with them, as it will help show the parents that your are comfortable around children.
Be prepared for questions, and to ask questions back. Don’t hesitate to enquire about any known allergies, specific requests or requirements, and regular timings for their schedule.
Be sure to politely mention your expectations when communicating with parents. For instance, if it’s a weekend job and you’re going to work late, it is useful to know whether the family will expense your taxi home.
Tip 5: Landing the job!
With any luck, you will have landed the babysitting job you were after, congratulations!
The work doesn’t end here though.
Ahead of your first job, text the parents in advance to confirm your arrival. Come prepared with a small notebook to note important details down. This might include parent contact numbers, house rules, specific dietary needs, or medicines.
Be clear on requirements from parents. Some will offer you food and drink, others may tell you to order from the local takeaway.
If the childcare job requires you to entertain the kids, rather than just babysit them when sleeping, think about the activities you can do together. This might be reading a book, playing a game, or watching their favourite TV show together.
It can be costly and time-consuming for parents to find a babysitter online. Therefore, most families will want to find a trustworthy babysitter that they can use time and again. For more tips on how to prepare for your new babysitting job, check out our dedicated guide.
Summary
Landing a babysitter job is one of the best ways to earn money in your spare time. However, it takes preparation and effort to secure your ideal job. Always do your homework, be safety-aware, and come prepared – and you may just find that you’re efforts are profitable!