New Year, New You – Nanny Edition
4 ways to elevate your career as a professional nanny, straight from one of our specialists.
A Fresh Start to Your Career
“New year, new you!” It’s a saying so classic it’s nearly cliché by now, but perhaps there is something to it. Using the beginning of the year as a launchpad can be a fun and inspiring way to step up your game both in your personal life and your professional life.
As the nanny agency that always has your back, we want to take this chance to take a closer look at how you can level up in your professional nanny life and make this your best year as a nanny yet. Our Senior Family Placement Specialist Janine is here to support, educate, and inspire you to view your role not just as a job, but as a thriving career with endless possibilities.
1. Set Career Goals as a Nanny
Why Goal-Setting Matters
Before you can level up professionally, it's crucial to define what success looks like for you. Setting clear career goals helps you stay focused, motivated, and on a path to professional growth. It will also help you negotiate rate increases or snag those top tier jobs if you’re on the lookout for a new position.
Long-term aspirations: Consider where you see yourself in the next 5-10 years. Do you aim to specialize in a specific area like early childhood education or special needs care? Break down what steps you might need to take to get you there. Then consider what you can do this year to get there.
Short-term objectives: Think about the skills you want to develop this year, either with your longterm goals in mind or just based in your own interests. Perhaps you want to improve your language skills or learn new child development techniques. Are there classes you can take for this or another way you can get this training?
2. Enhance Your Nanny Resume
How to Stand Out
Your resume is your first impression, and adding to your expertise and experience will serve you when it’s time to look for a new nanny job.
— Janine C., Smart Sitting
Elevate Your Skillset: Can you take on new responsibilities in your current role that will help you practice new skills? If you are a part time nanny or babysitter who works with many families, can you take on gigs with requirements that are a step above what you’ve done before?
On-the-job training for a temporary gig can translate into skills that will serve you in a full time position. You can also attend workshops and join professional networks (like Smart Sitting!) to engage with other childcare professionals and get new insights.
Record Achievements: When it comes to writing your resume, focus on your achievements in each role, beyond the basics. Did you help improve a child’s reading level? Or perhaps you successfully managed a transition for a family with a newborn? Write it down as it happens in your current role, so that you’ll be able to remember it when it’s time to apply for a new job.
3. Solicit and Utilize Feedback
Growing Through Constructive Criticism
Feedback is a powerful tool for improvement. Sometimes families don’t make the time for giving feedback, or they may be hesitant to offer it, worried that you’ll think they’re criticizing the work that you do. But feedback is a super helpful way for you to improve in your work as a nanny‚ and for you to strengthen the bonds between you and your employer family, making you that much more valuable and your work that much more rewarding.
Ask for Regular Reviews: Initiate conversations with your employers about your performance. Be open to constructive criticism and willing to work on areas of improvement.
Self-Reflection: Regularly assess your own performance. Are there areas where you feel less confident? Seek out resources or training to bridge these gaps. If you feel comfortable, you can also ask the family how they think you’re doing in those areas and if there’s anything you can do to improve.
4. Embrace New Challenges and Responsibilities
Taking Initiative in Your Role
Taking initiative shows the family you are invested in them, in their kids’ development, and your work as a nanny. It also shows a readiness to take on new challenges or responsibilities that may come up as a family grows and evolves.
Propose New Ideas: Don’t be afraid to suggest new activities or routines that can benefit the children you care for. This may be activities, special outings, classes you hear about or education methods.
Manage Projects: Take the lead in organizing events or educational trips. This shows initiative and leadership and can really be a huge help to parents who already have so much on their plates.
Janine’s Final Thoughts
Your role as a nanny is much more than a job – it's a fulfilling career that shapes young lives. We know this from working with nannies like you and seeing the impact that they have on our Smart Sitting families, and from the way our nannies’ eyes light up in talking about their work wit kids.
This new year, embrace the opportunity to reset, reflect, and revitalize your approach. By setting goals, enhancing your resume, continuously learning, and seeking feedback, you’re not just advancing your career; you’re elevating the standards of professional nannying. Here's to a year of growth, learning, and success in your invaluable role as a professional nanny – and if you’re not a SmartSitter yet, but you are a dedicated and fantastic childcare professional, apply today. We’d love to hear from you!