I recently read a great article by Kerry Hannon who interviewed Tony Beshara, author of Unbeatable Résumés, on how to write, well, a great résumé, of course, which I thought would be very helpful to the nanny populace. I will paraphrase the best information here along with an added bit of my own:
- A good résumé is simple and no more than 2 pages
- Avoid fancy fonts and layouts; stick to Times New Roman in black on white paper in 9 or 12 size type. Be consistent and avoid using too much underlining, bold or italics. Putting your name and who you've worked for in larger type is okay.
- It is best to create your document in Word so that it can be opened on any computer. I strongly recommend sending pdf's only, which can be created in newer versions of Word. Be sure to save the document in both formats so you can make changes easily if necessary.
- Start with your most recent position and work back, listing the month and year you started and ended and your accomplishments. You do not need full sentences; you can start with a verb (Transported children to and from school and activities, for instance).
- Take out the objectives and summaries - they are no longer in vogue; however; with a nanny position, I do recommend writing a personal, open letter to prospective families telling about yourself, why you enjoy being a nanny and what your idea of a nanny position entails. This letter does not need to contain too much personal information - just stick to the topic of being a nanny - and may be on a separate sheet of paper or in a brief paragraph at the top of the résumé.
- Avoid overly-used key words and phrases such as 'excellent communication skills.'
- For most job applications, you should avoid submitting a photo; however, in the nanny world, this is not always true. Many online nanny sites encourage/insist you use a photo of yourself. A brick and mortar agency, however, should not request a photo but should be meeting you in person. Your recommendation to a family should be made on your experience, qualifications and personality - not on how you look.
- Show up on time. No excuses.
- Be put-together - no heavy makeup, perfume, long/elaborate fingernails and wearing modest and sensible attire (this is not the place for mini-skirts, high-heels or low-cut tops). You should appear as if you're ready to be active with children.
- Be a good communicator: make eye-contact, smile, speak clearly and ask plenty of questions.
- Be a confident professional, without being demanding and without a sense of entitlement. Understand your obligations as a household employee, as well as your employer's (in case they don't!).
- NEVER accept a position with a family who refuses to pay you legally or who refuses to work with an employment agreement!
