Babysitter Resume Example (W/ Free Templates + Guide)

Babysitter Resume Example

Now that looks like a babysitter any parent would want to hire.

Here’s what it does right:

• Uses the reverse-chronological resume format. This resume format lets the candidate’s most recent experience shine through first, making it hiring managers’ favorite format worldwide.
• Includes an eye-catching resume summary. The babysitter resume example above includes a strong resume summary that shows off the candidate’s top skills and achievements.
• Provides professional contact details. The candidate includes their full name, phone number, and professional email address.
• Emphasizes achievements. Hiring managers already know what a babysitter’s daily responsibilities are, but achievements show what a candidate can bring to the table.
• Tailors skills to the job. The babysitter resume separates soft skills from hard skills, personalizing both to match what the employer needs.
• Briefly mentions education. Hands-on experience is more important than academic credentials, so this babysitter resume keeps the education section short and sweet.
• Leverages optional sections. This babysitter resume includes optional sections like certifications and hobbies, which can add value to their resume and set them apart from applicants with similar skills and qualifications.
• Sticks to one page. By using up every inch of space effectively, this babysitter resume doesn’t need to spill over to more than one page.

8 Steps for a Brilliant Babysitter Resume

You’ve seen what a great babysitter resume looks like; now, it’s time to write your own.

Follow these steps to get it right:

#1. Pick the Best Format

Before you can start filling in your resume’s contents, you need to decide on the structure.

Start by choosing the best resume format.

There are three options out there:

• Reverse-chronological (also known as chronological)
• Functional (also known as skill-based)
• Combination (a combination of the reverse-chronological and functional formats)

For 99% of cases, we recommend you pick the reverse-chronological resume format for your babysitter resume.

This format puts your most recent work experience and achievements first, which means it’s perfect for showing off your strengths. Plus, it’s the most popular format by far, so it’s what employers expect to see.

Here’s the reverse-chronological resume format in action:

The next thing you need to tackle is your resume layout.

First impressions are important, so you want to make sure your babysitter resume is neat, organized, and easy on the eyes.

Here are some tips to nail it:

• Adjust the margins. Your resume’s margins should be set to one inch on all sides so it looks neat, not awkwardly stretched out or empty.
• Set the font size. The resume font you choose should be easy to read, so it can’t be too small. Stick to 11-12 pts for the body of your text, and use 14-16 pts for resume headings and section titles.
• Fit on one page. Make sure your babysitter resume fits neatly on one page. Hiring managers go through hundreds of resumes every day, and having a two-page resume could mean getting rejected.
• Save as PDF. Your babysitter resume should always be saved as a PDF file to make sure it looks the same across any device or software the hiring manager uses to open it.

Or Use a Professional Resume Template Instead

When you’re looking for your next babysitting job, you’d rather get your resume over with as soon as possible.

But now, you need to tweak the margins, adjust the font size, pay attention to the formatting, and make sure it doesn’t spill over to page two.

What if there was another way?

Just try our free resume templates and get your babysitter resume done in minutes.

Each of our templates is designed hand in hand with trusted HR professionals to make sure your resume breezes past any Applicant Tracking Systems, fits all your information on one page, and looks good while doing it.

You can choose a stylish template that shows off your personality much better than the standard text editor templates out there. Just take a look for yourself:

#2. List Your Contact Details

Babysitting may have a heartwarming touch, but your resume's contact information should be clear and to the point.

Here’s what you should add:

• Full Name. (E.g. Emily Parker)
• Professional Title. Match the professional title in your resume with the specific job you’re in. (E.g. Childcare Specialist)
• Phone Number. If you're after a job in another country, remember to include the dial code for your phone number.
• Email Address. Keep this professional and aim for a combination of your first and last names. Those quirky emails from middle school aren’t going to fly. (e.g. emily.parker@gmail.com, rather than emilysaurus@oldemail.com)
• Relevant Links. If you have a profile or personal site that can back up your babysitting skills or experiences, include it, whether it’s a LinkedIn profile or a personal blog. But maybe avoid social media; studies show that parents dislike babysitters who spend too much time on their phones.
• Location. Your city and state/country are important since they let people know how short-notice you can be.

The key here is to make sure your contact information is accurate and professionally presented. A misspelled email or a whimsical username might just keep that phone from ringing.

#3. Write a Great Resume Summary

Hiring managers sift through stacks of resumes every day. In fact, they only spend an average of seven seconds before deciding if a candidate is worth reading more about.

This is where your resume summary comes into play. This is a brief, 2-4 sentence paragraph nested into your resume’s header. It summarizes who you are as a babysitter and what you can offer.

Depending on how much work experience you have, you can write a resume summary or a resume objective.

Here are some key differences:

• Resume summary. For seasoned babysitters, a resume summary is where it’s at. It provides a snapshot of your extensive experience, primary babysitting skills, and accomplishments in the field.
• Resume objective. If you're a budding babysitter, use a resume objective instead. This emphasizes your babysitting-related skills, relevant experiences, and your motivation for the job.

Here's an example of an experienced babysitter's resume summary:

A well-crafted summary like this can definitely pique a hiring manager’s curiosity and make them want to read your full resume.

Now, for those starting in the babysitting world, here's a sample resume objective:

Even without tons of experience, you can have a great resume objective that shows families you’re the right person for the job.

#4. Focus on Your Work Experience

The work experience section of your babysitter resume is what the hiring manager’s going to look at first, so you have to make sure it’s formatted correctly.

Here's how:

• List jobs reverse-chronologically. Start with your most recent babysitting role and work your way back.
• Add employer details. Include the family's last name and location. If privacy is a concern, you can use "Private Family in Billings" or something similar. If you worked through an agency, you can just add the agency’s name and location instead.
• Provide the dates. Use the mm/yyyy format so hiring managers can easily see your tenure.
• List responsibilities and achievements. Use 5-6 bullet points for your most recent positions, while older roles should only get 2-3 points.

But that’s just the formatting.

If you want your work experience to really impress a potential employer, you have to go the extra mile.

Let’s talk about how you can take this section to the next level:

• Tailor your work experience to the job. The role and the responsibilities you list should match the job. Your time tutoring your younger siblings this year is more relevant than your gig delivering pizza five years ago.
• Focus on achievements over responsibilities. Employers probably know what your past responsibilities were since they’re looking for you to do the same thing. Instead, impress them by showing the impact of your work so they know what they can expect you to do for them.
• Quantify when you can. Numbers are great for credibility. For example, ‘Babysat three kids regularly’ doesn't quite hit the mark like ‘Consistently cared for a family of three children over two years, maintaining a safe and stimulating environment’.
• Choose powerful verbs. Every babysitter has "looked after" or "watched," and it’s boring. Instead, use words like "cared for,” "mentored,” or "guided" to give your resume a punch and show you as a proactive babysitter, not someone who stands idly by.

Here's a polished work experience example for a babysitter:

What If I Don’t Have Work Experience?

If you're fresh out of school or just starting out in the babysitting world, it's okay to have no work experience on your resume. Remember, employers in the field understand that everyone has to start somewhere.

But even without formal babysitting jobs under your belt, you likely have enough relevant experiences and skills that parents would love to know about.

Think outside the box and focus on experiences like:

• Babysitting for family or friends
• Volunteering at community centers
• Assisting in daycare or summer camps
• Helping with younger siblings or cousins
• Extracurricular activities that involved younger schoolmates

For example, if you looked after your younger siblings during the summer holidays, that's a valuable experience! Or maybe you've managed a neighborhood kids' playgroup, keeping them safe and organizing activities.

Here’s an example to inspire you:

Starting as a local neighborhood babysitter or volunteering can help you gather practical experience. This not only enriches your resume but also boosts your confidence and competence in childcare.

#5. Add In-Demand Babysitting Skills

Babysitting isn't just about watching kids—the role requires a set of unique skills, and the ones you add to your resume should match the job you're aiming for.

Your skills section gives families a glimpse into your capabilities, the expertise you bring, and how ready you are to jump into the role.

But remember: parents won't be interested in skills that aren't related to caregiving, child safety, or their child’s development.

For example, if you're applying to babysit a toddler, emphasizing your ability to handle teenagers' mood swings might not be as relevant. Instead, highlight your experience with early childhood development or managing nap schedules.

You might be great with children of all ages, but you need to show parents that you're skilled in the areas they need the most.

Here are some tips to make your skills section shine:

• Read the ad carefully. Does the family mention any needs or preferences for their babysitter? What about information regarding their kids, like ages, interests, or extracurricular activities? Whether it’s homework help or potty training, add the specific skills you have to your resume.
• Stay updated on childcare practices. Babysitting, like parenting itself, evolves. Stay informed about new child safety guidelines, educational games, or popular kids' activities.
• Keep hard skills and soft skills separate. Your babysitter resume should list soft skills (like patience or communication) and hard skills (like first aid or cooking) separately. This makes your resume more organized and easier for parents to review.

You know how to list your babysitting skills.

Now all that’s left is to figure out which skills you should list.

No worries! We've got a handy list of the 44 most in-demand hard and soft skills for babysitters.

44 Most In-Demand Babysitter Skills

27 Babysitter Hard Skills

1. First aid
2. CPR
3. Childproofing homes
4. Diaper-changing
5. Bottle-feeding
6. Potty training
7. Child nutrition
8. Cooking
9. Laundry
10. Infant care
11. Toddler care
12. Pet care
13. Plant care
14. Bedtime routines
15. Hygiene supervision
16. Allergy awareness
17. Routine adherence
18. Organizing playdates
19. Arts and crafts
20. Tutoring
21. Homework assistance
22. Driver’s license
23. Understanding age-appropriate games and activities
24. Reading to children
25. Teaching basic manners
26. Age-appropriate digital safety
27. Multilingualism

17 Babysitter Soft Skills

1. Patience
2. Empathy
3. Active listening
4. Communication skills
5. Problem-solving
6. Time management
7. Positive attitude
8. Reliability
9. Conflict resolution
10. Creativity
11. Cultural sensitivity
12. Stress management
13. Self-awareness
14. Flexibility
15. Leadership
16. Enthusiasm
17. Organizational skills

#6. Mention Your Education

When you’re looking for a job as a babysitter, your hands-on experience and skills will do most of the talking on your resume.

That doesn’t mean your education doesn’t matter. In fact, babysitters with more education and training earn more.

But you don’t need to go into detail about everything you ever studied.

Here’s all this section needs:

• Degree Name. (E.g. Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education)
• University Name. (E.g. State Community College)
• Location (optional). (E.g. New York, USA)
• Years Attended. If you’re still enrolled, you can specify your expected graduation date. (E.g. class of 2023)

Minimalistic, right?

Just list your latest degree and work your way further back. Your high school education should only be listed if it’s the only degree you have.

Now let’s look at an example of the education section on a resume:

#7. Take Advantage of Optional Sections

Now that you’ve filled in the bulk of your babysitter resume, maybe you’ve got some space left over.

That’s great news because you can add some optional sections to give your application an edge.

Certain optional sections can complement your main qualifications and help you stand out from babysitters with similar skills and experience.

Here are some sections you can choose from:

• Certifications. While certifications are optional, this is probably the best thing you can add to your babysitting resume. Anything related to safety, like First Aid or CPR, and any official babysitting certifications can significantly boost your odds of getting an interview.
• Personal projects. If you write children’s books or create DIY games, this is the perfect place to highlight your passion, creativity, and resourcefulness.
• Languages. Being fluent in more than one language can be a huge bonus and open you up to job opportunities in multilingual households or those looking for language tutors.
• Hobbies and interests. Sharing your hobbies can offer families a glimpse into your personality. But remember, it's good to keep them relevant to childcare (like crafting or storytelling) to add value to your profile.

Here’s an example:

#8. Add a Cover Letter to Match

Now that your resume is all set, there’s just one last step before you send in your application: writing a cover letter.

You might be wondering if anyone is even going to read your cover letter. But here’s the thing – hiring managers expect cover letters. And not having one can significantly lower your chances of getting the job you want.

Let’s look at the structure of a cover letter:

Nothing too complicated, right?

Here are some cover letter tips to write the best babysitter cover letter out there:

• Double-check your contact details. Add your contact information to your cover letter and match it with the information on your resume. Make sure to add the family or hiring manager’s contact information on your cover letter, too.
• Greet the reader by name. If you’re applying for a job directly with the family, skip “Dear Sir/Madam” and refer to them by name. If you’re applying for an agency, do a bit of research to find out the hiring manager’s name, and do the same.
• Write a strong opening statement. Your cover letter should start with an attention-grabbing paragraph. Include why you’re writing and what some of your top skills, achievements, or qualifications are.
• Expand in the body of your text. Go into more detail about what you have to offer the employer. Explain a few of your top achievements or skills and how they relate to what you can do.
• Wrap it up with the right closing line. When finishing up your letter, invite the hiring manager to take some sort of action, and follow it with an appropriate closing line and your name. (E.g., ‘Please contact me at your earliest convenience so that we may discuss how my skills and experience can be of benefit to your household’)

Key Takeaways

Now you know how to write a brilliant babysitter resume!

We hope you feel more confident about landing your next gig.

Before we part ways, let’s just do a quick overview of what we talked about:

• Highlight your most recent babysitting experiences first by picking the classic reverse-chronological resume format, since this is what employers will be looking for.
• Grab the parents’ or hiring manager’s attention with a resume summary that details your years of experience, top skills, and notable accomplishments.
• Let your work experiences shine by emphasizing your achievements and backing them up with relevant examples and concrete data, so parents can see the value in hiring you.
• Prioritize in-demand babysitting skills and tailor your resume to the specific job ad you’re applying for.
• Complete your application by adding a matching cover letter to go with your babysitter resume.