Nanny Resume Example (Step-by-Step Guide & Templates)

Nanny Resume Example

Now that’s one supercalifragilisticexpialidocious nanny resume example!

Here are the elements it gets right:

• Reverse-chronological resume format. This is hiring managers' favorite format worldwide because it lists candidates’ most recent professional experiences and achievements first, perfectly highlighting their expertise.
• Eye-catching resume summary. This nanny resume’s header offers a glimpse into the candidate’s career, immediately showing the hiring manager how many years of experience they have, what they’ve achieved, and what their top skills are.
• Quantifiable achievements. The candidate backs up their achievements with concrete data, which gives them credibility and makes them more memorable.
• Bullet points. Hiring managers can easily breeze through this resume without wading through thick blocks of text, which means they’re less likely to get bored reading it.
• Relevant skills. This candidate lists their hard and soft skills separately, so the employer can easily check off what they’re looking for in this resume.
• Brief education section. Hands-on experience carries more weight than academic credentials, so this nanny resume keeps the education section brief and to the point.
• Additional sections. The nanny resume example above makes use of any leftover space by adding certifications, languages, and any hobbies or interests that can make them stand out from other candidates.
• One page only. Every bit of space on your resume should be used effectively, and this nanny resume example fits everything into one page perfectly.

9 Steps for a Stupendous Nanny Resume

Now you know what it takes to write a show-stopping nanny resume! But the fun has only just begun - it’s time to write your own!

Just follow these steps, and you’ll be done in no time:

#1. Choose the Right Format (and Layout)

Before you get started with the contents of your nanny resume, you need to format it correctly.

Start by choosing one of the three resume formats:

• Reverse-chronological (also called chronological)
• Functional (also called skill-based)
• Combination (a mix of the above-mentioned two)

For 99% of cases, we recommend you stick with the reverse-chronological resume format for your nanny resume.

It effectively shows off your most recent experience first, and it’s hiring managers’ favorite format worldwide, so it’s your safest choice.

Here’s what that looks like:

Next, it’s time to perfect your resume layout.

Before the hiring manager reads your resume, they’re going to look at it. You want your nanny's resume to make a great first impression, so it can’t look unorganized or mismatched.

Here are some tips to make your resume layout pop:

• Adjust the margins. Your nanny resume’s margins should be one inch on all sides so that it doesn’t look cluttered on the page. Anything outside that norm means you’re in for a messy appearance.
• Choose a professional font. Your resume’s font is going to determine not only how easy it is to read but also how good it looks. Pick a professional font that you can use both digitally and in print, and use it consistently throughout your nanny resume.
• Use bullet points. Swapping out lengthy paragraphs for bullet points makes your resume look organized, and it lets the hiring manager skim through it with ease.
• Stick to one page. Unless you have over a decade of relevant experience, you don’t need a two-page resume. All your most relevant information should fit on one page.
• Send it in the right format. Always send your resume as a PDF file to make sure your layout stays consistent across any device the employer uses to open it. Only send it in a different format if it’s specified somewhere.

Use a Resume Template to Save Time

You know just how precious time is, so you want to land that job as soon as possible.

But first, you need to tweak your resume’s margins, pick a stylish font, keep everything consistent, and make sure it never spills over to page two. 

It’s a real hassle!

So, what if you could skip all that and get straight to the good part?

With our free resume templates, you can skip all the formatting and get down to writing about your nanny know-how!

Each of our professional resume templates is designed hand-in-hand with HR experts from around the world, so they meet all industry standards while being ATS-friendly, stylish, and easy to use.

Just take a look at how our tried-and-tested resume templates compare to an average black-and-white text editor template:

#2. List Your Contact Information

Now that you’re ready to fill in the contents of your resume, let’s start from the top with your contact information section.

The most important thing about this section is that it has to be correct. Make sure to check and double-check it for any typos. A single slip could cost you an interview!

So, here’s what your contact information should include:

• Full Name. (E.g., Lucy Karlington)
• Job Title. Make sure the title matches the exact position you're applying for. (E.g., Experienced Nanny)
• Phone Number. If you’re applying from abroad, remember to add the country dial code before your number. Missing out on a digit might mean missing out on an opportunity.
• Email Address. Use a professional-sounding email, like a variation of your name. Any clever quips could come off as unprofessional and lead to your resume getting tossed aside. (E.g., karlington.lucy@gmail.com is great but NannyLucySuperstar@yahoo.com isn’t.)
• Relevant Links. If you have a professional website or LinkedIn profile, it could be relevant to your application. Alternatively, some employers might want to see your social media activity, such as Facebook or Instagram, to make sure you’re trustworthy.
• Location. Mention your city and state/country. If you're flexible about moving or available for live-in positions, highlight that on your resume.

Easy as pie, right?

Now let’s drive the point home with some examples:

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Resume Summary

Employers go through hundreds of nanny resumes every day, and they only spend an average of seven seconds looking at each of them.

This means you only have a tiny window of opportunity to make an impression.

And that’s exactly what your resume summary is here to do.

Located in your nanny resume’s header, the resume summary functions as an overview of what you have to offer. 

Consider it like a two to four-sentence sales pitch that should convince the employer that you’re worth reading more about.

Now, depending on how experienced you are, you might need a resume summary or a resume objective.

Here’s a rundown on both:

• Resume Summary. For experienced nannies, the resume summary helps you stand out by mentioning your years of experience in childcare, a notable achievement, and a few skills that make you right for the job.
• Resume Objective. If you’re an aspiring nanny-to-be, you can go for a resume objective instead. It highlights your skills, qualifications, and professional goals, as well as how they make you a promising fit for the job.

Take a look at these examples:

#4. Highlight Your Work Experience

Your hands-on experience is the main highlight of your nanny resume, so you should pay special attention to your work experience section.

This portion of your professional background is the first thing potential employers will read, so you have to make sure it leaves a good impression.

Here's how to format it right:

• Use reverse chronological order. Start with your most recent role, so families can immediately see your latest experience and work their way back.
• Add the family or agency details. If appropriate, include the name and location of your previous employer. If you worked with an agency, you can also add a brief description.
• Specify the employment period. Consistently use the mm/yyyy format throughout your nanny resume.
• Describe your daily responsibilities and achievements. Use bullet points to list 5-6 responsibilities and achievements for your latest role and 3-4 for older ones.

But if you want to truly blow away parents with your nanny experience, there are a few extra steps you need to take.

Here are some tips to make this section shine:

• Tailor your experience to the ad. Read the job description carefully and figure out what’s relevant to your resume. (For example, your time as a camp counselor might not be as relevant as your experience with infant care.)
• Focus more on achievements. Your day-to-day responsibilities are great, but they’re a given. But unique experiences, like successfully teaching a child a second language or introducing them to a musical instrument, can really set you apart from other candidates.
• Back it up with data. Be as specific as possible with your achievements. For example, if you "Helped improve a child's reading level by two grades in one school year," it sounds a lot more impressive than "Assisted with homework."

Here’s an example:

What If I Don’t Have Work Experience?

If you're new to the world of childcare, you might be struggling to write a resume with no experience to your name.

With hands-on experience being so important, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

There’s no need to worry.

Most entry-level nanny roles understand that you're just beginning your journey and don't expect you to be a Mary Poppins right off the bat. 

In fact, certain positions, like au pair programs, are perfect for inexperienced nannies getting started with childcare.

However, that doesn't mean you can't still make a great impression.

Instead of stressing about formal work experience, angle your resume to highlight experiences that show off your passion and skills for childcare.

You can list any relevant experience, including:

• Babysitting gigs
• Camp counseling
• Volunteer work at kids' events
• Academic projects related to child development
• Personal experiences like mentoring
• Extracurricular activities involving kids

Even without formal work experience as a nanny, you can make a standout nanny resume to land you the job you’re after!

#5. Add Relevant Nanny Skills

Your resume's skills section is a key player in highlighting your abilities as a nanny.

But don’t just cram every skill you've got onto your resume. As a matter of fact, hiring managers appreciate customization, so make sure to tailor the skills on your resume for the role you're applying for.

For example, if the job requires you to take care of a newborn baby, it's better to focus on your infant care skills instead of your talent for teaching algebra to pre-teens.

Here are some pointers to spruce up your skills section:

• Tailor skills to the role. Read the job description closely and pay attention. If it mentions a skill or ability you have, it should be on your resume.
• Stay relevant. If you’re not sure what the most sought-after nanny skills are, do your research. Start by checking out a list of the most important skills to put on your resume.
• Separate your skills. Make sure your skills are neatly sorted, and keep your hard skills separate from your soft skills.

Okay, you're set on how to show your skills as a nanny.

But which specific skills are parents looking for these days?

Dive into our updated list of the top 67 hard and soft nanny skills for 2024!

67 Most In-Demand Nanny Skills

46 Nanny Hard Skills

1. Pediatric First Aid
2. First Aid
3. CPR
4. Physical stamina
5. Scheduling
6. Teaching
7. Language skills
8. Newborn care
9. Toddler care
10. Adolescent care
11. Meal planning
12. Child nutrition
13. Household management
14. Laundry
15. Cooking
16. Clean driving record
17. Child car seat safety
18. Childproofing knowledge
19. Potty training
20. Sleep training
21. Montessori method
22. Reggio Emilia method
23. Waldorf method
24. Sign language
25. Sensory play techniques
26. Child-led play
27. Structured routine planning
28. Bedtime routines
29. Child behavior management
30. Temper tantrum management
31. Positive reinforcement techniques
32. Knowledge of child developmental milestones
33. Childhood emotional development techniques
34. Special needs care
35. Arts and crafts
36. Screen time management
37. Age-appropriate digital safety
38. Nonsmoker
39. Microsoft Office
40. Google Calendar
41. Baby Connect
42. ABCmouse
43. Kinedu
44. Tinybeans
45. Life360
46. BabySparks

21 Nanny Soft Skills

1. Patience
2. Communication
3. Empathy
4. Adaptability
5. Problem-solving
6. Active listening
7. Time management
8. Decision-making
9. Conflict resolution
10. Attention to detail
11. Multitasking
12. Interpersonal skills
13. Cultural sensitivity
14. Creativity
15. Discretion
16. Emotional intelligence
17. Initiative
18. Teamwork
19. Stress management
20. Motivation
21. Reliability

#6. Keep Your Education Short and Sweet

Education is valuable, and many professional nannies have pursued relevant coursework or certifications. In fact, over 50% of nannies in the US hold a bachelor’s degree.

But your academic credentials aren't the only thing families consider. Unless you're just starting out as a nanny, your hands-on childcare experience carries a lot more weight than your education.

So, you should keep your education section short and to the point and only mention key education details in your nanny resume.

Start with your latest degree and include:

• Your degree’s name. (E.g., Associate Degree in Child Development)
• The institution’s name. (E.g., New England Early Childhood Institute)
• The location. (E.g., Boston, MA)
• Years attended. (E.g., 2017-2019)

Here’s an example:

If you have a higher education, you can skip mentioning your high school.

#7. Mention Any Licenses or Certificates

As you get started on your journey to become a nanny, you might see some job ads that mention certain required licenses or certifications you’re not familiar with.

Here’s the deal: while licenses and certifications aren’t universally required to become a nanny, they can add a lot to your resume.

There are a few differences between licenses and certifications you should keep in mind:

• Licenses. These are issued by a government agency and give you legal permission to work in specific occupations or perform specific tasks. They usually have to be renewed after a period of time.
• Certifications. Provided by professional organizations or certifying bodies, usually at the end of a training course. Certifications confirm that an individual has specific skills or knowledge in the area.

As a nanny, obtaining licenses or certifications can show your commitment to the profession and your readiness to handle any situation. But more than that, they can open you up to job opportunities that you might otherwise miss out on.

For example, some nanny agencies might only hire licensed nannies. Similarly, a nanny with a pediatric first-aid certification might be more appealing to parents of young children compared to one without.

Here’s what these can look like on your resume:

#8. Consider Including Optional Sections

Once you’ve added all the most important information to your nanny resume, you might have some leftover space.

While the essentials like your work experience, skills, and education are going to carry the bulk of your resume, you can leverage optional sections to paint a fuller picture of who you are as a candidate.

Here are some sections you can choose from:

• Awards. If you’ve received any formal recognition for your dedication to childcare, you can mention it here. Whether it’s a distinction by a community organization or praise from a past employer for your exceptional service, this is the place to show off a little.
• Memberships. There are plenty of nanny and childcare-related associations and clubs out there. Being an active member of groups like the International Nanny Association can highlight your commitment to life-long learning within your field.
• Workshops. Taking the time to learn more about the latest developments in child-rearing or just attending a free class can show commitment and curiosity.
• Languages. Knowing multiple languages can be a huge plus, especially when applying for families that are multilingual or in a culturally diverse setting.
• Hobbies and interests. What you do in your spare time can impress employers, especially if it aligns with child-friendly activities. Outdoor adventures, music, or arts and crafts can all show your ability to keep kids engaged and entertained.

Let’s look at an example:

#9. Attach a Cover Letter to Your Resume

Once you’re ready with a great nanny resume, you might be wondering - do I even need a cover letter?

Short answer? Yes, you do.

Hiring managers expect to receive a cover letter along with your nanny resume, so skipping out on this final step could hurt your chances of getting hired.

Writing a cover letter shows employers that you’re willing to go the extra mile for the application, and it proves you’re interested in this specific job, not just sending your resume left and right.

Luckily, we’ve prepared some cover letter tips you can use to write a job-winning cover letter.

Take a look:

• Include contact information. Your cover letter should include the same contact information as your resume, so double-check to make sure you don’t have any typos. Be sure to also include the contact information of the employer you’re sending the letter to.
• Address the employer by name. If you’re applying to be a nanny for a specific family, address them by name. Generic greetings like “Dear Sir/Madam” aren’t memorable.
• Start strong. Your opening paragraph should grab the hiring manager’s attention immediately. Mention why you’re writing, a couple of your best skills, and an achievement to impress them.
• Dive into the details. The main body of your cover letter is where you can go into specifics about your work history, education, notable achievements, and anything else you want to expand on. Make sure to mention why you’re motivated for the position and why you’re the best candidate for the job. 
• Wrap it up nicely. As you’re finishing up your cover letter, invite the hiring manager to take some sort of action. (E.g., “Please contact me at your earliest convenience so that we may discuss my qualifications in more detail.”) And don’t forget to sign your letter before you send it!

And here’s an example of a great nanny cover letter:

Key Takeaways

You’ve got the essentials down by now, so your nanny resume should be good to go!

Let’s just do a quick recap of what we covered in this article:

• Regardless of your level of experience, the reverse-chronological format is the best choice for your nanny resume. It’s straightforward and helps employers see exactly where you are in your career.
• Making a resume takes a lot of time if you want it to look right. Consider using a professional resume template so you can get straight to writing.
• Always add a summary at the top of your resume so you catch attention. Mention your top skills, a couple of achievements, and how long you’ve been nannying.
• Only add skills that are relevant to the job you’re after. Take a minute to read the job ad and carefully add any required skills you have to your resume.
• Match your nanny resume with an equally convincing nanny cover letter. Make sure the contact information is written correctly before you send it out.