Top 5 Tips to Become a Successful Professional Nanny

Last Updated on July 25, 2025

Pursuing a career as a nanny can be incredibly fulfilling, but it isn’t an easy path. Taking care of children is a huge responsibility, and nannies need to be able to think on their feet and deal with emergencies. Becoming a nanny requires a lot of forethought and dedication, especially considering the experience and training that is involved. If you love working with children and you are thinking about nannying as a formal career choice, here are some tips that could help you find yourself that dream job.

Understand the Profession

Before you start to consider courses, qualifications, and jobs, it is important to familiarize yourself with various career options within the childcare sector. Remember, it is a far more complex industry than one may think.

Many useful online resources can help you find a suitable position, understand the interview process, negotiate pay, and set yourself up for long-term success. From blogs and ebooks to child care forums and meetup groups, be sure to explore a variety of avenues to build your knowledge.

One of the most useful ways to learn about the profession is to speak to those who are already working as nannies. Ask them about their experience and the pros and cons of the job to get a balanced account of the realities. Taking some time to educate yourself will leave you feeling more confident and prepared in the knowledge that you are pursuing the right career path for you.

Build Up Some Childcare Experience

Naturally, parents want to hire a nanny who has experience looking after children. This is something you can build up over time. The easiest way to do this is by babysitting for friends, families, and co-workers. Another idea would be to volunteer at a nursery or childcare center. Remember to build a list of contacts that you can turn to and provide references when applying for jobs.

Get Some Formal Training

While there are no formal requirements for those wanting to become a nanny, having some additional training and attending courses at an educational institution will help boost your resume and help you stand out as a candidate. Basic first-aid training and CPR will indicate to parents that their kids will be in good hands should the worst happen. Other useful certifications could include special needs care and water safety training.

Obtain a Relevant Degree

To further increase your chances of landing a job, consider obtaining a degree in early childhood development or a related field. Parents are always keen to give their children an academic boost. Having a nanny who not only takes care of the child’s practical needs but can assist with some academic support is always beneficial. The benefit of having a university degree is that it demonstrates dedication and the ability to meet deadlines.

Manage Your Salary Expectations

Regardless of your field of work, knowing what sort of salary to expect is a good idea. Learning about rates in the industry will put you in a better position when it comes to being realistic during salary negotiations. It will also enable you to charge competitive rates without selling yourself short. Become familiar with the average pay rates in your town or city. It is also important to factor in the cost of living. Remember it is okay to tell a potential employer your salary expectations, as it shows them you know your skills‘ worth.

Create an Impressive Resume

Your resume will often give an employer their first impression of you. It will be a determining factor in whether or not you get an interview, and it’s a chance for you to tell your employer why you are the best person for that job. Use your resume as an opportunity to show off your skills and achievements that are relevant to the job. Ensure the formatting is clear and concise. You’ll get the chance to elaborate further in an interview, so there is no need to bombard the interviewer with information at this stage. Here is a good resume example for a nanny that you can use as a template for creating your resume.

Apply

Once you have the right experience and skills needed to be a nanny, it’s time to find your first job. These days the best way to explore job opportunities would be by creating an online profile. There’s a good chance you won’t get the first job you apply for, which is why you should apply for as many jobs as possible.

When it comes to childcare, parents aren’t just looking after someone who has the right qualifications on paper. While these are certainly important, families are also keen to find a nanny who has the right personality to work with their kids. Including details such as what you plan on contributing to the family and your values will give them more insight.

If you are a person who loves working with kids and feels that you have patience and dedication, becoming a nanny may just be the perfect career choice for you. However, landing yourself a well-paid job will require a little effort on your part, so follow these tips and you should find yourself the perfect position in next to no time at all.