When families are looking for a sitter or nanny for their child, your Sittercity profile is often their first introduction to you. Even before you’ve connected or set up an interview, they’re using your profile to get a sense of your experience, availability, and whether you might be a good fit for their family. So, ask yourself: When was the last time you looked at yours?
Making a few quick updates can help your profile better reflect who you are, what you bring to the job, and the kinds of opportunities you’re looking for now. So whether you’re hoping to find a long-term position or pick up occasional babysitting jobs, begin with these easy profile updates to help you stand out to families.
1. Refresh your profile photo
First impressions make an impact, and your photo is one of the first things families will see. Choose a recent photo that clearly shows your face and feels friendly and approachable. You definitely don’t need a professional headshot or anything too formal. A clear, well-lit photo with a simple background works great. Skip group photos where others are cropped out, don’t use filters, and avoid any shots with sunglasses, or images where families might have to guess which person is you. Most importantly, if your current photo doesn’t look like you, it’s time for an update.
2. Make your bio sound like you
Your bio is an opportunity to go beyond the basics and give families a better sense of who you really are. Instead of simply listing qualities such as “responsible, caring, and fun,” show families what those qualities look like in action.
Rather than “I’m an experienced and responsible babysitter who loves kids,” why not try something more specific like:
“I’ve spent three years caring for elementary-age kids and love doing arts and crafts, playing outdoors, and finding creative ways to make homework a little more fun.”
Include details that help families understand your caregiving style, personality, and strengths.
Consider answering a few questions:
- What ages do you have experience caring for?
- What do you enjoy doing with kids?
- What makes you a great caregiver?
- What kinds of jobs are you looking for?
- Are there particular skills or experiences you’d like families to know about?
Keep it conversational and authentic. Your goal isn’t to sound like everyone else. It’s to set yourself apart and help the right family get to know you.
3. Update your experience
You’ve probably gained new skills and experience since you first created your profile. Maybe you’ve cared for an infant for the first time, helped with history homework, managed bedtime for twins, or taken on carpool duty. Maybe you’ve worked as a camp counselor or completed a new certification. Whatever the update is, be sure your profile reflects that growth. Review your experience and update details such as:
- Ages you’ve cared for
- Years of experience
- Babysitting or nanny positions
- Camp, classroom, tutoring, or coaching experience
- Transportation experience
- Skills that may be useful to families
Be specific and represent your experience accurately. Families aren’t necessarily looking for a Mary Poppins who can do it all in a pinafore with a parasol. They’re looking for someone whose experience fits what their family needs.
4. Check your certifications
Since First Aid and CPR certifications are self-reported, qualified sitters should be mindful of their expiration dates. CPR and First Aid course completion cards are typically valid for 1 to 2 years, but be sure to verify this with the course provider. Families might ask to confirm this information, so be ready to share the documentation of these certifications. If you’re interested in signing up to get CPR or First Aid-certified, ProTrainings offers Sittercity caregivers a discounted rate.
5. Renew Your Background Check
Sittercity background check badges expire after 90 days. Since parents are more likely to review a profile and respond to an application with a current background check, it’s worth considering a regular background check renewal to help establish trust with prospective families.
6. Request Reviews From Families
If you have a good relationship with a family you’ve connected with on Sittercity, this is an excellent opportunity for them to sing your praises. Sitters with profile reviews are 5 times more likely to be viewed by local families than sitters who don’t have any reviews at all. It’s ideal for parents to write reviews as soon as possible, so be sure to request a review soon after you’ve completed your first sitting.
7. Refresh your availability
Schedule change fast, especially as a new school semester or season begins. Take a minute to make sure the availability on your profile still matches your real-life calendar. Think beyond which days you’re available. Consider the kinds of jobs that fit your schedule, too. Could you help with early mornings before class? Are your afternoons open for school pickup? Do you want a regular weekend job? Are you looking for occasional evening babysitting? Remember that there are two types of availability that you can choose between when updating your sitter profile:
- General availability (the default setting upon creating your sitter profile) will indicate if you’re free in the morning, afternoon, after school or evenings.
- Confirmed availability is more specific. Adding confirmed availability will replace your general availability, and it will boost your profile to families searching for sitters by specific date and time. By providing the exact hours that you are available weekly, you’ll expedite communications when ironing out a sitting schedule with a family.
The more accurately your profile reflects your availability, the easier it is for you and families to determine whether a potential job makes sense before investing time in conversations. And when your schedule changes? Update it again.
8. Highlight the skills that set you apart
Think about what you can offer beyond simply being available when a family needs help: Maybe you’re amazing at math and can help with geometry homework. Perhaps you’re a pro at caring for infants, speak another language, or love to cook. Or maybe you have experience with children with specific care needs. Be sure to include any details that might be relevant or required, such as a clean driving record so you can help with school pickups or drop-offs, or your uncanny ability to entertain a toddler on a rainy day. Details do matter so review your profile and make sure you’re highlighting relevant skills, training, and experience that could help you stand out for the right jobs. It will make it easier for families who need your particular strengths to recognize them.
9. Peep your profile through a parent’s eyes
Finally, step back and look at your entire profile as if you’re seeing it for the first time. Ask yourself:
Does this tell a family what they need to know about me? Check for incomplete sections, outdated information, typos, or vague descriptions. Then look at the bigger picture. Does your profile clearly communicate:
- Who you are?
- Your relevant experience?
- What ages you’re comfortable caring for?
- Your current availability?
- Your strengths and skills?
- The kinds of opportunities you’re interested in?
You don’t need to write an essay. A profile that’s complete, specific, current, and authentically you can tell families way more than a super-long list of basic qualities.
A few minutes now can help you find the perfect fit
As your experience deepens and your schedule changes, no doubt the kinds of jobs you want will change, too. Don’t forget that your Sittercity profile should grow along with you. Take a few minutes to give yours a refresh before you start your next job search. Update your photo, add your latest experience, double-check your availability, and make sure families can quickly see all the amazing qualities and skills you have to offer. Ready for a refresh? Update your Sittercity profile and start exploring opportunities that fit you.
