help me out :)

[ashleyhaugh]

im going to post an ad on craigslist looking for a job, and advertising myself as an AP nanny.... im not very good at writing up stuff like that though, so i'll be working on it over the weekend, lol

if you were looking for a nanny on craigslist, what would you like to see mentioned?

[HollyBearsMom]

Honestly? The AP label wouldn’t mean that much to me in an ad. It’s a nice to have not a deal breaker. The things that would get me interested enough to make contact would be:

1) The details would be specific, detailed, articulate and well written
2) Experience. How many families, how many children and their ages. Any special needs? How long you have been a child care provider
3) Qualifications above and beyond child care experience. I.e. CPR, lifeguard, early education degree (or working towards one), Special Needs. Any other jobs that show skills?
4) References. Are they current? Can they be contacted directly?

An example of ads I have responded to:

Warm, caring, patient nanny with 2 year daughter is looking for full time child care position. My current family is relocating so I am able to start immediately and my hours are flexible. I am open to child care in your home or mine.

I have been a nanny for over 7 years, working for 3 familiies. My experience ranges for caring for multiples (infant twins thru age 2 ½), a family with 4 children, ages 2-7, one with special needs as well as working part time as an after school sitter for a 2 children ages 6 and 9.

I have CPR training, lifeguard certification as well as hands on experience with lots of age groups. I own my own safe, reliable car; have a clean driving record and a valid in state driver’s license.

I am willing to do light housekeeping and am happy discuss any other household requirements above and beyond childcare.

My references are all current and available upon request.

The key is to meet someone face to face. Thats when you can talk about values and use real life examples to determine you compatibility with the family. Trust me, I interviewed at least 5 nannies who mentioned attachment parenting, child lead living, etc in the ad but when interviewed found they believed in time outs, some form of corporal punishment or bribery. Not to say you shouldn’t mention AP just that it should be in addition to specifics.

Hook them with your experience, reliability etc. Once interested then you can really sell yourself.

ps: posted via my Iphone so no spell/grammer check! please forgive!

[singin'intherain]

I agree that all the particulars need to be spelled out articulately: experience, qualifications, and details like where you want to work, that you have a child, and when you are available. Articulately is very important to me- definitely check your spelling and grammar- but maybe that's a personal thing. Also, I like the ads that show the person's creativity and ability to play. The ones that say, gardening, painting, plays, dancing- I don't want someone who will just want to watch tv while they're with my kids.