Your CV is your marketing tool, the first impression for a recruiter and a family looking for a nanny and we all know that first impressions count. Your CV needs to be clear and concise, easy to read and in a professional format.
Think bullet points rather than long paragraphs. I receive numerous CVs every day. I open a CV and sometimes I can instantly see whether this looks like a great candidate as the experience and skills immediately stand out. However, sometimes I open a CV and at first look I’m unsure whether the candidate is suitable. It takes a thorough read of the CV and sometimes a scroll to the bottom to realise that actually they are a good candidate. The reason it’s hard to see at first could be because the layout prevents the core skills and experience from standing out. It could also be the format, for example using a crazy font, too much shading, columns and tables, all of which makes it look too busy. Or it could be because there’s no dates of employment. Something else I see on a regular basis is the employment history in the wrong order. You should always have your most recent employer at the top.
Organise your CV into the following sections:
Profile Summary
Contact Details
Work Experience / Career History
Education
Interests / Hobbies
Write a compelling and punchy summary:
"I’m a childcare professional with 10 years’ experience, working as both a private nanny and in a nursery setting. I have a Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young Peoples’ Development, an up to date First Aid Certificate and an Enhanced DBS on the update register. I’m a well-mannered and responsible nanny, with a keen interest in the development and wellbeing of children. A confident and emotionally mature individual with a fun, loving and energetic personality. "
Useful information that nanny recruiters and families want to see are the ages of the children that you’ve looked after, core responsibilities within that role and reasons for leaving. Here’s an example of how you can present your work experience section:
Jones Family – February 2020 to September 2023 / 2 days a week
(B1 and G5 at the beginning of employment)
Engaged and played with the children, creating age-appropriate activities and a stimulating environment.
School drop-off and pick up.
Assisting with homework.
Attend playgroups and classes.
Children’s laundry and helped keep common areas clean and tidy.
Housekeeping tasks included preparing healthy and nutritious meals.
Reason for leaving – the family relocated.
Let your CV work for you, keep it simple and informative.
On a final note – proofread, proofread, proofread!