b'18 9. Reach out to references and agencies. One of the best ways to land a job is through areferral. Contact past employers and those onyourreferencelist.Letthemknowyouareseeking new opportunities and would welcomeinformationaboutfamiliesthatarehiring.Anannywhoisreferredtothembyafamilyfriend will likely have an advantage over othercandidates. Agencies are also a tremendousresourceduringthistime.Agenciesscreenfamiliesandmakesuretheyareofferingcompetitivepayfortheirpositions.Theywillonly have you interview with families they thinkare a good match for you.10.Staycurrentonstateandnationalguidance.Statesareslowlyphasinginpartsoftheireconomies, and some may be more open thanothers at this point. Know when or if in-home,privatechildcareisallowedinyourstateorlocal area. If it is, what precautions are yourequired to take? Even when you are allowedto work in a home, keep tabs on your state andcitys department of health websites as well asthe Centers for Disease Control and Preventionfor any updates to their guidelines. You maybeabletosignupforemailalertstokeepcurrent.5. Clean up your social media footprint.It is easy for families to check out a candidates social media accounts. Images of drugor alcohol abuse and insensitive posts and comments may jeopardize your chances ofgetting a job. Before diving into the job market, delete any posts, and change anyprofile images that could turn off potential employers. You also may want to removepre-pandemic photos showing you in crowds. On the flip side, a social media profilethatshowsyouasprofessional,caring,andcommunity-mindedmayenhanceyouremployment prospects.6. Differentiate yourself. What would make you more attractive as a childcare provider and stand out from thedozens of other nannies seeking the same jobs? Do you have a masters degree in earlychildhood education? Speak multiple languages? Work with special-needs children?Teach art or music? Could you tutor an older child as well? Make sure these qualitiesstand out when you apply for jobs, especially if the family is looking for specific skills intheir job description.7. Ensure legal pay. Now more than ever, household employees need to be paid legally. Many nannies arebeing left behind, unable to take advantage of paid sick leave and unemploymentbenefits, because they are paid off the books. Legal pay provides a financial safetynet in case you get sick or laid off. In the current climate and beyond, it makes no senseto take a job without it.8. Take inventory of your skills.It is a good time to update your resume and consider what may be missing from yourskill set. What are families seeking in their job descriptions? Are you a match for thejobs you want? Do you have the skills to land your dream job? If not, fill the gaps in yourresume, and go get the job you deserve.NannyMag.com21'