b"Careernanniesareassumedtoadoretheir Trustworthinesswork with children, and for agencies, that trait Exemplify solid character. Working professionalscan be easy to identify. Beyond excellent care, needapersontheycompletelytrustintheiragenciesandfamiliesarelookingforthat home. If a candidate is not loyal, reliable, andstandout candidate who rises above the resta punctual, they are in the wrong line of work.uniquefitwhoexcelsinworkethicand Greatnanniesarecarefultoprotecttheircharacter. We have honed in on some obvious families'confidentialityandspeakpositivelyand some not-so-obvious characteristics found even about difficult experiences. They seek theinouridealcandidates.AtCincyNannywe bestforeachindividualchild,actingwithknow it when we see it!honesty,integrity,andintention.Yourwordsshould be true and forthcoming.Experience Emphasize the breadth and specificity of your Enthusiasmexpertise.Welookcloselyataresumeto Expresspassionforyourwork.Taketimetounderstand a nannys length of career, duration think about why you love this career and how toateachposition,andreasonsforaposition tangiblycommunicatethat.Writealineofending, but we also want to find out where an mission in your professional resume to be readindividual candidate shines. We place value on attheverystart.Havestoriesreadythatunique qualities, niche experience, or specific exemplify your work and bring a smile to yourareasofexpertise,suchasinfantcare, face as you tell them. We look for shining eyesmultiples,specialneeds,lessonplanning, andsinceresmileswhenyoutalkaboutyourmanaging a household, tutoring, sleep training, experiences with kids. potty training, traveling with families, and more.Thereislikelyworkwhereyouhaveskills,so Team-mindednessmake sure to highlight that niche. Show yourself as an invaluable part of a team. WHILENOTALLAGENCIESThe role of a nanny is to reduce stress and help GRADEBYTHESAMESETOFResponsivenesslife flow better. I once heard it said that having STANDARDS, THIS LIST IS ONE ICommunicatepromptlyandpreciselywithall ahearttoserveafamilyisthebest CAN SEE ALL MY COLLEAGUESparties.Communicationisessentialinany characteristicyoucanfindinananny.That NODDINGALONGTO.IBETIFsuccessfulrelationship,personalor truth has stayed with me. A candidate who can YOUTHINKOFTHENANNIESprofessional.Wenoticewhenyouaskgreat align with values and partner with the purpose YOU ADMIRE MOST, THEY HAVEquestions,workthroughconflict,provide of the family will be an extension of them. What PROVEN THEMSELVES IN MOSTfeedback, and speak openly and respectfully. an irreplaceable asset you become!OF THESE AREAS. TAKE TIME TOThewayyourespondandinteractwithyour EVALUATEYOUROWNNANNYagencyreflectsthewayyouarelikelyto Safety CHARACTERISTICS.AREYOUinteract with future employers. Prove that you are competent in safety. Safety COMMUNICATINGYOURandreliabilityarementionedbyeverysingle VALUE?WHATAREYOURGrowth family we speak with. While it is important to PRIORITIES?ARETHEREAREASSharethewaysthatyoucontinuetogrow. keep a current CPR and first-aid certification, WHEREYOUCOULDGROW?IWhile a degree is a nice asset to your resume, it go beyond that to educate yourself in things HAVEGOODNEWS:WEALLis not the only way to show your accumulated likecarseatsafety,allergies,safefood HAVE A CHANCE TO BECOME Aknowledgeandacquiredskills.Engagein introduction to infants, sexual abuse prevention, BETTERVERSIONOFprofessionaldevelopmentonaregularbasis. internet safety for children, and more. Maintain OURSELVES,ANDEACHOFThere are many affordable opportunities both a safe driving record. A motor vehicle report is THESETENCHARACTERISTICSlocally and online. When you grow, your families a standard screening for agencies.CAN BE DEVELOPED. AS I TELLbenefit. For minimal time and expense, you can MYLOCALCINCYNANNIES,set yourself above other candidates.Committed THEBESTTIMETOGROWISDemonstrate reliability daily and long term. We NOW.EVENWHENTHEYAREAdaptability wanttoseethatyoufollowthroughonyour SETTLEDINAPERFECTJOB,Be open to change. As children grow and life commitmentstofamiliesbydoingexemplary CAREERNANNIESSEETHEmoves forward, the familys needs will naturally work, arriving on time, giving notice for time off, VALUE OF INVESTING TIME ANDchange. The best nannies remain nimblethey andstayingwithfamilieslongterm.This ATTENTIONFORTHEIRLONG-areabletoanticipatethenewissuesand characteristicisoftenprovenbywhatyour TERM SUCCESS. SO KEEP AT IT.navigatetheunexpectedones.Stayintune references say. Be willing to talk through the INTENTIONALITYINTHESEwith the unique home in your care. No matter difficult things so the relationship will not just AREASWILLMAKEYOURyour age, remain teachable and be willing to survive but thrive. FUTURE BRIGHT. learn new skills.NannyMag.com23"