Living life the way you want, doing what you love.

Welcome to a new era in nannying.

Hi, my name is Marina.

Veteran nanny, mum of four incredible kids and wife to

probably the most patient man on the planet.

Things have changed a lot since I started bouncing babies

almost 30 years ago. The one thing that hasn’t changed is

the fact that many nannies work in isolation and are curious

about what is happening in the rest of the nanny world.

So The Exceptional Nanny Magazine was born to fill a need.

As our job descriptions change and morph as families

grow, so too does the way we find our work, train for our

jobs, communicate with families and develop our own

careers into a life we truly love.

So that’s what this issue is all about.

How to find those great positions, present yourself as the

best candidate and share ideas on how you can create a

career that you absolutely love to bits.

Nannies have dream jobs. We get to play for a living, have

an incredible amount of freedom in our work and are paid

more than our centre based working peers. Job satisfaction

is high as our role is to support a child as they grow into a

resilient and resourceful person. It really is an honour.

Those milestones we help kids to jump to and calamities

that we head off before they enter the front gate are just a

few of the challenges we face.

I hope you enjoy the magazine, be sure to subscribe and

we’ll deliver each issue straight to you, along with a whole

bunch of surprises too. Have a fabulous read. Marina.

WHO

ARE YOU

AS A NANNY?

Everyday we do a job that is as individual as the family that we care for. That individuality often requires us to

create a different persona from who we are personally.

Some jobs call on us to bring out certain aspects of our personality and use attributes that we don’t often

share in other areas of our lives..

These individual aspects of ourselves is what probably got us our jobs in the first place. So, who are you

when you take on the role as nanny?

Do you ever overextend yourself? Do you become someone else to fit in with a family?

Working for a family whose lifestyle is different to

the one we have grown up in or choose to live

in ourselves can be a rewarding experience.

You can have access to opportunities that you

might not normally have in your life prior to

being a nanny.

With opportunity there may be a trade off.

For many nannies, this is usually a level of

freedom. For others, it can be wearing different

clothes or a major change in your overall style.

This will be a decision that you will make with conscious

choice. Nothing can ever be forced upon you,

but occasionally there may be resistance.

Never step into a role that you cannot be fully

comfortable with as it will effect your work over time.

Your meal choices may

become another area of change.

Families may have

restricted diets due to allergies,

cultural or religious beliefs,

lifestyle choices or simply a trend

that they become

interested in.

There will always be many

reasons why your role calls for

adaptability or flexibility. You’ll

need to weigh each choice as to

your comfort levels. Some areas

will be open for negotiation and

others will not.

Discuss any areas you are not

totally comfortable with, with

potential employers as it will be

those things that may cause a rift

into the future, causing disruption

for both yourself and the family.

AREAS THAT REQUIRE ADAPTABILITY OR

FLEXIBILITY IN YOUR NANNY LIFE:

Fashion Choices

Food Choices

Music Choices

Friendships

Partners

Driving Style

Education & Training

TV Viewing

Beauty Routine

Outdoor Activities

Medical Practices

Hygiene Practices

Safety Practices

Financial Management

Privacy

Managing Isolation

Household Tasks

Phone and Social Media contact.

Contact With Animals

IT’S BEST TO TRUST YOUR GUT INSTINCT.

IF SOMETHING DOESN”T FEEL RIGHT, IT PROBABLY ISN’T.

There is a fine line between pushing yourself out of your

comfort zone and compromising yourself out of existence.

Although it can be difficult to set and keep to your own

boundaries, it is well worth it in the long term.

After my first nanny job, I had made a decision not to iron

another shirt in my role as a nanny ever again. I had

mentioned it at every interview and all my employers were

happy to make this concession. If someone is not happy

with your decision, it probably won’t be the right job for

you. Don’t ever compromise on your own boundaries.

Some requests by your employers may seen illogical or

restrictive. If you can’t see why it’s an issue, ask them to

clarify. Usually when you understand why a request has

been made, it makes it easier to implement the choices.

Don’t be afraid to take a chance and try something

different. Life can become pretty amazing when you start

to say yes. See the world with the fresh eyes of the children

you care for, you never know what might happen.

Our family discount card

isn’t just for families.

Nannies have loads of savings

waiting for them - every day items like

groceries, clothing, attractions, and more.

You have so many options to

finding work, but the main thing

to focus on when you are

considering changing jobs is

how you present yourself to the

nanny world.

As our industry grows, there is

more competition for positions.

Centre based workers are

drawn to our industry by the

promise of higher wages and a

change of work environment.

So how can you ensure you

are one of the top three

candidates for the type of

position you really want?

It all comes down to the way

you promote yourself.

To employers, agencies and

even to other nannies.

You need to create the kind

of profile that fits the type of

position that you are aiming

for.

I’m so excited for you all.

Being a nanny in 2016 means the world is at your fingertips.

This will come down to your

experience, your knowledge,

your credentials (references)

and your demeanour.

As you walk into an interview,

whether you realise it or not -

parents and agency consultants

have pretty much made up their

minds what they’ll be doing with

you.

I once visited an agency owner,

she was an institution in her time.

We were meeting at a boutique

hotel in Sydney and she waved

me in, I sat down and another

nanny came in behind me.

I was gobsmacked.

The agency owner didn’t even l

et the other nanny sit down.

“No, no, you’ll never do.

No, go away.” came

the agency owners

sharp response.

The nanny looked shocked,

I looked shocked,

the agency owner

dismissed this nanny

with a tilt of her head

and she blocked the

nanny with her back,

ignoring her completely.

Now most people won’t be

that abrupt.

Internally though, some

may be

rejecting you

just as fiercely, they

are just more polite

about it.

Think about what are the

things you love most about

the families you have worked

with in the past.

Was it a particular location,

age group, or family

background that you

enjoyed.

Was there a challenge that

you helped a child over-

come, a goal you helped

them to achieve or an aspect

of their development stage

that you were particularly

good at managing?

Not all nannies can cope with

babies, especially colicky

babies.

Some nannies though have a

knack with just being able to

hold a baby in the right way

to allow them to calm down.

Some nannies are great with

the kinds of kids whose

behaviour literally send others

running for the hills (they were

my speciality), but then not so

good with children who need

constant nurturing and

coaching to take the smallest

step into the world.

We all have specialities.

Before you arrive at an

interview, there is some

work to do. Mainly in your

resume.

Today you can also present

yourself online if you are a

casual nanny and prefer to

find your own clients and

promote yourself. Like an

online business card.

The things you’ll need to

include in your resume or

promotions are your best

attributes pertaining to

caring for children in a

home

environment.

You need to present

yourself as a ‘type’ of

nanny.

Highlight and share

areas that you

specialise in.

Not all nannies are all

rounders, nor would we

want you to be. Having

someone who has an

innate ability to deal with a

particular scenario in a

family in an asset.

If you aren’t sure, read your

references. There may be

hidden gems there.

Ask your nanny friends.

Keep track of what you

do during the day and

compare it to other

nannies.

Slowly your differences will

be revealed, or consciously

choose what you’d like to

specialise in, ask for

babysitting and short term

positions that include those

areas.

Work with an agency to

develop your experience.

Find out what your areas of

speciality is and expand on it.

Immerse yourself in the latest

practices and advance-

ments. Find out what else you

need to know about this area

and develop your skill base as

what worked for one family,

may not work for another in a

similar situation.

Highlight this sort of

information in your resume

and conversations with future

employers (if applicable).

Let your nanny friends know

what areas you’d like to work

in and why it’s so interesting

to you.

Many specialty positions are

filled via word of mouth, so

build your nanny network

where possible.

Embrace who you are as a

nanny and let your light shine.

There is a family waiting for

your special type of brilliance.

Written by a professional nanny,

for professional nannies -

The Exceptional Nanny Organiser has been designed to

eliminate the main causes for nannies and parents to

part ways. Misunderstandings, Miscommunications

which can lead to a Lack of Trust.

Loaded with all those bits of information you know

you need to look after the kids, do yourself (and the

next nanny) a favour and get this info organised.

You can find The Exceptional Nanny Organiser at

www.theexceptionalnanny.com/organiser

You only get one

chance to make a

first impression! When speaking to agency

owners and parents over

the years, when I ask them

what is important for

nannies at interviews - the

answer is the same.

The first impression.

Clothes, hair, personal

hygiene, smell, confidence,

what they look at, how

they hold themselves,

their voice and their overall

demeanour.

I know what you might

be thinking:

That’s not fair.

There is a law against

discrimination.

You can’t always judge a

book by it’s cover.

Who are they to

judge me?

Um, they are your future employers.

Your prospective employers or agency consultant are

imagining you in a role. Generally, it’s the role of an

unsupervised carer who not only has the responsibility of

ensuring the care, welfare and development of their

children in their formative learning years, but also the

responsibility of running their household in their absence.

Their own personal security and privacy is being

considered too. They will scan you in under 4 seconds.

They are looking for certain aspects of an ideal carer.

Someone who is trustworthy, kind, flexible, forgiving (yep,

they know there will be days when they will be late), reliable

(because they can’t afford to be late), someone who is capable,

unflappable, insightful, uses their initiative and will be willing

to pitch in to keep the family household running.

Also, you will be representing their family.

Presentation Counts.

Consistency = Confidence for new employers.

Communication: Speak clearly and be polite. Stick to the

topic at hand, no gushing if you are working for someone in

the public eye and no name dropping unless it’s pertinent to

the interview. Be positive, outgoing (if that’s your nature)

and be prepared and knowledgeable. Learn about the local

area before the interview.

Clothing: Parents are deciding how you’ll fit into their

family. Don’t dress to impress, dress as if someone

important was going to come to work that day. Smart casual

wear that is easy to move in, is often a good way to go.

You may need to get down on the floor with the children.

Makeup: If you don’t usually wear it - don’t start now.

You’ll need to be quietly confident. And consistent.

Grooming: Be neat and tidy, now is not the time to be

trying new hairstyles. If you have long hair, have it back off

your face, parents like to make eye contact, so make it easy.

Scents: I love essential oils the same as some nannies love

their perfume. Don’t wear it at your interview though.

If like me you love your oils, add it as an interest in your

resume, you may find there are allergies in the family.

Oh, and make sure you have brushed your teeth and please,

no gum.

Make a good impression.

On Approach: Pat your hip down if you feel your right

hand is sweating due to nerves. If parents greet you with an

outstretched hand, take it and shake firmly and speak.

On Greeting: Address the parents with a smile and

introduce yourself. Refer to the agency that booked the

interview as parents will often book interviews through a

few agencies. It’s best to clarify this early.

On Entry: Scan the home without turning your head like an

ostrich, just become aware of your space and get your

bearings. Look for children or animals. Gain your own first

impression about the family.

Is the home immaculate, or is it comfortably tidy, or looking

like a bombsite that has been over run by children ?

You’ll generally be guided to a lounge type area or the dining

room. Just before you sit down, hand them your resume.

Sit with your legs together and sit up straight, not like you

are at school, just upright. Watch out for those big puffy

lounges that suck you in. Just sit on the edge on an angle.

Greeting Children: You may or may not be introduced to

the children. If you are, be friendly and if they are playing

on the floor, sit alongside not straight in front as this can be

considered confronting. Size up what is going on - age and

development will place a major part in your interaction.

Be interested but not overbearing.

Make a good impression cont’d.

Overall Impression.

I ran an agency for a few years. Screening nannies was

terrific, I loved meeting nannies and hearing their stories.

I was a little surprised when some nannies would arrive at

interviews unprepared and looking dishevelled. I have one

agency friend whose agency is close to the beach. Some

nannies would arrive with sand on their feet and wearing

thongs. This is highly inappropriate.

Your interviews are your gateway to the next few years of

your life. How much do you want to invest in it?

Be prepared. Write different cover sheets and profiles for

each position - if you are applying for a toddler position or a

pre-schooler - your presentation should reflect this.

Research the area so you can speak confidently about how

you would spend your time with the children.

Think about what you would like to be doing in 3, 6, 12

months and even into 2 - 5 years. If you don’t know, that’s

fine. Many parents will ask about your future plans, so they

can ascertain whether or not you will fit into their plans.

Things to consider are travel, furthering your education,

developing your career, marriage / relationships, having

your own children etc.

YOUR RESUME will give a brief summary of

who you are and your general background.

The information you’ll need to include is:

NAME & CONTACTS: Ensure your details are up to date

and your contacts functional (keep your mobile

charged). Include your age, you do not have to share

your birth date at this point.

AN OVERVIEW: Briefly outline you background

and how you see your work interests for the future.

This is an area you may find best to alter slightly for

each position.

BACKGROUND: Bullet points of qualifications,

career interests, attributes and personality highlights.

EXPERIENCE: A bullet point summary of your last three

positions and an even briefer outline of previous

positions. Position Title, Dates Employed, Family Name, Ages of

Children, Summary Bullet Point Highlights of Position.

EDUCATION: Qualification and date obtained.

SKILLS: Relevant to position / industry.

INTERESTS: Relevant to position and general interest,

allows you to highlight the kind of person you are.

REFEREES: Name. Phone. Dates of Position. Relationship

to You.

AGENCY AFFILIATES: Who you are registered with.

You can have a little bit of fun

and add in some personality.

Consider a cover page with your personal flair.

Your Curriculum vitae is where you can have

some fun and let your personality shine.

Nannying is a personal service industry.

This is where you can really highlight your point of

difference in the nanny sector.

The first few pages would be expanding on your

resume. Ensure you have spare copies,

with a cover letter introducing yourself including a

photo to give to prospective employers and

agencies.

Many will ask for a passport style photo.

Be sure to add your name to the back.

Some agencies will also keep hold of a copy of

your portfolio too.

Your Portfolio

Keep a copy of your Resume and CV in your

portfolio. The next pages could have your written

references, then on the opposite page a photo of

the children, or an image of an aspect of the

position and a description and outline of your

work with that family.

The challenges, the achievements, the activities

you did with the children.

The Nanny Manifesto

I am a professional nanny.

I have an innate ability to connect with children.

My days are filled with meaning and are satisfying.

I am highly skilled and continue to learn more

about children every week.

My work contributes to a happy and

healthy community.

I charge money, because I’m worth it.

I am deeply committed to my clients so I won’t

take a second job just to pay my bills.

I value myself so I can value my clients,

and they value me too!

I have work/life balance and enough time

and money to do the things that

keep me inspired and happy.

I make time for me.

I love my job, and my job is changing the world, one family at a time…

AUGUST 2016

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