Financially, these are difficult times for Americans. Though nannies are in higher demand than ever as the economy makes it necessary for both parents to work, salaries for those nannies are a bit lower than they were before the recession. Only the best nannies can command top dollar; here are some ways to be sure that you’re on that list.
- Get a Degree – Having a degree in a childcare-related subject will immediately put you at the top of the heap when it comes to hiring, and give you more negotiating power regarding your salary.
- Learn a Second Language – Bilingual nannies are always in high demand, either for families that speak English as a second language or for parents who want their children to speak a second language.
- Maintain Impeccable References – As a nanny, one of the most powerful tools at your disposal when it comes to finding a post and commanding a higher salary is a list of glowing references. Reputation is everything in this business; making sure that yours is spotless will immediately boost your worth.
- Keep Your Background Clean – Running a background check on potential employees is easier than ever; even the smallest blemishes can affect your earning power and likelihood of finding a post. Keeping your driving and criminal record clean is one of the best ways to keep your resume looking perfect.
- Strive for Performance Bonuses – Many families include some sort of performance-based bonus in a salary package these days; hitting all of your goals and receiving the full amount is a great way to boost your earnings.
- Provide Additional Services – Though nannies typically don’t handle household tasks that aren’t directly related to childcare, you can safely command a higher salary if you’re willing to provide other household management services. For many busy parents, this will set you apart from the pack during the hiring process.
- Keep Certifications Up-to-Date – First aid, CPR and other certifications are essential, and keeping them current will flesh out your resume. Continuing education courses in these fields will increase the confidence that your employers have in your ability to handle emergencies and their willingness to pay more.
- Allow For Scheduling Flexibility – As parents find themselves working overtime and increasing their hours away from home, it’s more important than ever to be flexible in your availability. Working more hours means earning more money, as long as there’s an overtime clause in your nanny agreement.
- Attend Workshops and Seminars – Workshops and seminars on childcare-related subjects will not only keep you current and give you ideas for activities and outings, but will also foster a sense of trust in your abilities.
- Make Yourself Indispensable – Finding the perfect nanny can be a challenge, so parents will go to great lengths to hold onto one. Making yourself a fixture that they can’t imagine living without will allow you to earn more than others in your field.
Investing in your education and skills may seem like an expensive way to increase your earning power, but these things will pay for themselves over the course of your career. In this highly competitive field, it’s essential to make yourself stand out from the crowd in any way possible; keeping yourself in high demand means staying abreast of the most recent methods and keeping your skills honed.
