7 Ways To Get That Babysitting Job

If you’re looking for a way to make some extra cash during college, babysitting jobs might be the answer.

image via theodysseyonline.com

I have been babysitting since I was about 12, and though it can be stressful at times, it is such a fulfilling job, and a great way to hold yourself over until you are ready to have kids of your own.

Here are some tips to help you land some part time babysitting jobs.

1. Get CPR certified

Knowing CPR and how to use an AED are great things to know in general, and if you take a four-hour class and become certified, you will have a better chance of being hired. When picking a class, make sure that it also offers infant and child CPR training, since this differs from what you would do for an adult.

The training is valid for about two to three years, and some parents that are hiring a sitter will even pay for the training for you!

2. Be comfortable with multiple children

This one mother that I was going to babysit for had two sets of twins, 3-year-olds and 7-years-olds. To be honest, I was very nervous to head over there at first. Those age groups are usually a little rough to handle, not to mention that there would be four kids under my care! But I gave it a chance and it actually went a lot better than expected.

The key is playing games with the kids that involves all of them, and if they start fighting for your attention, try to distract them by playing something else or asking them questions, or volunteering to be “it” for a game of hide-and-seek.

If you are willing to put up with more children, more parents will be able to hire you, and they will be so grateful that you are willing to help them out.

3. Clean your social media accounts

Parents often like to do thorough background checks on their potential sitters, so if you post anything scandalous on your Facebook/Twiiter/Insta, etc, make sure to take it down before applying for babysitting positions. Parents don’t want some crazy partier watching their young children, so make your profiles professional and reflect your angelic side.

I’d also recommend putting your accounts on private, and Google searching yourself to see what comes up. Parents can and will Google you, so you might as well know what’s out there first.

4. Play with the kids

A parent might invite you over for an interview, and while you want to speak with the parent and make them like you, the best way to do this is through action, by actually playing with their kid. Some kids will be more shy and you might have to ask them some questions before they open up to you.

Others will run to you right away with a toy in hand, begging you to play. Make sure to engage with the child and show the parent that you are going to take great care of them. This will speak louder than any spoken interview you can give.

5. Encourage check-ins

Some parents will want to check in on their kids while they are out, so make it a point to say that you are totally fine with them sending you texts or giving you calls while you are watching the kids. You can even offer to send them updates via text, like when the kids finally go to bed, if they ate dinner, if they took their bath without a fight, etc. Parents will appreciate you giving the effort for them to check in, and not making them feel like a helicopter parent.

6. Collect references

If you’ve babysat before, make sure to get references from the parents and from the kids if they are old enough to write you one. Seeing what the child directly thinks of you could be a big influence on whether or not the new parent wants to hire you. If you’ve never babysat before, you want to get a reference from someone who knows how responsible you are. Parents feel much better leaving their child with someone who can prove they have a good track record.

7. Exercise flexible availability

Parents love having a sitter they can dial on a moment’s notice. If you have a pretty open schedule, chances are you will have a better shot at the job. Some may need you for set hours while they work, but they might also want to take advantage of your services for a date night or a spa day or whatever else. Let the parents know all of your availability and see if you are compatible.

These are just a few ways that you can heighten your chances of getting that babysitter job. Have fun watching the kiddos!