Struggling to Find a Long-Term Nanny Job? How to Boost Your Job Hunt Chances and Not Lose Hope
If you’ve been looking for a nanny job for a while and not had any luck, you’re not the only one. The childcare job market is constantly evolving, and even experienced nannies can encounter a slow period. The good news is that there are practical steps you can take to improve your chances, strengthen your applications, and stay motivated.
Make your nanny CV stronger and more competitive
Your CV is the first thing families and agencies judge you on. If you’ve been applying for weeks with no interviews, your CV may need tightening.
Focus on
• a clear, short personal statement that highlights your experience and strengths
• tidy, skimmable formatting
• detailed role descriptions with ages, responsibilities and key achievements
• showcasing relevant skills such as newborn experience, SEN support, HNW families, and travel
Small improvements can have a big impact. If you want expert help, I offer a professional nanny CV writing service that transforms your CV into a clean, confident and interview-ready document.
Use quiet weeks for career development
When nanny work is slow, it’s a perfect time to upskill. Adding a short course to your CV shows families that you’re proactive and serious about your career. It also helps your profile stand out when there are lots of applicants.
Useful course areas
• child development
• behaviour management
• safeguarding
• newborn and maternity care
• SEN awareness
• child psychology
I’ve compiled a list of childcare courses and qualifications, including several free options, here. Even one course can boost your CV.
Increase your visibility in the right job search spaces
If you feel invisible, spread your net wider. Families don’t always post in the same places.
Try
• trusted nanny agencies and platforms such as Army of Nannies
• childcare job boards
• Facebook nanny groups
• local parenting groups
• your own network, including past employers
• updating your LinkedIn profile
Aim to apply regularly rather than in bursts. Consistency helps your name appear more often, which increases your chances of being shortlisted.
Optimise the small details that families notice
You don’t need a full career overhaul. Sometimes it’s small tweaks that move you forward.
Check
• your DBS and first aid are up to date
• references are contactable
• your profile photo looks professional and your privacy settings are strong if you’re searching through Facebook
• your introductory messages are short, warm and confident and without spelling mistakes
• you’re available for quick interviews working around the families schedule
Families often choose the nanny who is organised and easy to progress.
Protect your mindset during a slow job search
A quiet job market can knock your confidence, but it doesn’t mean you’re not skilled or valued. Most nannies experience at least one difficult job search at some point. Try to keep structure in your week, keep learning, and keep sending out applications.
Pay attention to your mental wellbeing too. Long job hunts can make you feel isolated, so stay connected with other nannies, keep a routine that gets you out of the house, and take proper breaks from scrolling job boards. A bad week doesn’t define you. Your skills and experience haven’t disappeared just because the market is slow.
Your next role might be closer than you think. It only takes one family to say yes.
If you’d like support with polishing your CV so you can start getting interviews again, you can take a look at my nanny CV writing service. A stronger CV can make all the difference.