Here are a few valuable pointers, which everyone needs either for their first post or just as a reminder. A good agency and a professional interview technique will help you find the right job; a sound understanding of the practical and legal implications of working with a private family will help your career run smoothly and successfully.



So what do people look for in a nanny nowadays? The most important factor is definitely a professional qualification. Today's working mother values the commitment to childcare her nanny has shown and that her training offers piece of mind that her children are in the safest professional hands. There are, of course, other important factors that a client will look for when choosing a nanny: a sense of humour helps, someone who is fun and friendly, a flexible person who can appreciate that there are occasional rail delays! Today's nanny will be responsible for educating and stimulating her charge, along with providing a good healthy diet, and implementing a variety of social and physical activities. For the right person a family will offer a good salary, often with bonus and many perks, such as a car, holidays, good accommodation, etc.




Should preferably be UNDER 3 pages long! - we know it's tempting to put down everything you've ever done but remember to leave something for your prospective employer to ask you about at interview! If you've had lots of jobs or a long career minimise information for your oldest positions in order to fit in new ones. For example, placements at college don't really need to be too elaborate after you've had a couple of years experience in the employment market.

Should not include children's' names - you have a duty to all your employers to respect the family's confidentiality. Use 'boy'/ 'girl' or an initial instead.

Should not include referees or their addresses. Referees should be "available on request". Again this is as much about confidentiality as security. If possible contact previous referees to let them know you're looking again so they are forewarned and, therefore, more likely to give a glowing reference!

CV's are a professional document so although fancy fonts & colours are lovely they unfortunately don't make for a convincing resume. Keep it simple & uncluttered.



An interview is, at the best of times, a nerve-racking experience, particularly to the inexperienced interviewee & interviewer - many clients are not sure how to interview! There is always something to ask that you are not quite sure about and really need to know, but the words just don't come out. Rockinghorse ensures that you know all the relevant facts before the interview: details such as working hours, salary, time off, use of a car and accommodation, but try to check all these with the employer. Is the mother at home, part time or full time? Does she expect to participate with the children during your working hours? Will she pay for your expenses to the interview?

How to make a good impression at an interview:

The most obvious pointer, and one that can't be overstated, is DRESS. Wear a skirt or a pair of trousers that look smart but practical. It will certainly help make a favourable impression. On the whole, people expect nannies to look more like Mary Poppins than Madonna, so don't wear too much make-up. Common complaints received from clients include long nails, high heels & piercings. The trick is subtlety rather than removal. Too much attention paid to yourself may make a client feel you spend more time on your appearance than on your work.

If you are delayed or unable to attend an interview for any reason please telephone the client and the agency to explain your situation. Be punctual for all appointments.

Always arrive at interviews with your curriculum vitae, original references, interesting course details and relevant certificates well presented. It is also a good idea to offer the clients copies of your details for reference after you have gone. Do ask questions. It is always easier to agree duties, salary, time off, etc. before you have started in a position.

ALWAYS acknowledge the children present at interview! Believe it or not we have had reports of candidates virtually ignoring their future charges. If baby is in bed and you are interested in the vacancy, suggest a future meeting when he or she is awake.

You may be offered the position on the spot, or asked back for a second interview, and it may not even be the job for you. Whatever the situation, when you have attended an interview, please contact Rockinghorse and let us know how it went.


(free of charge!)

Once you've found your 'perfect' post, whether for 1 month or 10 years (it does still happen!), REMEMBER we are always here to help, listen & advise. We can offer advice on ANYTHING including:
Maternity leave Contracts Pay reviews Holiday entitlements Overtime/babysitting pay Petrol allowances Communication with parents
Any discussion we have with you will be treated confidentially. Nothing will be passed onto your present employer unless you give us express permission to do so.


REMEMBER IT'S YOUR JOB NOT OURS - WE ARE HERE TO HELP NOT HINDER!