The million dollar question, of course, is what to put on your babysitting resume (particularly if you don’t have a ton of experience yet). From unexpected skills to include to babysitting resume examples, here’s everything you need to know about writing and updating your babysitter resume. <\/p>
Key takeaways<\/h3>- Creating a babysitting resume sets you apart by showing professionalism, attention to detail and a commitment to child care — even if your experience is informal. <\/li>
- A strong resume should include contact information, a personal summary, relevant experience, certifications and education, while avoiding unnecessary jobs and formatting mistakes. <\/li>
- To stay competitive, update your resume regularly with new skills and accomplishments, and consider adding personal touches like a cover letter or photos of projects.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
Sample babysitting resume template<\/h2>
For reference, here are two babysitting resume examples — one for a more experienced sitter, and one for a babysitter who’s just starting out.<\/p>
Babysitting resume example for an experienced sitter<\/h3>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/09\/Jenny-Lee_Babysitting-Resume-Template.png\")
<\/figure>(Click to download<\/a> this babysitter resume template<\/em> as a PDF.)<\/em><\/em><\/p>Babysitting resume example for a beginning sitter<\/h3>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/09\/Avery-Mitchell_Babysitting-Resume-Templates.png\")
<\/figure>(Click to download<\/a> this babysitter resume template<\/em> as a PDF.)<\/em><\/p>How should I list babysitting jobs on my resume?<\/h2>
Any babysitting jobs you’ve have can be listed under the “related experience” portion of your resume — and if you don’t have any yet, that’s OK!<\/p>
According to Thibodeau, it’s perfectly fine to include other related experience that is pertinent to the job if you’re just starting out or have limited babysitting experience. For example, if you’ve worked at a summer camp with young children, tutored the neighbor’s child, babysat for family friends on the weekends or even helped raise your siblings, make sure to share these relevant roles.<\/p>
What should I include on a babysitter resume?<\/h2>
Here are the five essential sections of information to include on your babysitting resume: <\/p>
1. Contact information<\/strong><\/h3>At the top of your babysitter resume, clearly display your full name and contact information, as well as a professional email address (this isn’t the place for your email with the fun, cutesy handle), mailing address and the best contact phone number for you. If you have a website or professional social profile that showcases your babysitting experience<\/a>, include that in this section, as well.<\/p>2. About yourself<\/strong><\/h3>The top of your babysitting resume is prime real estate. Underneath your contact information, include a little information about yourself as a person, as well as the extra tasks you’re willing to take on as a sitter. <\/p>
“Show that you’re willing to go above and beyond,” Thibodeau says. “It may sound silly, but stating you’re willing to clean up after the kids or help with the dishes is huge. Not all babysitters do this, and it’s an ‘extra’ parents appreciate.”<\/p>
3. Work experience<\/strong><\/h3>You’re applying for a babysitter job<\/a>, so this is the place to show off all your applicable child care work experience. According to Thidodeau, you should include previous babysitting jobs here, as well as the start\/finish dates and the ages of the children. <\/p>Take care here not to make each job description “a mirror image,” Thibodeau adds. “Resumes can get bogged down with repetitiveness,” she says. “Instead, include specifics for each, such as whether you cared for kids with special needs, helped with potty training or were responsible for preparing gluten-free meals and snacks.”<\/p>
4. Skills and certifications<\/strong><\/h3>In this section, you’ll list any child care training classes<\/a> you’ve taken, as well as any skills and certifications you possess, such as CPR, water safety or first-aid training or other official designations that help set you apart from other applicants. <\/p>Additionally, Thibodeau notes, include any transferable skills or attributes, such as any sports you’ve played (“Families love an active sitter!”), whether you had the same major all four years (“This shows commitment!”) or if you’re an avid baker or crafter (“This shows creativity!”).<\/p>
If you’re lacking in basic child care training and certifications, consider taking a babysitting class<\/a> or two to bulk up your credentials.<\/p>5. Education<\/strong><\/h3>Listing your education on your resume helps the family know more about you and your goals. Include the name of the school, the degree you earned\/are earning and graduation year, if applicable. Be sure to note any relevant courses, such as children’s literature or those in early childhood education.<\/p>
What should I leave out on my babysitter resume?<\/h2>
It may sound counterintuitive, but do not list references directly on your resume. You should be prepared to provide references<\/a>, but as a general rule, it’s best to leave them off and simply note “References available upon request” at the bottom of your resume. <\/p>“This shows you have discretion,” Thibodeau says, “And you’re not willing to share people’s information with anyone.”<\/p>
An exception to this rule would be if the hiring family specifically requests references up front.<\/p>
How can I make my babysitting resume stand out?<\/h2>
These items are not required, but including them can help your babysitter resume stand out.<\/p>
- Cover letter. <\/strong>If you’re going to include a cover letter, Thibodeau says to make it specific to each family, as opposed to an impersonal letter that can be sent to anyone. “You want to convey that you’re specifically choosing them.” <\/li>
- Professional headshot. <\/strong>Photos should always be professional, notes Briana Murphy of Your Nanny Resume.<\/a> “Frame the shot from the shoulders up, with a white or blue background and maintain a pleasant smile,” she says. “It’s also advisable to appear solo in the photo without any children present.”<\/li>
- Photos of any projects you’ve done.<\/strong> “Whether it’s a craft you’ve done with the kids or a beautiful meal, it’s great for families to see your wonderful creations,” says Thibodeau.<\/li><\/ul>
Read more: <\/strong><\/p>
- Creating a babysitting resume sets you apart by showing professionalism, attention to detail and a commitment to child care — even if your experience is informal. <\/li>
- A strong resume should include contact information, a personal summary, relevant experience, certifications and education, while avoiding unnecessary jobs and formatting mistakes. <\/li>
- To stay competitive, update your resume regularly with new skills and accomplishments, and consider adding personal touches like a cover letter or photos of projects.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
Sample babysitting resume template<\/h2>
For reference, here are two babysitting resume examples — one for a more experienced sitter, and one for a babysitter who’s just starting out.<\/p>
Babysitting resume example for an experienced sitter<\/h3>
<\/figure>(Click to download<\/a> this babysitter resume template<\/em> as a PDF.)<\/em><\/em><\/p>
Babysitting resume example for a beginning sitter<\/h3>
<\/figure>(Click to download<\/a> this babysitter resume template<\/em> as a PDF.)<\/em><\/p>
How should I list babysitting jobs on my resume?<\/h2>
Any babysitting jobs you’ve have can be listed under the “related experience” portion of your resume — and if you don’t have any yet, that’s OK!<\/p>
According to Thibodeau, it’s perfectly fine to include other related experience that is pertinent to the job if you’re just starting out or have limited babysitting experience. For example, if you’ve worked at a summer camp with young children, tutored the neighbor’s child, babysat for family friends on the weekends or even helped raise your siblings, make sure to share these relevant roles.<\/p>
What should I include on a babysitter resume?<\/h2>
Here are the five essential sections of information to include on your babysitting resume: <\/p>
1. Contact information<\/strong><\/h3>
At the top of your babysitter resume, clearly display your full name and contact information, as well as a professional email address (this isn’t the place for your email with the fun, cutesy handle), mailing address and the best contact phone number for you. If you have a website or professional social profile that showcases your babysitting experience<\/a>, include that in this section, as well.<\/p>
2. About yourself<\/strong><\/h3>
The top of your babysitting resume is prime real estate. Underneath your contact information, include a little information about yourself as a person, as well as the extra tasks you’re willing to take on as a sitter. <\/p>
“Show that you’re willing to go above and beyond,” Thibodeau says. “It may sound silly, but stating you’re willing to clean up after the kids or help with the dishes is huge. Not all babysitters do this, and it’s an ‘extra’ parents appreciate.”<\/p>
3. Work experience<\/strong><\/h3>
You’re applying for a babysitter job<\/a>, so this is the place to show off all your applicable child care work experience. According to Thidodeau, you should include previous babysitting jobs here, as well as the start\/finish dates and the ages of the children. <\/p>
Take care here not to make each job description “a mirror image,” Thibodeau adds. “Resumes can get bogged down with repetitiveness,” she says. “Instead, include specifics for each, such as whether you cared for kids with special needs, helped with potty training or were responsible for preparing gluten-free meals and snacks.”<\/p>
4. Skills and certifications<\/strong><\/h3>
In this section, you’ll list any child care training classes<\/a> you’ve taken, as well as any skills and certifications you possess, such as CPR, water safety or first-aid training or other official designations that help set you apart from other applicants. <\/p>
Additionally, Thibodeau notes, include any transferable skills or attributes, such as any sports you’ve played (“Families love an active sitter!”), whether you had the same major all four years (“This shows commitment!”) or if you’re an avid baker or crafter (“This shows creativity!”).<\/p>
If you’re lacking in basic child care training and certifications, consider taking a babysitting class<\/a> or two to bulk up your credentials.<\/p>
5. Education<\/strong><\/h3>
Listing your education on your resume helps the family know more about you and your goals. Include the name of the school, the degree you earned\/are earning and graduation year, if applicable. Be sure to note any relevant courses, such as children’s literature or those in early childhood education.<\/p>
What should I leave out on my babysitter resume?<\/h2>
It may sound counterintuitive, but do not list references directly on your resume. You should be prepared to provide references<\/a>, but as a general rule, it’s best to leave them off and simply note “References available upon request” at the bottom of your resume. <\/p>
“This shows you have discretion,” Thibodeau says, “And you’re not willing to share people’s information with anyone.”<\/p>
An exception to this rule would be if the hiring family specifically requests references up front.<\/p>
How can I make my babysitting resume stand out?<\/h2>
These items are not required, but including them can help your babysitter resume stand out.<\/p>
- Cover letter. <\/strong>If you’re going to include a cover letter, Thibodeau says to make it specific to each family, as opposed to an impersonal letter that can be sent to anyone. “You want to convey that you’re specifically choosing them.” <\/li>
- Professional headshot. <\/strong>Photos should always be professional, notes Briana Murphy of Your Nanny Resume.<\/a> “Frame the shot from the shoulders up, with a white or blue background and maintain a pleasant smile,” she says. “It’s also advisable to appear solo in the photo without any children present.”<\/li>
- Photos of any projects you’ve done.<\/strong> “Whether it’s a craft you’ve done with the kids or a beautiful meal, it’s great for families to see your wonderful creations,” says Thibodeau.<\/li><\/ul>
Read more: <\/strong><\/p>
- Professional headshot. <\/strong>Photos should always be professional, notes Briana Murphy of Your Nanny Resume.<\/a> “Frame the shot from the shoulders up, with a white or blue background and maintain a pleasant smile,” she says. “It’s also advisable to appear solo in the photo without any children present.”<\/li>
- Cover letter. <\/strong>If you’re going to include a cover letter, Thibodeau says to make it specific to each family, as opposed to an impersonal letter that can be sent to anyone. “You want to convey that you’re specifically choosing them.” <\/li>