"Hi Kimberly, I would like to work as much as possible, but there are still days that I don't get jobs. Do you have any suggestions as to what I can do to get called more by the office and to get more clients to request me? Thank you so much."
I spoke with Angela, and she recommends that you put your availability in on time, and keep it accurate. It gets very frustrating if you say you're available, but when she calls you tell her that your plans have changed. If she thinks she can't count on you, she's going to call you less. Angela also said that it is helpful if you put your availability in as far in advance as possible so she can consider you for long term assignments. Another good idea is to let her know how far you're willing to drive. Sometimes a willingness to drive a few extra miles can make a really big difference!
Okay nannies, I'm turning the second part of Laura's question over to you. What do you feel gets you requested back by clients?
I think some of the reasons families will make a request for a particular caregiver is if they are on time or a little early, you are flexible and willing to stay late if needed, and most importantly act interested in their children. When you immediately interact with the kids and engage them in a fun activity, the parents see it and feel more comfortable leaving their children in your care. I have had a few families comment to me that they have had caregivers that don't seem interested in their kids, which is obviously disappointing. Plus, if the kids like you and ask for you, the parents will be more likely to ask for you to come back!
ReplyDeleteIf you're taking care of a baby, write EVERYTHING down. Diaper changes, wet/dirty, feeding times and how much they ate, naps and how long they were. Parents are thrilled by this. Also make sure you exude confidence with infants....even just making sure you say you've worked with infants before makes the parents feel at ease. And parents of infants are, in my experience, more likely to ask you back.
ReplyDeleteI haven't done jobs for older kids as much, but I make sure to have a fun activity for the kids, and tell the parents something positive about their children. Parents love compliments:)
Be early to jobs and make sure to bring age appropiate activities for the kids you are caring for. Be thorough and neat with your sheets on what we did so they can read and understand what notes you've made. If the kids are happy, the parents will be and that's how more request come back.
ReplyDeleteGreat luck to all. Have an awesome summer!