How to put babysitting on a resume: The ultimate guide with tips and examples

Understanding the value of babysitting experience 

Babysitting may seem like just another side gig. In reality, your work experience can be a powerful asset in a variety of careers. Think about all of the different skills you use when caring for young children. You have to be patient, great at communicating, and willing to take initiative. You must also be capable of working independently. 

Employers often seek candidates with diverse skill sets. Don’t think they are going to toss your resume in the trash when they see that you have babysitting experience. With the right approach, listing your caregiving experience can make you stand out from other applicants, not eliminate you from contention. Here’s a look at how to put babysitting on resumes. 

Creating a strong work experience section

To make sure your babysitting experience stands out, it’s important to format the work experience section of your resume clearly and concisely. Don’t just list each family you babysat for. Consider grouping the experiences together under a general title such as “freelance childcare provider.” 

Make sure to use another word for “nanny” on resumes. “Nanny” is a somewhat antiquated word that doesn’t really do you justice. “Babysitter” is a good option. You can also refer to yourself as a “caregiver,” which sums up the broad scope of your responsibilities. 

Consolidating your work experience using a broad title makes your resume cleaner and highlights the scope of your responsibilities. It also expands your work window from a series of short engagements to a multi-year period.

Suppose that you have been working as a babysitter for two years and average about one job per month. Listing 24 different families and babysitting gigs will make your resume appear cluttered and too busy. Instead, you can highlight that you have two years of experience as a caregiver and focus on the skills you’ve gained or improved upon. 

Check out resume examples for more inspiration on how to structure your work experience section. 

Writing a compelling job description

A professional title makes your experience sound more formal and important, which can elevate your resume. Calling yourself a “babysitter” is acceptable, but terms like “childcare provider” or “caregiver” can be even more impactful. While you don’t want to exaggerate your role, you do want to give yourself enough credit for the work and responsibilities you took on.

Describe your role in a short paragraph or bullet points. Highlight your key responsibilities and try to tie them into professional skills. Things like potty training, meal prep, and diaper changing are all valuable to potential employers.

Provide specific examples of each task. For instance, you could say that you “prepared healthy meals for children according to dietary needs.”  That sounds way better than “made lunch for two kids.” Be prepared to elaborate on any tasks you mention on your resume. 

Tailoring your resume to the job description

Each job you apply for will have its own requirements. Tailor your resume to each specific position. Use keywords and phrases from the job description to catch the eye of recruiters. Suppose that a job emphasizes leadership and problem-solving. Highlight those skills in your babysitting experience by using examples of how you managed difficult situations or guided children in activities. 

Focus on skills and qualifications that directly match what the employer is looking for. This targeted approach will increase your chances of standing out. Explore resume and cover letter examples for more insights on how to customize your documents for each job application. 

Highlighting babysitting skills

Learning how to add babysitting to resumes gives you a chance to show off a variety of soft skills, including the following.

Communication

Communnication skills are a must for any position. Employers want to know you can effectively exchange information with others, voice your opinion, and build chemistry with coworkers. 

Time management

Time management is another critical skill. Link your tasks as a babysitter to time management. You could showcase activities like helping the children with homework or ensuring they get to bed on time. 

Organization

Discuss how organized you are and how you used this ability to more effectively care for young children. You could mention how you put their clothes out ahead of time to make morning routines easier or how you planned and prepped meals for them. 

Conflict resolution

You should highlight conflict resolution skills any chance you get. People who are good at resolving disputes possess a high level of emotional intelligence and can often blend in well with any team. Discuss how you handled a misbehaving child or resolved a misunderstanding through de-escalation techniques. 

Problem-solving

Always mention a time when you encountered and solved a problem. Don’t over-inflate the issue. Be detailed enough to get the point across, but don’t bore your audience with a minute-by-minute breakdown. 

Leadership

Make sure to use action verbs when writing about these skills. Phrases like “cared,” “prepared,” “managed,” and “ensured” can effectively convey your responsibilities. They also put you at the center of the conversation and convey a sense of competence. 

Including references and certifications 

List the names and contact details of the families you worked for. Make sure to ask their permission first. Confirm which contact details they are comfortable sharing, such as their email address or phone number. 

If you have any relevant certifications, list them here. CPR and first aid are a couple of great examples. These certifications show that you’re serious about providing safe, responsible childcare and can make you a more competitive candidate. 

Common resume mistakes to avoid

Learning how to put babysitting on resumes also means avoiding some common missteps. Here are some errors to watch out for:

• Not Keeping It Professional: Avoid overly casual language or unnecessary details that don’t relate to the job
• Including Irrelevant Information: Stick to the details that show your skills and experience 
• Including a Photograph: Don’t include a picture of yourself unless the job asks for it 
• Not Proofreading: Always proofread to address any spelling and grammar mistakes
• Not Sharing All of Your Accomplishments: Make sure to mention specific successes, such as receiving praise from families

A single mistake can hurt your chances of getting an interview. Be diligent and always triple-check your application to ensure you aren’t making one of these major errors. 

“Tailor your resume to each specific position. Use keywords and phrases from the job description to catch the eye of recruiters.”

Tips for entry-level job seekers

If you’re young and don’t have much education or formal work experience, use a functional CV. These documents prioritize relevant skills over job history and can help shift the attention away from your limited experience. Employers will get a better understanding of your potential rather than your lack of work history. 

Always focus on the skills you’ve developed during your time as a babysitter. Showcase what you’ve learned and how you can be successful in the role you are applying for. Don’t get caught up in what you lack; instead, showcase what you can bring to the table. 

Finally, don’t forget about the importance of an innovative cover letter. Your resume and cover letter are complementary documents. They shouldn’t reiterate the same information in different formats.

Put “babysitter” on resumes to showcase your trustworthiness

Now that you know how to put babysitting on resumes, it’s time to create some effective documents that will help you stand out. You can choose a resume template to speed up the process. Make sure to select a matching job letter template to showcase consistency and attention to detail. These resources will help you frame your caregiving experience in a way that strengthens your application.