A focused application makes it easier to explain your experience and assess whether a role fits. Start with the agency’s published requirements and the specific job description.
What LA Families and Agencies Are Looking For
Check what experience each agency accepts and how it must be verified. For example, Westside Nannies accepts some teaching and behavior-intervention experience within its stated requirements. Do not assume every agency counts experience the same way.
Before applying, check the requirements for references, work eligibility, driving and CPR/first aid, including when certification must be completed. Prepare a clear resume and ask which documents are needed at each stage.
Build a Resume That Actually Gets Read
A strong nanny resume is specific. For each position, include the ages of the children you cared for, your hours and schedule, the key responsibilities you held, and why the position ended. Vague entries like “provided childcare for two children” tell an agency nothing.
Include your certifications, any early childhood education coursework, languages you speak, and any specialized experience, newborn care, children with special needs, multiple children, or households with a rotating schedule.
References Are Everything
A reference list is not a formality in this industry. Agencies call. Families call. Your references need to be prepared, responsive, and able to speak in detail about your work.
Before you apply anywhere, contact each reference and let them know they may be hearing from agencies or families soon. A reference who seems surprised or unprepared reflects poorly on your candidacy.
How the Agency Process Works
Ask the agency to explain its steps and expected timing. These may include an application review, agency interview, references and background checks, family introductions, a working trial and an offer.
If a trial involves actual childcare or household work, agree on pay, hours and duties before it starts and record time worked. Productive work should be paid, including applicable overtime. A brief skills test can be different; DLSE guidance on try-out time makes that distinction.
Confirm the pay and working arrangements before beginning a placement.
Things That Slow Candidates Down
- Missing documents required for the stage you have reached.
- References who have not agreed to be contacted.
- Unexplained gaps or unclear dates in your resume.
- Availability that does not match the role.
- Unmet driving or certification requirements for the position.
As you prepare your application, compare active opportunities on the Nanny Jobs LA board. The job seeker guide explains how to use saved jobs and source links while you apply.