Monday

Super Nanny struggles to land desired gig...

   
     I have worked as a nanny all over the East Coast and am 34 years old. My desire is to work in New York City, but I am having a hard time landing a job. I have interviewed with working parents and a stay at home mother and even one family where neither parent works at all. I arrive on time, have stellar references and dress sharply. I thought the things I lacked would prevent me from getting a good job, for example I speak only English and don't play any musical instrument. What I feel I am finding is that I may be intimidating to the families I meet? I have a degree in sociology, am well spoken, attractive and exceptionally knowledge about caring for all ages of children. After nine eight interviews, I received not a single call back. I clearly spelled out my expectations as well as availed myself for a (paid) trial period of between one day to two weeks. I have been told I have a great fashion sense, but realized I might need to dress more plainly. I have selected for my interview on Tuesday; a blue cashmere sweater, white scarf, denim jeans and espadrille flats and silver bracelet and earrings, hair in french braid and light make up. I desperately want to land a position in New York as I left my last position in DC and am living off savings until I do. I would appreciate any guidance you can offer. I am working with several agencies, they have suggested I am a top tier candidate and should have no problem landing my desired position.

Have any experiences in the interview or selection process you would like share? Email isynblog@gmail.com.

9 comments:

ellen said...

You might want to take it down a thousand.

Kj said...

nYc is a competitive market. What you think of as amazing qualities aren't all that special in NYC. Sorry, you're not as high end as you think you are and that's why you're striking out

Unknown said...

Is this for real? Sounds as though you are more concerned about your clothes than the children. Maybe they are not sensing a "nurturing vibe" or perhaps you come off a little high and mighty. Idk, maybe you can present more of a softer loving side and not worry so much about your espadrilles.

Anonymous said...

Wearing jeans to a job interview is a BAD idea. Too casual.

michelina said...

haha Dana! Anonymous at 115 says no jeans, but clearly this nanny thinks a pair of jeans will camouflage her bitchiness!

Anonymous said...

The problem might be your references or something you're just conveying by body language or mentioning offhand without noticing. It's hard to tell from your description. Do you badmouth prior employers or come across as too rigid? Try to get some local date night gigs by word of mouth and then see if you can ask your employers for some frank feedback.

Angi Martin, nanny of 30yrs said...

In NYC, families want mostly docile, dual language, long hours with housekeeping and an employee mentality. You will have better luck in Connecticut. Im in CT and worked with agencies in NY as well. I also have had no luck wih NY but no issues in CT.

-Angi, nanny of 30 years

Angi Martin, nanny of 30yrs said...

In NYC, families want mostly docile, dual language, long hours with housekeeping and an employee mentality. You will have better luck in Connecticut. Im in CT and worked with agencies in NY as well. I also have had no luck wih NY but no issues in CT.

-Angi, nanny of 30 years

Anonymous said...

Delete me please. Issues posting