Tips for Getting Hired with Sitter

So, you’ve created your account with Sitter, now what? First, you’ll want to tap the “My Families” tab in the toolbar, then then tap the “+” button. From there, you’ll be prompted to add families from your contacts, families in your network, or to find families in your area. Let’s break that down, and add a few tips for getting hired.

Adding Families From Your Contacts

This option is great if you already babysit for a few families, or even if you just know families that are searching for sitters. It’s also awesome for spreading word about the app and building your in-app network.

When you choose this option, you’ll need to give the app permission to access your contacts—we only use this information so that you can invite these families to join your network. Tap “OK,” then tap “Choose From Contacts” one more time. Once you’ve selected the families you’d like to invite, tap the “Next” button, and you’ll be prompted to send a pre-written text to them. Once they’ve accepted your invitation, they will automatically be added to your network. It’s that easy!

Adding Families in Your Network

This option allows you to view families that are connected to those within your network. For example, if your neighbor that you sit for is connected to another family up the street, the family up the street will appear in the list using this option. Adding these families to your network is a great way to expand your business within your local community.

To connect with a family, tap their profile, then tap “Introduce Yourself.” This will prompt you to send them an in app message.

Finding Families in Your Area

If you are a new babysitter or if you’re looking to expand your network even further, this is the best option for you. You get to set your radius, which is the furthest distance from your home that you are willing or able to travel. Currently, the limit is set at 25 mi.

Once you’ve selected your radius, a list of families within that radius will appear.

To connect with a family in your area, you’ll need to tap their profile, then tap the “Introduce Yourself” button. This will prompt you to send them an in-app message as well.

The most important part of connecting with a family is, of course, your very first message. Think of this message as your way of introducing yourself. Introducing yourself in this way is really no different than introducing yourself in person; you want to make a good impression. Here are a few suggestions regarding your first message:

Proofread, Proofread, Proofread

Your first message should be grammatically correct and free of spelling errors. Autocorrect gets the best of us all from time to time, but messages that are well thought out and well worded are far more likely to receive a response than those that are riddled with errors.

Share A Little About Yourself

One of the great things about Sitter is that your profile includes a list of your qualifications already, so the first message you send to a family really is about introducing yourself. What do you like to do? What are you studying in school? Why do you want to babysit?

Talk About Your Experience

Like with any other job, you’ll want to share a little bit about your experience in your introductory message. Typically, sharing things like the amount of time you’ve spent babysitting, as well as the age range of the children you’ve worked with are great things to include. It is reassuring to the family you are reaching out to, especially if you do not know them, to share your experience.

 

Do you have any suggestions to share with us? Tweet us at @SitterMe, or comment on our Facebook page to share!