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Nanny Cover Letter Sample and Tips from HR Pros

Recruitment specialist

Samantha Goode

If you are looking for a new job as a nanny, you will need to make sure that you have your application ready when the right work opportunity comes along. For this, you need a strong resume to demonstrate your experience. It’s also a good idea to include a cover letter. Working as a nanny means you will be working with the family’s children. And they will probably be interested in knowing a lot about you — way more than what you can include in your resume.

If you want to learn more about writing a good cover letter, keep reading. Here’s what we will be looking into:

What is a cover letter?
Why do you need a cover letter?
What information should your cover letter include?
What are some common best practices for writing a strong cover letter?

We will also share a nanny cover letter template that you will be able to use for ideas when writing your own cover letter.

You can learn how to write a strong resume here — Nanny Resume Sample and Tips from HR Pros.

Let’s get going.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a document that you send together with your resume. However, instead of being an overview of your skills and experience, a cover letter is written specifically for the job you are applying for. It can explain the motivation behind your application and should also “sell” you and your skillset as the best possible choice for the job.

You may think of a cover letter as a marketing document. Its job is to “sell” your skills and expertise to the hiring manager reading your letter. In short, the best outcome of a cover letter is the hiring manager taking another look at your resume and inviting you for an interview.

Why do you need a cover letter?

A cover letter is important for a number of reasons.

First, it provides you with space for the family to learn more about you. This is essential as you will be working with their children. The contents and tone of your cover letter can indicate to the family whether you are a good fit for their home. This is why it’s essential that you take writing your application cover letter seriously.

A cover letter is also a good way to emphasize your interest in the job opportunity. You can highlight why you want to work for this specific family and what makes you the best choice. It’s a great place to elaborate on your previous working experience and showcase how it makes you the best candidate.

Finally, a cover letter can express that you are serious about the application. Going the extra length to write a convincing cover letter will show your potential employer that you are truly interested in working for them.

So, how do you write a good nanny cover letter? And what information should your cover letter include?

It’s essential that you adjust your cover letter to the position you are applying for.

However, there are several key elements that your cover letter should include.

Cover letter header

Your cover letter should have your contact details at the top of the page. This will let the person reading your letter know whose cover letter they are reading. This way, they can immediately reach out to you if they have more questions or want to invite you for an interview.

Here’s what to include as your contact details:

Full name and professional credentials
Phone number and email (make sure you include a professional email address instead such as firstname.secondname@email.com.)
The city where you currently reside (optional)
A link to your website or professional social media like LinkedIn (If you do include a link to your professional social media, make sure your profile is up-to-date and lists the same work experience as your resume. You can also add information to your profile that is relevant to the job you are applying for and will demonstrate to the employer your “fitness” for the job).

Cover letter greeting

Just like any other letter, it’s best to start your cover letter with the name of the person or people you are writing to. As you are applying to work for a specific family, it’s best if you know their family name. This is a nice personal touch and a much better option than using a general greeting. However, if the name of the person you should be addressing isn’t stated in the job advert, you have no other choice than to use a standard greeting like “Good day” or “Dear Family” and so on.

It’s best to avoid using more cumbersome phrases like “To Whom It May Concern”. They often come off sounding quite outdated and can make your cover letter sound generic and impersonal.

Cover letter introduction

The introduction of your cover letter should spike the interest of the person reading it. After reading the first paragraph, they should become interested in reading the rest of your application. So, in this section of your cover letter, highlight your most valued and important skills.

Cover letter main paragraphs

After a powerful introduction, you should provide evidence that you are the best candidate for the job. Emphasize that the skill set and expertise you already have match exactly what the family is looking for.

It’s good to mention that you are aware of what responsibilities and challenges the job you are applying for holds and that you are well prepared for them. Use specific examples from your previous employment to illustrate that you are well prepared for this position.

It’s best to avoid using general phrases or vague language here. Instead, talk about concrete skills and professional achievements.

Cover letter conclusion and sign-off

Your cover letter should conclude with a call to action. You can mention that you will be expecting feedback on your application. Or, you can go ahead and say when you will be available to start the new job. In any way, make sure that the hiring manager is motivated to perform an action after reading your cover letter that will bring you closer to getting the job.

Complete the letter with a standard sign-off phrase such as:

Best Regards
Best Wishes
Best
Regards
Sincerely Yours
Sincerely

In the footer of your cover letter, you can repeat the same contact information you’ve used in the header of your letter. Or, you may keep it short and just repeat your full name and the best way to get in touch with you — email or phone number.

What are some common best practices for writing a strong cover letter?

There are a few things to keep in mind when composing a cover letter.

First, make sure you are writing a cover letter in response to a specific job application. Sure, sending the same cover letter to multiple employers may look like a time saver — but it’s actually completely counter-productive. A cover letter will only work if it explains in detail how the skills you possess can be useful in the job you are applying for. This means that you should reference specific responsibilities and offer concrete examples.
Second, avoid general phrases and abstract language. As we’ve mentioned above, your cover letter should be as specific as it can be. The job of a nanny requires a very concrete knowledge skill set — and you should emphasize this in your cover letter.
Third, don’t make your cover letter long. In fact, it’s standard practice to keep it under a page long. Make sure your letter focuses on your most important skills and experience while sounding friendly, personal and professional.
Finally, don’t be afraid to talk about what you are good at. A cover letter is no place to be modest. Above all, it is a marketing document that must promote you as the best choice for the job. This is why we strongly suggest that you make your cover letter into a professional success story and emphasize your achievements and victories.