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5 Reasons Why being a Nanny is an Excellent Career Foundation

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Negotiation Skills

Anybody who has had to negotiate a three-year-old out of a tantrum will know that it can make the G8 summit look like a walk in the park. No seriously. As a nanny not only will you have to negotiate your days off, job perks and the petty cash for your charges, but also how to convince the little ones that greens are the new sweets.

Whether you develop your future career upward into a management role in childcare or whether you take your skills with you into an entirely new sphere, those nannies that have experienced the world of daily negotiation can potentially become excellent sales and marketing executives, lawyers or mediators.

Flexibility

Being a nanny means being available. Changes in working hours can happen overnight. Most full-time nannies also go on holiday with their charges and employers and may need to change their personal plans last minute because of changes in the family.

This kind of flexibility shows an ability to adapt and grow, and is an exceptionally valuable trait in most professions that require progression.

Employers, particularly in environments where there is rapid growth and change truly value people with the capacity to manage change without copious amounts of fallout. Having been a nanny for several years will certainly illustrate this valuable asset that you bring to the table.

Taking orders diplomatically

Nannies have to be able to take instructions, even ones they don’t like. Combining this with the diplomacy of the first skill mentioned above, negotiation, you will have a very powerful set of skills. Being able to take orders, negotiate and advise at the same time, makes an excellent face of the business staff opportunity and future employers won’t miss this.

Confidentiality

Nannies are often the gatekeepers for the privacy of the families they care for. How well you do this, both by not spilling the beans about what really goes on in your employer’s household or by what you find out about their working lives, will build you a reputation of trustworthiness that is akin to golden goose in todays world. Whether you are climbing the ladder to become a celebrity nanny or aiming to move into the world of finance or law, this single trait will make you a star choice.

Leadership

Looking after children means having to make decisions all the time. Many of those decisions are split second and have to be calm and rational. These decisions also impact on the wellbeing of others, not simply the children in your care, but also your employers and others around you. A CV illustrating a successful career as a nanny shows your ability to manage people both children and adults, situations both domestic and business and a combination of the other traits make you perfect as a candidate into almost any other industry.

Training as a nanny could well be the first step on the ladder to greatness you could never have imagined. Get trained now. HATA provides training and placement services for nannies and childcarers in the UK, and also for Nannies coming to the UK from abroad.

Visit our courses to find out more.

Online Tax-Free Childcare for 2017

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You may have heard about the new online Tax- Free Childcare government scheme starting in early 2017 for parents and childcarers.

It might sound too good to be true but it really is happening. Now here are some facts that you will need to know before you make the right decision for you.

How do I know if I am eligible to use this scheme?

In order to be eligible to use this service you must be one of the following and meet the criteria:
– Parent/s– You will need to be in work and earning around £115 a week and no more than £100,000 each per year (any eligible working family can apply, employer does not have to offer the scheme, like the current one)

– Child Carer– You must be a registered with a regulator to receive Tax-Free Childcare payments (Throughout September and October 2016 letters were sent to regulated and approved childcarers across the UK, asking you to sign up to the Tax-Free Childcare)

Information for Child Carers:

To register with a regulator can take up to 12 weeks. In order to do this, the regulator will need your current address and email address, without these you will not be invited to sign up for Tax-Free Childcare. However should you of provided these details and not received an invitation then you can call the childcare service helpline on 0300 123 4097

Once registered parents will be able to see that you have signed up for Tax-Free Childcare, using a new digital tool which will allow parents to search for childcarers who can be paid using Tax-Free Childcare.

You will also need to provide your bank details so that parents can directly pay you into your bank account (via BACS) using their Tax-Free Childcare account. So that you can identify each payment each child will have a Tax-Free Childcare reference number.

Nannies – In order to sign up you will also need to provide your National Insurance number, this can be found on your P60, payslip or letters from the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)

Running a Business – To sign up you will need to use your 10-digit Unique Tax Reference (UTR) number. This is the number given to you by HMRC when you first said you were going to work for yourself.

For assistance, you can call the childcare service helpline on 0300 123 4097

Information for Parents:

For every 80p you or someone else pays in, the government will top it up with an extra 20p. This works out as the equivalent most people pay in tax (20%) which is why the scheme has its name tax-free. The government will top up the account with 20% pf childcare costs up to a total of £10,000 – the equivalent of up to £2,000 support per child per year (or £4,000 for disabled children)

You will be able to make payments into the account as and when you like, allowing for more flexibility. This means you will be able to build up your balance and use it as and when you need too. If other family members or employers want to pay into the account they can. You can also withdraw money from the account if you want. If your circumstances change or you simply no longer wish to use the scheme then you can do so.

The scheme will be available for children up to 12 years or 17 years for disabled children, as their childcare costs can remain high throughout their teenage years.
You will be able to open an online account through the government website (gov.co.uk) All eligible parents will be able to join the scheme by the end of 2017. The youngest child can be applied for first.

Parents on paid sick leave paid and unpaid statutory maternity, paternity and adoption leave will also be able to use the scheme.

If you are already receiving the current Employer-Supported Childcare then you do not have to switch. This scheme will continue to run and be open to new applicants until April 2018. Employers’ workplace nurseries will not be affected by the new scheme.

Self-employed Parents – This Tax-Free Childcare scheme is also available to you, not like the current one. To support newly self-employed parents the government are introducing a ‘start-up’ period. During this, you will not have to be earning the minimum amount.

To keep the process simple for all parents you may need to re-confirm your details every 3 months via a simple online process. You will also be able to view the accounts for all of the children at once.

More information will be available once the scheme is closer to release, allowing parents to consider all their childcare options.

Information for All:

Costs that are usually covered by the parents (employers):
– Common Core Skills and Knowledge Course (HATA run this for £75 non-accredited or £89 with accreditation from OCN)
– OFSTED Registration (£105 as of 06/12/2016)

Costs that are covered by the child care (employee):
– Paediatric First Aid Course (HATA run this for £75)
– Valid and up to date DBS (formerly CRB Check) HATA offer this for £70

Registering on the Voluntary Section of the Childcare Register: Part 2

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Step Two – Registering on the Voluntary Section of the Childcare Register

In Part 2, we look at how to register on the voluntary section of the childcare register.  Unless you are exempt, you must register with OFSTED or a childminder agency if you want to be paid to look after children under 8 for more than 2 hours a day in England.

You can apply to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register if you want to do childcare where you do not have to be registered eg look after children aged 8 and above.

If you join the register voluntarily you’ll get a certificate, and the parents of the children you care for may be able to get help with childcare costs and other support.

Cost

Childcare providers on domestic or non-domestic premises pay a reduced fee of £35 for the Early Years Register if they work for less than 3 hours a day, or less than 5 days a week, or less than 45 weeks a year.

Create a Government Gateway Account

To use the online services you will need to set up one of these accounts. To do this follow this link:

https://online.ofsted.gov.uk/onlineofsted/Default.aspx

Once opened click on the option Login/Register.

During this process you will be given a 12 digit Government User ID, please keep this safe.

Once you have created this account you will need to Log in using the link above and accept the Terms & Conditions for OFSTED Online.

Make your Application

Next you can click on applications and we recommend selecting New Registration Documents. Complete this and then you will be able to move further with your application. You do not have to select this, if you know which application is best suited to you already please select this and continue with the online process.

When you select an option from the table it will open up an Introduction Page. Please read this carefully as it will provide you with all the necessary documents you will need to continue your application.

Once you have completed the online forms you will be sent any necessary information plus details on how to pay the registration fee.

OFSTED aim to complete applications in 12 weeks. Within this time applicants must:

  • Pay the registration fee
  • Confirm they have met requirements of the Childcare Register
  • Satisfy any suitability checks needed to establish suitability for registration

Send your certificates

Applicants will also be asked to send their certificates (Via post or email) for the following training/courses:

  • The Common Core Skills and Knowledge
  • Either a 6 hour or 12 hour Paediatric First Aid

HATA offers both of these courses, please click on the courses tab to find out more.

Registering on the Voluntary Section of the Childcare Register: Part 1

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There are many reasons to register with OFSTED if you are a nanny or working as a childminder.  Not only does it increase your professional status, but parents will be able to use childcare vouchers and other financial assistance if you are registered, which will increase your overall employability.

 

Many parents also like the piece of mind that it brings to know that their childcare provider is part of a professional association.  It’s great  to back up your training and experience with further evidence that you are committed to a career in childcare.

 

In this two part series, we look at the steps needed to register with OFSTED so that you can register with ease.

 

Step One – The DBS (CRB) Check

 

The Disclosure Barring Service ( DBS) is part of the UK Home office. It helps employees to make good decisions about hiring, by accessing criminal records information.  OFSTED ideally require a new check with every new application, but may accept a prior check in some circumstances.

 

Who Can Apply

 

Employers such as Nanny Agencies

 

 Licensing Bodies

 

If you are not one of the two above you can request a basic disclosure from Disclosure Scotland (you do not need to be from Scotland to do this) – £25.00 (extra charges may incur dependent on payment method)

 

http://www.disclosurescotland.co.uk/basicdisclosureonline/

 

DBS check applicants must be aged 16 or over

 

Documents required to apply for your DBS check, these must not be copies;

One document must contain your current address.

 

If you do not have at least one of the documents above please follow this link to see all accepted documents:

 

https://www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check/documents-the-applicant-must-provide-

 

 

Cost

 

Depending on the check requested there are various prices:

 

Standard – £26

 

Enhanced – £44

 

It can take up to 8 weeks to get a DBS check.

 

 

Helpful Links

 

If you are struggling to complete the DBS application form provided to you, please use this document to help you fill it out correctly.

 

It is recommended that once you have received your certificate that you join the DBS Update Service. You can register online for this as soon as you have your application form reference number. You can ask for the number when you apply for your DBS check. Join using this link:

 

https://secure.crbonline.gov.uk/crsc/apply?execution=e1s1

 

 

For more help please contact the Disclosure Baring Service, open Monday-Friday 8am-6pm Saturday 10am-5pm:

 

Email – customerservices@dbs.gsi.gov.uk

 

Telephone – 0300 0200 190

 

International – +44 151 676 9390

 

Once you have obtained your DBS Certificate you are ready to register on the Voluntary part of the OFSTED Register. (To See Part 2 Two Click Here)

Top ten ways to mess up your nanny interview!

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You fit the criteria, but you don’t get the job…Why?

Being late

Obvious one I know, but this immediately tells the parents that you are disorganised as you haven’t left yourself enough time to find their address. Also showing up late demonstrates your unreliability and the one thing parents really need is reliability. They are busy and also have demanding jobs of their own which is why they are interviewing for a nanny. Showing up late simply throws doubt into their minds before your interview even begins.

No handshake or eye contact

Greeting parents with a handshake is just a common courtesy and immediately says a lot about your manners which will reflect how you influence their children. It is also important to maintain good eye contact throughout the interview and to give equal attention to both parents. Avoiding eye contact can make you look a little shifty. Also by only addressing one parent with your eyes as you speak, may come across as rude.

Dodging the parents

It is of course important to engage with the parents not just the children. This demonstrates to the parents your communications skills which is essential for a working relationship to be successful. Also on that same note, it’s important to come along with some sensible questions and with some well thought out answers appropriate for the position. This demonstrates to them that you have done your homework and are serious about the position.  Remember to speak about any courses you may have been on like the LSCS Sleep Training for Babies course for that might help them to understand why you would be a great asset to their family.

Ignoring the Children

Engaging with the children is as crucial as it is with the parents. You are there as a potential nanny to their offspring, so show them that you can interact with them. It also demonstrates your ability to build up a connection with their children which will give parents confidence in your skills as a nanny and show off your training

Dressing inappropriately

Remember that this isn’t a night out and if it’s winter or summer, you should dress appropriately for the seasons. Keep it professional yet practical, this isn’t an office job. You will be required to play with their children and they may ask you or often expect some interaction with their children at the interview.

Bad mouthing about the past employer

The parents may ask if you can name any difficult experiences in your past roles and how you dealt with them. This is not a cue to then relay how you couldn’t stand the routine that Mrs X set out. Try to be objective, professional and use your common sense. It’s never appropriate to bad mouth your previous employers.

Mobile phone interruption

Put your phone on silent. There is nothing more annoying than a phone going off in an interview. This again demonstrates a lack of professionalism.

Rambling on

Avoid talking too much. It’s important to listen to what your employers are saying and at the same time avoid long breaks or speaking quietly, use a clear voice and show confidence when responding to their questions. Also don’t make it feel like your employers have to try hard just to get an answer, so avoid one word replies! The interview gives you an excellent chance to show your personality but it is important to get the balance right.

Asking about salary and holiday times

This should only be brought up when the employer brings it up, otherwise it can make you look like you are only interested in what you can gain. There is nothing wrong with having an expected hourly rate but be sure to back it up with references to your nanny training and the credentials of your training agency such as the London School of Childcare Studies. Remember as a nanny you are most likely to become part of their family. Therefore coming across with a clinical approach on your very first meeting isn’t going to be appealing to your future employers. Again this reinforces how important it is to do your homework before even agreeing to an interview to avoid wasting yours and the employer’s time.

Why being a nanny is the best job ever?

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Working as a nanny, though it may have started as a random job, maybe something much more serious, fulfilling and fun than you initially expected.

Some people think or even say that ‘working at home’ is not really a job that can be turned into a career – is that true?

Is nanny only a second-best substitute of parents when they are not around?

Or is there anything more to her role?

Listening to stories shared by a great deal of nannies who completed various courses at HATA it turns out that working as a nanny gives as many opportunities to grow, develop and achieve your career goals as any other job that the market has to offer.

The key questions that you need to ask yourself are:

Do you like looking after children?

What is your favourite age group?

Are you a proactive individual keen on using your creativity on daily basis?

Are you comfortable about working in somebody else’s home every day?

Finally, are you confident and assertive when it comes to discussing challenging issues with children’s parents?

There are no easy answers to some of those questions. In particular when dealing with difficult parents or difficult children. But it is before you accept a nanny job offer (usually during your trial period) when you need to observe and learn all about the ‘chemistry’ with the family to decide if it is the right match for you. As long as you have a true passion and love for children and you are convinced that parents support you when dealing with difficult situations (tantrums, fights, fussy eaters, discipline issues and many more), the nanny job will give you a sense of real self-fulfillment and sheer joy.

Why?

Because what you do is not about beating sales records, dealing with endlessly pilling-up paperwork in an office or hanging on the phone with not-too-happy customers. Being a nanny is about sharing love with children when their parents are not at home, being a part of their world and teaching them about truly meaningful things, learning to appreciate their hugs, kisses and cuddles that make your days really special. And there are also career prospects for ambitious nannies who want to become qualified child carers in the private sector – they can or even should expect a pay rise when having gained sufficient experience and completed relevant qualifications. The nanny job allows you to combine two very important elements that everyone expects from their ideal job – emotional satisfaction and fair financial reward. And that is what makes it the best job ever!

HATA’s statement

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We would like to clarify that any allegations of HATA stealing or copying  materials are wrong and unfounded. We understand that these allegations have been made by competitors, who also claim that they have had to engage copyright lawyers to investigate the theft and copyright. We would like to reassure everyone involved that all our materials are original and have been developed  by a team of professionals, to cover the needs of our clients .  We believe that  the sole aim of those allegations and  comments is to damage our reputation. We are investigating the matter and if necessary will address it through our legal representative and we would also like to hear from you directly if you have been affected, especially if you decided not to attend a HATA course as a result of these allegations. Please contact us in confidence on renata@hatacademy.co.uk.

 

 

A man and woman looking at a book in a library

Guide on registering with OFSTED

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HOW-TO GUIDE ON REGISTERING WITH OFSTED

To register on the Voluntary Part of the OFSTED Register you first need to obtain a DBS Certificate via Capita.
If you are unsure about your individual circumstances please call the DBS Helpline on: 0870 850 2516 for advice and information.
GUIDANCE ON HOW TO APPLY FOR A DBS (FORMERLY KNOWN AS CRB) VIA CAPITA
STEP ONE:
Gather all necessary ID documents and details of your debit/credit card together so that you are ready for the application process.
For this you will need:
• a debit/credit card so that you can pay for the DBS
• originals of ID documents – a list of the suitable documents can be found in this link:

• https://www.ofsteddbsapplication.co.uk/sw-files/identity-checking-from-new.pdf

STEP TWO:
Complete the online DBS application process, including providing payment.
Start your online application for the DBS via Capita e-bulk. Please go to the link below to do this:
https://disclosure.capitarvs.co.uk/crvs/applicantLogin.do?applicationType=dbs
Where you are asked for: ‘Capita Organisation Reference’ type: ofSTEDP
You will also be asked to enter a password – just leave this blank.

The process involves completing the DBS application form, paying for the DBS via debit/credit card (see example of the costs below) and eventually completing the ID check. Only once you have paid and completed the application can you go on to supply the information they require regarding your proof of identity (STEP 3). Once your application is complete you will be issued with a DBS application reference number.
For general information on the process of applying for a DBS see here:
https://www.ofsteddbsapplication.co.uk/step-two

DBS Costs:

1 DBS Enhanced Disclosure fee £40.00

2 Online application administration fee £6.80
or Paper/postal application administration fee £9.46
3 ID check completed by responsible person (click here for details) £1.30
or ID check completed at the post office £12.75

For example if you are applying online and having your IDs checked via a responsible person you will be charged £48.10 (£40 + £6.80 + £1.30)

STEP THREE:
Complete ID checking process.
After applying for a DBS, Capita must also be satisfied about your identity. There are two ways in which to have your ID checked.
OPTION 1:
To process the ID check you can complete an “Identity Checking Form”
To download the “Identity Checking Form” click here:
https://www.ofsteddbsapplication.co.uk/sw-files/identity-checking-from-new.pdf
The process involves gathering relevant ID and completing the above mentioned form. As the applicant you need to complete Part A of the form and then have someone from the list of ‘acceptable professions for responsible persons’ look at your documents and complete Part B.

The above link details the list of the documents you can use and the people who can verify your documents as well as providing details on exactly what you need to do during the process.

Finally, the completed form and photocopies of relevant documents need to be scanned and sent to: OfstedEnquiries@capita.co.uk or alternatively they can be faxed or posted (full details on the link above).

This process is the cheapest way to have your ID checked.

Or

OPTION 2:

If you do not have a person to check your documents then you can just go to your local post office and they will check your identity for a charge of £7.15. This involves taking your original ID documents and photocopies of your documents to a post office with your payment and the necessary completed form. A copy of the form and the documents that you can take are detailed here

More general information on this step can also be found here:
https://www.ofsteddbsapplication.co.uk/step-three

EXTRA NOTE: DBS UPDATE SERVICE
You do not have to register with this service but if you are interested in doing so then please see the link below for full details:
https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service

Once you have obtained your DBS Certificate you are ready to Register on the Voluntary part of the OFSTED Register.

GUIDANCE ON HOW TO REGISTER ON THE VOLUNTARY SECTION OF THE CHILDCARE REGISTER
Please go to the link below and sign up for a Government Gateway account. You need to register and have an account to use the online services. During this process you will be given a Government User ID (12 digit number), please keep this safe.
https://www.register-nanny.service.gov.uk/nanny/sign-in/new-application/ If you want to speak to someone about your application to Register or need any help with the process please call the Ofsted Helpline on: 0300 123 1231

For additional tips on how to complete the online form please see the below:
Once you are logged in/registered a “Welcome to Ofsted’s on-line Services” message appears.
Click on the link on the left hand side of the page that says “Online Applications”.
On the next screen click on the text on the left hand side of the page that says “CR1 Application” this is the Application form for the Childcare Register. This form is the correct form for home child carers (nannies) to complete.
The information you will need to complete the application is:
• Ofsted URN or application reference
• Full five year address history
• Details of qualifications and training
• Details of referees

And you will need to complete the following sections of the online form:
A: Type of Provision
A1) select 3rd tick box – home child carer
A2) select 2nd tick box – voluntary
B: Applicants details – need to supply name, email address, date of birth and addresses for the last 5 years etc.
E: Setting details.
F: Suitability and Disqualification.
I: Consent – finally consent and submit.
There is also a section at the top of the Welcome page that says “Guidance” – click on this if you have any problems with your Gateway account or click here: https://online.ofsted.gov.uk/onlineofsted/ofsted_online.ofml?page=guidance
Once you submit your registration Ofsted will then send you an acknowledgement with an EY reference number, this will need to be quoted if you contact them. Once you are registered this number is replaced with a Registration Number.

They will send you any necessary information plus details on how to pay the registration fee (which is currently £103 for Home Child Carers and has to be renewed annually). Ofsted aim to complete applications within 12 weeks and within this time applicants must pay an application fee, confirm that they have met the requirements of the childcare register, and satisfy any suitability checks needed to establish suitability for registration.
You will also be asked to send your Certificates – The Common Core Skills & Knowledge certificate and 6 Hour Paediatric First Aid Certificate – either by post or by email.
Once your registration has been successful Ofsted will issue you with your Certificate.

Nanny survival guide – 5 top tips for travelling with families

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Be prepared

Before you go have a proper chat with your bosses about what they expect, where you’re going, what there is to do with the kids and in your time off, when you’ll be working (and when you’ll be free), and what you need to take! The more information you have ahead the fewer questions you’ll need to ask when you’re there and you can just get on with it. Earn uber-nanny points for preparing easily portable activities for the plane/train/car ride.

Lend a hand

Keeping with the theme here (Brownie points if you spot it) muck in if you find you’re standing idle. Your bosses will appreciate it and you’ll reap the rewards later. Besides if you’re at a villa in the middle of nowhere or on a desert island you don’t have anything better to do. Great nannies don’t always just take the fun jobs like playing in the pool with the kids though – they let the parents do that and prepare lunch/tidy up or let the parents finish their meal in peace while everyone else goes back to chill out and get ready for bed.

Let it go, let it go….

Not your circus, not your monkeys. Your bosses are going to do things differently when they’re in charge so let them. It’s not worth winding yourself up over anything. What happens on holiday stays on holiday for the parents (sadly not for you!) so you probably won’t see their best parenting. They’re going to give in to demands for ice cream and bedtime will be way later than you think reasonable! But unless they’re expecting you to uphold the rules you need to shrug and plan a week of getting back on track when you get home.

Take 5

Sometimes you need space. Go have a nap, go for a walk, lock yourself in the loo (just make sure there’s more than one before you do this). Taking a break before it all gets too much preserves everyone’s sanity. If you’re not used to living in then having a bit of headspace is even more important for everyone. Just let your boss know that you need a bit of time away for your own sanity and you’ll come back refreshed.

Enjoy!

It might not be your holiday but nobody wants a Moaning Minnie along so make like Pollyanna and see the positives all around. Sun and a pool or even a beach beats staying at home!

NEW – OCN Common Core Skills Course (1 day attendance course)

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We are delighted to announce the launch of a new course for Childcare Professionals!

The Common Core of Skills and Knowledge for Ofsted registration is a set of principles and values. It sets out what basic skills and knowledge are needed by people whose work brings them into regular contact with children, young people and families. This includes, Nannies, Au Pairs, Maternity Nurses and Teachers.

To register on the voluntary part of the Ofsted Childcare Register, childcare professionals must have had training in the Common Core of Skills and Knowledge course.

The programme is based on the Children’s Workforce Development Council’s philosophy. The skills and knowledge are described under six main headings:

1. Effective communication and engagement with children, young people and families
2. Child and young person development
3. Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the child
4. Supporting transitions
5. Multi-agency working
6. Sharing information

Accreditation: This course is accredited by the OCN OTC at level 3 and carries 3 credits.

What is Ofsted and why register?

Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. They report directly to UK Parliament and inspect and regulate services which care for children and young people, and those providing education and skills for learners of all ages.

So as a Childcare Professional why should you register?

1. You have proven that you meet Ofsted’s requirements which increases trust and confidence with agencies and employers.
2. You will have more confidence in your own abilities.
3. You will be prepared for any eventuality, looking after children can be unpredictable so it’s best to be prepared.

What criteria do you have to meet?

1. You will need a valid Paediatric First Aid Certificate (valid for 3 years) –Register now for our courses and take advantage of our   Summer Sale!
2. You will need to demonstrate that you have the Common Core Skill and knowledge in childcare. Register now for our OCN Common Core Skills course.
3. As a nanny you will need to hold public liability insurance – we can advise on this if needed.
4. You will need to have an advanced CRB check (these are valid for 3 years).

5 tips for a brilliant CV

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The job market in the UK can be extremely competitive. We want you to have the best chance when applying for jobs with childcare agencies and families so we’ve put together 5 tips you should use when writing your CV. These points may seem obvious but it is amazing how many people don’t use them when writing their CVs.

1. Add an introductory paragraph at the start of your CV summarising your experience and key qualities – this will encourage the recruiter to keep reading if they think you would be good for the position.

2. Make sure you highlight the points in your experience that are most relevant to the job you are applying for – for example, if you have experience with newborn babies and that’s what the job requires making sure you highlight this.

3. Keep points short and sweet and avoid any unnecessary information – this makes it easier for recruiters to read – remember they could have a lot of CVs to look at.

4. Use bullet points to list your responsibilities in each job.

5. Check spelling, grammar, and layout – your CV should look professional and as if a lot of thought has gone into it.

How to get the job you deserve

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When approaching a potential employer or agency, there are a number of factors that you need to consider. Remember,  you are selling yourself, and the initial email or letter is the first impression your potential employer will have of you… so, it needs to be good!

The first thing you need to consider before sending your application is whether your CV is good enough. It is important to make sure your CV has all the correct information and is set out right. If you are unsure, pop onto the internet and search for some examples.  Also, remember to put all of the relevant information on your CV, which you can cater towards specific jobs. If the job calls for extensive cooking experience, then make sure you highlight your cooking experience in your CV.

Secondly, employers receive hundreds of applications, so make sure that your reply to any advert is personalised with a greeting and some information about yourself. Employers can tell when candidates have not read the job spec properly. Apply for jobs that you are suitable for, and tell the client or agency WHY you are suitable.

Finally, always make sure YOUR contact information is correct. Often, we will receive CVs from potentially wonderful candidates, who have listed an incorrect telephone number. Check and double check your phone number and email address before sending your application.

Good luck and happy job hunting!