How to Write a Nanny Job Post That Attracts the Right Candidates
There are many routes to go down to find your perfect nanny, and like your nanny is a unique asset to your family that reflects your household’s needs, so too will be the journey to find them.
Quick Answer
There are many routes to go down to find your perfect nanny, and like your nanny is a unique asset to your family that reflects your household’s needs, so too will be the journey to find them.
Quick Answer
A good nanny job description is specific, honest, and short. State the schedule, pay range, children's ages, primary duties, and what your household is like to work in. Vague descriptions attract vague candidates.
Lead With the Schedule and Pay
Candidates filter by schedule and pay before they read anything else. Put these at the top. If you are not comfortable listing a rate, at minimum give a range. "Compensation DOE" with no range increases applications from candidates who are wrong for your budget and wastes everyone's time.
Be Specific About the Children
List ages, not "young children." A candidate experienced with school-age kids may have limited infant experience. "Two children ages 4 months and 3 years" tells a candidate immediately whether they have relevant experience. Also note any special needs, allergies, or developmental considerations upfront -- this is important information that belongs in the description, not a mid-interview surprise.
Describe the Primary Duties Clearly
List what the role actually involves day to day: childcare, school pickup, meal prep for kids, light tidying of child areas, driving to activities. Then list what it does not include if relevant. "Light housekeeping" means different things to different families. Define it.
Describe Your Household Honestly
A brief sentence about your household helps candidates self-select. "We are a two-parent household in Brentwood, both work from home part of the week, have a dog, and value an organized routine" gives a candidate a sense of whether your home is a fit for them. Candidates who are a good cultural fit stay longer.
Include What You Are Looking For, Not a Wish List
List three to five genuine requirements. Candidates for whom 10 bullet point requirements apply are rare. Prioritize what actually matters: CPR certified, valid driver's license, TrustLine verified or willing to complete it, minimum years of experience, specific skills if relevant.
Keep It Under 400 Words
Long job descriptions perform worse than concise ones. The details get filled in during the interview. Your job description is a filter and an invitation, not a contract. State the essentials clearly and let the conversation do the rest.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to hire a nanny in Los Angeles?
Most full-time placements take 4 to 8 weeks from first consultation to start date. Part-time and temporary roles can move faster. Specialized roles like ROTA or newborn care typically take longer due to a smaller candidate pool.
How long does hiring a nanny in Los Angeles take?
Most families working through a placement agency in Los Angeles complete a hire within four to eight weeks. The timeline depends primarily on how quickly the family can schedule interviews and whether they have a clear sense of what they are looking for before the search begins.
Do I need to pay a placement fee to hire a nanny?
Yes. Placement agencies charge a fee, typically 15 to 20% of the nanny's first-year gross salary. This covers candidate sourcing, vetting, TrustLine verification, reference checks, and the placement process. The fee is paid by the family after a successful placement.
Should I hire a nanny through an agency or a job board?
An agency pre-screens candidates and presents only those who are a realistic match. A job board gives you a larger unfiltered pool to manage yourself. For first-time household employers or families who want the process handled properly, an agency is strongly recommended.
What should a nanny work agreement include in California?
A California nanny work agreement should include the hourly rate, pay schedule, guaranteed hours, overtime terms (1.5x after 9 hours per day or 45 per week), sick leave (5 days minimum required by law), duties, confidentiality terms, notice period, and termination conditions.
What nanny interview questions actually reveal fit?
Ask scenario-based questions: how they handled a child who would not stop crying, a disagreement with a parent, or a moment where they had to make a judgment call alone. Specific past situations reveal actual behavior. Generic questions get prepared answers.
What should I look for on a nanny's resume?
Prioritize tenure over volume. One candidate who stayed three years with two families is more informative than one who worked for eight families in five years. Check that age-range experience matches your child's age, verify certifications are current, and treat references as the real evaluation.
What are the biggest red flags when hiring a nanny?
Reluctance to provide employer references who can be called directly, a pattern of short stays with multiple families, evasive answers about why previous roles ended, and resistance to TrustLine or background verification. Trust these signals.
How much does a nanny cost in Los Angeles?
A full-time experienced nanny in Los Angeles earns $35 to $45 per hour. Total employer cost including payroll taxes adds 10 to 12% on top of gross wages. A full-time nanny at $38/hr working 45 hours per week costs approximately $96,000 to $100,000 per year all in.
What should I pay a nanny in Los Angeles?
Most strong candidates start at $30/hr. Full-time nannies typically earn $30 to $45+/hr depending on experience, responsibilities, and number of children. Newborn care specialists run $35 to $55+/hr. Budgeting below $30/hr significantly narrows the experienced candidate pool.
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