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How do I go about getting babysitting jobs?

Asked by jordym84 (4752points) October 12th, 2012

I recently moved to Florida after a failed stint in NYC and have a lot of free time these days, so I’m looking to supplement my income (as well as fill up my free time) until I get called for a full-time job and one of my friends suggested that I look into babysitting. We live in a big condo complex in Orlando near Disney World and a lot of the people who live here have kids. I don’t have any formal babysitting experience, but I’ve been around kids my entire life (siblings, cousins, family friends, etc.) and being the oldest of 3 kids, I helped my parents a lot with my brother and sister so I’m really good with kids. Also, I come from a family of teachers (both my parents and some of my aunts/uncles and cousins, too) and I have learned a lot from watching them at work.

I’m not sure how to best present myself in order to get gigs and I was hoping my fellow flutherites (is that the right word?) would be able to help. Parents: what do you look for in a babysitter? Current and former babysitters: how did you go about getting gigs? How do I advertise and set a competitive rate for my services? Any other tips/suggestions?

Here’s a little about myself: I’m a 24 year-old female; have a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management; fluent in 5 languages; I’m very responsible, reliable, professional and friendly; I have TONS of patience; have a lot of experience dealing with kids both in my personal life and from previous jobs (I have done 3 internships in Disney World and had extensive training on how to address little ones, whether they’re happy or in distress). Additionally, my hours are flexible and pretty much “unlimited” as I have nothing but free time and can’t stand to not be doing something productive.

I look forward to seeing what the collective can help me come up with. Thank you all in advance :)

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