To ask as a parent....

[NurseryNurse10]

Does any of the following put you off a nanny or babysitter?

1. Them being older (35 plus)
2. Very ugly

I'm highly qualified and experienced but never get any of the nanny/babysitting jobs I go for on the bubble childcare or sitters app. I've even put my rates right down to minimum wage. Still nothing. I don't want to go through an agency and not looking for a permanent nanny role at the moment. It's really disheartening.

what do you mean ugly? I won’t be interested in your look, I’m married already.
over 35 is good: still fit bit already experienced.

I'm a childminder and 54 and easily keep up with the toddlers I look after...often 4 per day
😂

Try childcare.co.uk
And don't call yourself ugly...no one that cares for and nurtures small children can possibly be ugly xx ❤️

I used to get young cheap ones when kids were little and I was WFH and I needed them occupied whilst I worked, but if we leave the house older is an advantage, also the number of sits and reviews. Looks don’t matter, but friendly/approachable/responsible matters, pink hair facial tattoos and piercings might well put me off.

OP you are not "very ugly"

You're just not.

Get some confidence, you are not the issue.

Thanks everyone. Helps to have some input from parents.
I have increased my rate due to this thread and may consider changing the photo over. Not that it will make much difference but the one I have now is particularly bad but took ages just to get that shot as the others were beyond awful.

I'd much rather have someone older, more experienced, less likely to panic in an unexpected situation. Don't charge babysitting rates as that is not only underselling yourself, it's also giving the impression that you don't have confidence in your own abilities and/or the necessary experience. Charge a higher rate and make yourself more exclusive. Also highlight other skills, such as languages spoken, good with pets, craft skills that you could pass on... Create an image of your "ideal client" and position yourself so that you are irresistible to them. Some clients will want the cachet of having a nanny rather than the local teenage babysitter who will eat them out of house and home. Good luck!

See it's going to vary in what puts people off. A PP said no funky hair colours or visible tattoos, but those things wouldn't put me off as I don't think it says anything negative about the person.

Definitely think cheap rates might not be hhelping.. Once heard from a business person people won't purchase the cheapest of something (item, service) because they'll automatically assume its no good because its cheap, likewise they won't pay too much, it about finding a middle ground that says this commodity is valuable but also in my price bracket

Also, don't call yourself very ugly!!

I liked someone older - experienced and less likely to be flakey. Wouldn't care what they looked like.

35 wouldn't put me off. Relevant experience and traceable references are a must. Appearance- wild hair, tattoos and just a stern or unfriendly face would be a put off for me. It doesn't sound like that's the issue with you. Have you had any interviews? Can you gauge what the issue is from there.

No. Being older would be a distinct advantage and anyone who thinks looks count in terms of your ability to look after children has a screw loose.

Age is an advantage.

Someone who thinks they're ugly might be giving off a vibe. Actually ugly is so extremely rare that is very unlikely. I don't think I've ever met anybody that I'd dedcribe as ugly.

I have an older nanny. Her looks are irrelevant to me - she has great experience and is good at her job and is a friendly, positive person. I would pick an older nanny over younger if I could afford them.