If you’re excited to dive into house sitting, creating a profile on Trusted House Sitters is your first step! This platform connects you with homeowners needing reliable sitters, making it an excellent opportunity to explore new places while caring for pets.
In this guide, you’ll learn essential strategies for successfully setting up your profile, crafting a standout bio, and enhancing your chances of landing your first assignment.
We’ll cover everything from showcasing your relevant experience and effective communication techniques to setting up alerts for new opportunities and the importance of proactive follow-ups. With these insights, you’ll be well-equipped to secure your dream house-sitting job quickly and confidently!
Table of Contents
Sign Up to the Site
The first and most crucial step is signing up for Trusted House Sitters. This should be your first action as you begin your house-sitting journey. Many potential sitters overthink the process and feel that house sitting is out of reach.
However, starting can be as simple as creating your profile. By paying a small annual membership fee, you gain access to numerous house-sitting assignments, allowing you to explore opportunities that match your interests and skills.
Your Profile Is Your Resume
Creating a compelling profile is vital. Think of it as your resume tailored for house sitting. A thorough profile can significantly enhance your chances of being selected by homeowners.
Include relevant accomplishments and skills that will make you stand out. For example, mention it if you have completed an animal first aid certification. Additionally, if you have experience with pool maintenance or a passion for gardening, highlight these skills as they may resonate with homeowners. I
f you have experience with specific breeds or types of animals, be sure to include that as well. Once you start house sitting and gain more experience, make it a habit to update your profile regularly to reflect your evolving skills.
Some things you could include if applicable to you;
Completion of the First Aid for Animals certificate
Pool maintenance experience
Passion for gardening
Experience with certain breeds/ animals
Make sure you add anything that you think is relevant
Once you start house-sitting and gaining experience and skills, you should update your house-sitting profile regularly to reflect this.
How to Add References (When You’re Starting)
As in any job application, homeowners want to see experience and references when considering potential sitters. This can be challenging when you are just starting. Fortunately, Trusted House Sitters allows you to add external references to your profile.
If you have references from previous house-sitting experiences, this is a perfect opportunity to showcase them. I have created a video to show you how to do this; https://www.loom.com/share/f53d9f289d9c4ee38efd39de73213c1f
Additionally, you can create a reference document using Google Docs or Canva and share the link with homeowners when you apply. After completing a house sit, always follow up and request a review; this will help build your credibility.
Add in Photos
One of the pros of Trusted House Sitter is that you can upload up to twelve photos to your Trusted House Sitters profile. These photos help you connect with homeowners and make your application stand out.
Aim to upload at least two images that portray you as friendly, approachable, and engaging. You may also include photos showcasing your hobbies or past pet experiences. If you’re applying for assignments that involve caring for pets, consider adding images of yourself with animals to demonstrate your compatibility further.
Include a Video in Your Application
Incorporating a short video in your application can significantly enhance your chances of landing a house sit. Using a platform like Loom, you can record a brief introduction highlighting why you would be an excellent fit for the assignment.
Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the homeowner’s needs. A video link can be included in your application, offering a personal touch that sets you apart from other candidates.
Let Your Personality Shine Through
It is essential to allow your personality to shine through in your profile. While maintaining a professional image, homeowners appreciate understanding who you are.
Share your hobbies, passions, and interest in house-sitting to foster a connection. Consider offering video calls with homeowners before the assignment; this transparency can help establish trust and allow both parties to gauge compatibility.
Flexibility Is Key
Flexibility is crucial when you’re starting out in the house-sitting community. Being willing to adjust your plans to accommodate homeowners’ schedules can make you a more appealing candidate.
Flexibility in your availability will also contribute to building a positive reputation, making it easier to secure future house-sitting jobs in your preferred locations.
Completing a Background Check
Completing a background check on the platform can significantly enhance your trustworthiness and help you stand out from other sitters. Trusted House Sitters offers a free background check for those based in the U.S. and free ID verifications.
This process is secure and confidential, protecting your personal details. Displaying a badge on your profile indicating that you’ve completed these checks can boost your visibility and credibility among potential homeowners.
Include References
Seeing profiles with five-star reviews can be intimidating for newcomers. However, Trusted House Sitters allows you to request references via email from people you have house-sat for.
This feature enables you to showcase your reliability and competence, helping to level the playing field against more experienced sitters who may have extensive reviews.
Setting Up Alerts and Taking Quick Action
Assignments on Trusted House Sitters can fill up quickly, often within the first 24 hours of posting. Therefore, it’s vital to act swiftly when opportunities arise. Homeowners typically won’t continue browsing applications once they find a candidate they feel is a good fit.
Fortunately, only site members can view listings for the first 24 hours, giving you a competitive edge. To ensure you never miss an opportunity, set up alerts by subscribing to daily emails that notify you about new job offers.
This proactive approach allows you to stay informed and ready to send your applications promptly. When you find an assignment that interests you, immediately submit your application and reach out to homeowners to express your enthusiasm and availability. The quicker you respond, the better your chances of landing your desired assignment.
Here is a video showing how to set up alerts with Trusted House Sitters.
Make Your Applications and Follow-Up
After completing all the previous steps, it’s time to dive into the application process. Craft thoughtful application letters highlighting your strengths and explaining why you are the perfect candidate for the job.
While it may feel daunting at first, especially if you face some rejections, remember that persistence is key. With determination, you could find yourself caring for homes and pets in amazing locations worldwide.
Once you’ve submitted your applications, consider following up with the homeowners after 2-3 days. A brief message reiterating your interest in the position and checking in on the status of your application can demonstrate your enthusiasm and professionalism. This proactive approach may set you apart from other candidates and help keep your application top of mind for homeowners.
Ditch the Formality
When applying for house-sitting positions, showing your personality and friendliness is essential. Adding a light-hearted joke or a personal touch can help break the ice and create a warm connection with homeowners. However, always maintain courtesy and professionalism in your communications.
Communication Is Essential
Effective communication with homeowners after your application is accepted is crucial, especially during the interview process. If possible, arrange a face-to-face meeting, as this can foster a stronger connection and better understand each other’s expectations. If meeting in person isn’t feasible, opt for a video chat to ensure a more personal interaction.
Before the interview, it’s beneficial to prepare by reviewing the questions you want to ask homeowners. This preparation demonstrates your professionalism and genuine interest in the assignment. For a comprehensive list of questions to guide your conversation, check out this resource: What to Ask Homeowners in House Sitting Interviews.
During the interview, be sure to ask relevant questions and provide clear answers to any inquiries from the homeowner. This proactive communication will help clarify expectations, ensure everyone is on the same page, and ultimately make your house-sitting experience more enjoyable and less stressful.
Prepare for the Assignment
Before the assignment begins, take time to prepare yourself. Familiarize yourself with the homeowner’s specific instructions regarding pet care, house rules, and any other details relevant to your stay.
Creating a checklist of tasks is advisable to ensure you cover everything the homeowner expects. Preparation will also alleviate any last-minute anxiety, allowing you to enjoy the experience fully.
I send a handover document 4-5 days before the assignment starts to facilitate a smooth transition. This document outlines all essential information and tasks, ensuring you and the homeowner are aligned.
For a comprehensive guide on what to include, you can check out this resource: House Sitting Handover Checklist. Having this document prepared will help you feel more confident and organized as you embark on your house-sitting journey.
Follow Up After the Assignment
Once you’ve completed your house sit, don’t forget to follow up with the homeowners. A thank-you message expressing your appreciation for the opportunity can leave a lasting impression. This gesture reinforces a positive relationship and opens the door for future opportunities.
In your follow-up, kindly ask the homeowners for a review of your services. Positive reviews can significantly enhance your profile, making it more appealing to potential homeowners in the future. You might say, “If you were happy with my house-sitting, I would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave a review on my profile.” This request shows that you value their feedback and are committed to improving your skills.
Additionally, requesting feedback can provide insights that help you refine your approach and further your house-sitting profile.
The application process for becoming a house sitter can be stressful, especially when applications are rejected or overlooked. However, remember that setbacks are part of the learning curve.
By following the tips outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to building a robust profile and crafting compelling applications. Soon enough, you’ll be on the path to securing a house sit in your dream location.
House Sitting Made Easy: Start Your Journey With Our Help
Are you excited to try house-sitting? We’re passionate about making the process easy for beginners. Check out my resources here, and contact me directly with any questions to help you get started!
Author: Jayden Mckinlay
Hiya! I am Jayden. I am originally from New Zealand and am one-half of the Travelling House Sitters. During my house-sitting journey, I looked after 35 cats, 25 dogs, and one turtle!
I have cared for over 40 homes in 15 countries and even a catamaran in the Caribbean!
I want to show you how to become a professional housesitter by putting together all the resources I wish I had when I started. You can enjoy this lifestyle as well!
You can read more about Brittnay and me on our about page.
Or connect with me on Facebook or in their house sitting community on Facebook