Making an application jucier!

Sitter Questions, Advice & Chat
1

I’ve been applying for sits in a country in a popular city outside of my own for the first time and keep getting refusals because , I’m assuming, that hosts are choosing local applicants which I 100% understand but…I’m SO eager to sit there ! (One was lovely enough to explain that she really wanted me but chose a local friend of a friend because of the above reason - Love it when declines come with a human touch !)

That said, I studied in this country for three y and have lived there (not sitting) a few times beyond that + I have over 35 - 5* reviews on THS + many,many years of sitting experience…etc. In other words, my qualifications are solid which I list and make very clear in my applications in addition to noting that I am also somewhat of a homebody so being home with the animals is part of the draw.

Does anyone have any additional ideas as to how I might make my os application more of a lure ? Thanks !

2

Hi @toreishi :slightly_smiling_face:

I wonder if the trick is less about making your application juicier and more about making it really specific to that particular sit.

You’ve clearly got the experience and reviews, and your connection to the country is a bonus. But I’d try to help the host picture you in their home, looking after their pets. Mention something specific about the animals or their routine that appeals to you, and why that particular location works for you.

I’d also be careful not to spend too much of the application listing your qualifications. Your profile and reviews can do much of that work. Use the application to show the host that you’ve really read their listing and can picture yourself happily settling into their pets’ everyday routine.

Of course, if a host has a local friend or someone they already know in the running, there may be nothing you can do to change the outcome. Sometimes it’s not about having a better application, just about finding the right match.

:paw_prints::heart:

3

Thanks so much for your ideas.

Oddly enough, I try to make every effort to ride that fine line between making my qualifications, etc. known but not the focus. And, personalisation (pet-inalisation ?) is a given.

Indeed, just rolling with the process knowing that the right match will come along…or it won’t !

While we’re at it : I love your thorough, often-nuanced and always helpful responses in this forum !

4

Let them know that you can arrive early (to avoid travel delays and to do a handoff) and will share specifics of your transportation, whatever that might be, as soon as you book it. Or if you’ll already be in-country, let them know that.

If you’re willing to put yourself up at a hotel for an overnight ahead of a sit, also mention that. (In case they don’t want to or can’t host you before they leave.)

5

Would you care to share at least what country is this city in? I will add my suggestions once I know that. I have a small bag of magic tricks but for some destinations even those have not worked well.

6

I second the appreciation of @WeRPAWsome! Always love their very thoughtful responses, so well written, kind, and always always helpful!

9

Our approach is to plan to be in the country anyway, and to let the Host know all our travel plans and how their listing ‘fits’ within the overall plan. In this way they have more confidence that you are unlikely to cancel. I also send screen shots of possible flights etc to show that my plans are well advanced. We generally book time either side in Airbnb etc so again there’s flexibility but less risk for them regarding arrival/departure.

10

What about changing your location on your profile to the city where the owners live?

14

Australia…Bring on the magic !

15

While I’d love to do that, it feels a bit disingenuous and I believe that entering what should be a trusting relatiohsip on a lie is not a good start. Plus I’m a realllllly bad liar.

16

Hello!

Just popping on to say that I’ve moderated some of the comments in this thread, as they were going off topic, and focusing on an individual rather than the OP’s post.

While I’m here… @toreishi I’m keeping everything crossed that you get an opportunity to sit in the city you’re applying for, you’ve got a great wealth of experience and knowledge to share!

I’m interested to see what ideas everyone comes up with, and I hope you’ll update us when you secure a sit in the city!

17

Oh, I was afraid you were going to say that :joy: Getting Australian sits from abroad can be challenging, not only because of the distance, but also because quite a few local sitters use house sitting as an alternative to paying rent.

Definitely emphasize that you studied and lived in Australia. It shows you’re familiar with the country and aren’t just a casual backpacker passing through.

I’d also suggest looking for a longer sit in a smaller town first, using that as your anchor sit, and then applying for sits in your preferred destinations once you’re there. Brisbane and Queensland generally have plenty of sits, so perhaps concentrate your search there.

Personalize your applications. If something about a listing genuinely excites you, mention it. If there’s something specific you’d love to visit or explore in that area, say so. Homeowners often appreciate knowing why you’re interested in their particular location.

One more little trick: If you have a friend in Australia who can help you get a cheap local SIM or eSIM, consider setting up WhatsApp with an Australian number and including it in your application. It may help reassure homeowners that you’re serious about coming over.

There are also a few Australian homeowners here on the forum, so hopefully you’ll hear from them and get their perspective too. Good luck!

(edited by Forum team so that post remains within our Community Guidelines)

18

@toreishi it’s not about making it juicier, it’s about making it more you. We get almost 100% of the sits we apply for in another country, we get accepted over local sitters almost every time. When I say almost, there has only been once when we have been turned down, and that was about 2.5 years ago, everyone else has said yes to us in the other country.

How/Why?
Firstly, we have a solid reason for being there - our son emigrated, so we visit him but also stay for much longer by pet sitting. So we point out to owners in our application that we’ll be returning year after year. So could that help you? Would you return to sit for them? if so, mention it in a light hearted way.

We’re very specific on keeping to a 1.5 hour travelling time distance/region, and I think that has helped us heaps, because I mention other sit locations we have completed locally to them, but that’s not going to help you until you get at least 1 sit, but definitely do it on sit number 2 and there onwards, I still do the same now, and it works.

YOU have a fantastic reason to be in Australia, more than most other sitters, because you have a real history with the place. So your only competition sitter-wise are the ones that live/sit within a couple of hours travelling distance. So what do you have up your sleeve that other sitters don’t? It’s your number of 5 star reviews, so mention it. You could say you plan to visit regularly for 2-3 months at a time (or whatever your greater plan is).

Perhaps you personally know about their specific area, but think local, like do the locals love it because it has great cafes, or do they love it because of the beautiful marina, or a certain area name only locals would call a place, things whereby the owner doesn’t think about you being a million miles away with flight delays, instead they think happy/familiar thoughts about their hometown.

Also, if we’re on a cat sit, and they have cats, I mention it, the same with dogs… if I’m with the opposite pet, I leave it out.

The most important thing, is that you grab them at the start, they need your real solid reason for wanting to be in their city right within the first few sentences, which is your history with the place. It’s about familiarity, so they feel like they know you.

Hope it helps :yellow_heart:

19

Well said.

20

No, I don’t mean you to lie but I know a lot of people on the Forum do that to help them find a sitting.

Perhaps they say that they will be in the area the night before.

21

I look for a certain type of host/sit, in that I prefer people I think I’ll have a personal connection with as I frequently return / get invited to come back & sit for my hosts again. I’ve recently updated my application template to focus on those “connection” & “mutual exchange” aspects of why I do THS & describing what I’m hoping for in a sit, along with my interest in understanding the hosts’ needs, & have been getting warm & immediate responses from some amazing hosts, even in competitive locations.

Be happy to provide an example if you think that’s a direction that might appeal to you; feel free to shoot me a DM.

Cheers & best of luck!

22

When and where you are looking to sit in Australia @toreishi could have an impact on your success rate. I wouldn’t go overboard in mentioning your qualifications in your application but rather concentrate on the listing itself and meeting their needs. Be excited to be returning to that particular city after how long it is and to be sharing this time with pets that you love as well as re-connecting with the city. I returned to Ireland this year after 45 years (!!) for 6 weeks and got the sits I applied for. I was very enthusiastic about returning there but my trip was not solely dependant on me sitting as I put my tourist hat on as well.

23

Strangely enough, I got the first sit I applied for in Australia ( Melbourne) when I only had three reviews in THS. I had 5 more sits confirmed, which I mentioned. I think what did the trick was some connections I had with the host. I also told them what flight I intended to buy if they offered the sit, which was meant to be the first in the continent. I told them the time I intended to stay, too so that they knew my plans were firm.

It may be a good idea to start with a less popular destination and then it will be easier to get the destination you want because the HO will know you will be there.

Good luck!

24

What a coincidence!

My second sit was in Ireland (Northern Ireland) and I also returned after 40 years. I think my reasons for being there were important for securing the sit.

25

@toreishi, first kudos on a bunch of experience and for enthusiasm for more adventures.

We’ve been fortunate to complete housesits in many countries (guess ~20). Shout out to above great advice from @HappyDeb. We provide an authentic, honest rationale in our applications. That you studied in target country for multiple years then there seems ample opportunity to mention information to help your application shine.

Re declines, suggest don’t take it personally. Sometimes a pet parent leverages a repeat housesitter - that’s not about you, just fate. Happens. Reminds us of the golfer Gary Player quote “The more I practice, the luckier I get.” Keep applying, evolving and experimenting. Only a matter of time before you get “lucky” :wink:.