Andrew I don’t know where you are located but I am experiencing the other side of the coin. I am going away in December and for a month and have had no applications and am getting a wee bit nervous. When I did do housesitting I started with local close to home sits first to get reviews.
Hi @Marylou I can understand your need to get a sitter arranged but would not be too concerned at this point. You have created a great listing, being a sitter gives you that added experience and perspective and it’s a month long taking in both Christmas and New Year.
There are still travel uncertainties in people’s minds which will improve as travel becomes normalized once again and December is a while away. Everyone has been through a period of uncertainty never experienced before, it will take a little time to return to the “new normal”
I’m sure you will find helpful advice and support from other members on the forum.
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that would be a wonderful asset from a home owner perspective,
shirley
If this information is in a sitters profile, would you advise that they repeat it in an application ? I often don’t add much on an introduction letter as I think I have quite a comprehensive profile introduction. It hasn’t stopped me being given sits, but maybe I can improve myself a little ?
Hi @BridgetC, sorry for the delay, I’m off traveling! I think a little repeat is okay but I wouldn’t go into crazy detail. I think some homeowners may not read the profiles before making decisions so I’m just suggesting you paint an engaging picture from the first chance you get, which is when you apply. Detail can go in your profile.
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Thank you. That sounds very sensible 
Enjoy your travels !
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As a new sitter, I appreciate all of your advice. I always write an application from the heart. I’ve been turned down many times, but many times I have received a heartfelt response to my inquiry saying they would consider me for the next time. Since joining last fall, I have already completed one short sit and have two more confirmed this fall. Hopefully, with good reviews, I will be chosen for some a European sits next year.
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Keep coming to Germany in mind. We‘re not far from Frankfurt, Heidelberg and some wine regions. We’ll be away for 2-3 weeks in Jul/Aug😉
Maybe we’re a match?
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I absolutely will!!! Thanks
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Hi, my name is Francine, I joined last summer but I have been unlucky to find sitters that would hire me. Do you have tips?
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@Francesca - Do you mean that you haven’t found homeowners that want to hire you to be a sitter?
Exactly, I have submitted my appli auto 7 of them and it seems that no one has accepted me. This is discouraging as I paid for a membership . Why is that? I have experience and sat before
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Hi @Francesca welcome to our community forum I’ve moved your comments and question into this conversation as it’s been incredibly helpful to new members looking to secure their first sit.
It can take many applications and then some are successful on their first try, we can always help by looking at your profile as sometimes a pair of experienced eyes can help with improvements that can make a difference.
Also applying for the right sit is important, creating a good personalised application snd starting locally, where possible.
I’m sure you’ll get some great help and advice from our members to help you get that first sit.
Angela & The Team
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As a brand new member of the pet sitting community, I have loved sending off my applications but I have never gotten a sit confirmation yet. I spent a month being full of excitement and motivation writing a unique and individual letter to the sits I would enjoy to have but unfortunately no confirmations yet.
Do you guys have any advice how new member can get on a track of gaining reviews and community trust?
Cheers from Prague!
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Thank you so much for your advice
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Hi @anutaa_i - Your first sit is always the hardest to get so do not be disheartened. To get your reviews started look for short sits, preferably local so you don’t have too far to travel. As @BunnyCat says, this is a great time to start as there are many Christmas sits advertised. In your applications, acknowledge that you are new to THS but also mention any other pet care experience you may have whether that be looking after your own pets or the pets of others. Don’t forget to mention the pets by their name - saying ‘Millie’ and ‘Mandy’ is much better than saying ’ your pets’. Good Luck!
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Colin, thank you very much for your kindest reply
Great advice!
@anutaa_i - This is a thread from a while ago, you may get some good tips here
Advice for a first time house sitter? - Sitters Questions, Advice & Chat - TrustedHousesitters Community Forum
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Perfect tip about past references, I thought it only has to be from THS members. Thank you!
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Hi @anutaa_i welcome to our community forum and thank you @Colin for highlighting the thread Nobody wants me :-( Advice for a first time house sitter? - #106 by BunnyCat as you say there is really good information, help and advice on the thread and Andrew secured sits as a result of receiving support from our community.
I’ve looked at your profile and the images you have are lovely, try adding more and when we survey owners they do say a picture of sitters with pets as their main profile image attracts them more.
Also external references: you can add external references and again surveying members tells us that new sitters with 3 or more references are more successful, the quality and relevance is more important that the quantity.
It took me at least 3 months and numerous applications before I was successful, for others they are successful on their first application it really does vary widely. It’s about making connections for instance my first successful application was due in part to a mutual love of Springer Spaniel, the pet was a Springer and I have been owned by 6 of them.
Another point to bear in mind, these are very different times there are still concerns for many around travel, especially when considering sitters from out of country, if possible look at sits closer to where you are living, not always possible we know.
I hope that helps and our community will have great ideas also, we all started at the same point and you will be successful … the festive image of you with the puppy is lovely.
Angela and the Team
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