I posted my first HO listing yesterday and have had a number of people save it and one applicant so far. The applicant is someone I would definitely consider, though I would like to see a few more applications before scheduling interviews. I’m wondering if I should respond right away and at least say thanks for applying or just wait a bit and see how many more I get?
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Yes, absolutely acknowledge and thank them for their application straight away - sitters really appreciate that! My advice; it’s fine to wait and see if you get more applicants, but I wouldn’t leave the sitter hanging for too long, or they may cancel their application. You might want to consider setting up a video call with them so you can chat further and get to know them - there is no obligation to invite them to sit for you during your chat, you can just explain that you are waiting for some more applications - that’s totally fine! Get back to them about your decision in a timely manner though (a few days).
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As HO if we find an applicant that is suitable we don’t wait until we receive other applications. In our view an applicant is either a good choice or he is not; he is not partially a good choice until we find someone else more suitable. But as others have said, the key is communicating quickly with the current applicant to let them know you are in the process of reviewing and not leave them hanging.
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I understand wanting to be able to compare, especially for your first sit through THS. But you don’t want to keep someone who looks like a great fit waiting. Set up a video call, and if another great-looking sitter applies before the call with the first person, it’s ok to set up a call with that sitter - just be transparent with everyone. ETA: and make a decision immediately after the 2nd call if it comes to that.
OTOH, if the call goes well, don’t make that sitter hang around just in case some else applies - confirm!
I hope you get a great sitter 
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It’s not like interviewing for a job…. different sitters are on different time schedules and have differing planning/diary management agendas.
Your one applicant might (hearing nothing from you) simply withdraw and move on…this is what we do after 24-48hours of seeing that the HO has read my application. They might have done a great job…. and are now video chatting with another HO and will do a great job for them. Unless you have a significant concern- or a minor one that can be explored during a video chat I’d get back to them pronto and arrange a video chat to explore ‘fit’…. they might decide you’re not right for them of course. It’s a matter of equals exploring together the match and fit……if it feels right then you both confirm the sit. You’ll not know if 3 other sitters might have been ‘better’ but what does that even mean in this context? I tend to think in terms of ‘good enough’ for peace of mind….
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What’s that saying?.. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
The flip side of the coin is no else (suitable) will apply and by the time you respond to the applicant, they may have moved on. There are far more sits than sitters these days.
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I didn’t even think of waiting after we had an application. I liked them and accepted. We did a video call and agreed. In my opinion, if you like them why wait? Perhaps I was just grateful someone wanted to stay at our home?
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It’s not about looking at the variety of applications you review and comparing them, although it is good to do that. As soon as you have a applicant that you feel good about, go with your gut, it’s a feeling, it’s a vibe, it’s your intuition, and it has served you well all of your life. Or someone else will snap them up before you get chance.
We only typically wait 24hrs to get some sort of a response from an application, if we don’t we presume we weren’t the right fit, or they are just simply people that drag their heals, whereas we took action to apply in the first place.
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You can take as long as you like, but sitters don’t necessarily need to wait on you — they can withdraw their application, take another sit, etc. And there are more sits than sitters, much less good sitters. So if you’re not in a popular location, you might end up without a sitter or having to settle for an iffy one.
A number of experienced sitters won’t wait long. Personally, I withdraw within 48 hours if the host doesn’t reach out for a video chat. Even without waiting on slow hosts, I easily booked up for 2024.
Plus, sitting is optional for me and many other sitters. Like if I really want to go to a specific place, I can just pay my own way. It’s not as if sitting is a must.
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@lizzieanne If you have read the application and like the sound of the person then reach out and make further contact to see if they might be a fit. And if you ‘click’ with each other then confirm them before you lose them… Don’t wait for ‘someone better’ …who might never apply! At the very least acknowledge the application- respond politely, thanking them for applying and say you’ll be following up very soon.
Never tell them you are waiting for more applicants! (Even if you are!) That would be a reason for them to withdraw their application as you already indicate they are not an instant Yes for you. No one wants to be kept as back up!
I find that once I’ve seen that my msg has been read - then each day that passes with no response causes my interest to wane. If its a sit I really really want I might send a follow up but if still nothing is forthcoming I’d withdraw and move on.
I can understand, though, as a first time host you feel a little insecure as you have no previous experience to compare with. But what about this applicant? Do they have a few great reviews? And a nice profile? If they are also first timers you have less to go on but…we all have to start somewhere!
When we started out, we & our first host were both newcomers. It was a great experience for us all!
Its worth taking the next step and find out more. Then trust your gut! Good luck!
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I just want to say there are several things to look for. Many people choose sitters because the sitter is someone they like. Be discerning for your furry four legged family members. We like them, but would _______ like them as well. I always ask to visit with the pet in my chats. Sometimes they hear my voice and when their tails or begin purring. I love leaving a home cleaner that I found it. I like leaving a happy more.
Someone said if the person is a good fit don’t keep them hanging on too long. I typically get chosen or not chosen within a couple of days. Mostly I’m considered. When I’m not it’s okay, because that person has chosen the best match for there needs.
Wishing you all the best. I’m wishing your furry family even BETTER.
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@lizzieanne As a HO I respond to each application right away when I read them, something like “Hi -name-! Thank you for your application. I’ll get back to you in a couple of days.” Unless I know right away they are not the right match for this sit, then I decline them (with a message).
I like to have some written communication with sitters before the video chat, especially if there are couple of good applicants. That gives me a change to ask (and answer) some important questions beforehand and get a bit better feeling of the sitter.
Usually I try to arrange a video chat within 3 days of receiving application with the one I think would be the best match.
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I would also say dont leave it too long before speaking to your applicant, if you face time and like her why would you want to wait to see if someone better comes along, if i was the sitter and you thought i was a good enough applicant to speak to but then told me you were waiting to see who else applied, i would be offended and withdraw my application, you would then be left with no options.
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@lizzieanne it’s great that you already have 2 applicants ( at time of writing ) .
Something to keep in mind is that these sitters likely will have also applied for other sits for the same dates so if you don’t snap them up quickly - another homeowner may confirm them and you could miss out .
So if they seem suitable (based on their application, profile and previous reviews ) arrange a video call asap.
If they are a definite no -it’s best to decline their application straightaway .
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It’s not a bad idea to review some people who have saved your listing and contact them - I’ve sometimes saved whilst I check out some other details before applying, and I was contacted by someone who saw I’d saved their profile, and things worked out and I sat for them.
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Like other Sitters already have written: If they don’t reach back to me within 2 (maybe 3) days after I applied, then I withdraw.
Then they probably don’t feel the same click as I did, reading their post. And others are more suitable for hem.
What is okay off course, since this exchange is based on trust and equality. So I don’t let them wait, they should not let me wait too long.
I am not a fulltime sitter, just after seeing a advertisement I have a good feeling with, I apply. Otherwise I stay at my own beautiful home.
(Off course the dates and place also have to be do-able).
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