Sitters and hosts: I’d love your honest perspective on repeated application declines

Sitter Questions, Advice & Chat
16

I’m a HO and this is how I review sitter apps after a few years of experience:

  1. I state clearly in my listing what I am looking for and what would be a disqualification for me. I always get apps from people who clearly didn’t read it and applied anyway = Immediate decline, no comment. Jeepers, read the listing!

2. I normally get apps with a high number (10-25+) of consistently strong reviews. They go straight to the top, IF they also meet the next one:

  1. They introduce themselves clearly and concisely in a way that shows; INDEPENDENCE, RESPONSIBILITY, and SPECIFICALLY REFER to the main needs I have expressed in my listing. Don’t tell your whole life story, don’t get all slobbery in your words about how much you already love my pet, don’t tell me how convenient it is that the dates line up perfectly because your sister is also visiting my city and you’ll be able to hang out together. Just keep it simple, clear, kind, and demonstrate that I can trust you with my home and pet.

  2. I go with my gut and only request a phone conversation with my top pick. Having 2-3 calls just takes up everyone’s time and makes the decision more difficult. I’d rather not have to turn someone down whom I just bonded with on the phone if I don’t need to. If I’m not sold, I will go back and schedule a call with another sitter.
    5. I try to acknowledge every app if you have at least taken the time to write something thoughtful and read my listing, but know that THS automatically declines all other apps when a sit is confirmed, so it may not always be intentional on the HO’s part.

    As someone else stated, I try and respond in kind. If you clearly just sent off a bunch of generic applications, don’t expect much of a reply from me.