Hi @jennymcg welcome to our community forum and to TrustedHousesitters, there are a number of topics and conversations discussing this question you can use the search function by entering key words and there are great article s on the blog, I’ve included one below.
I’m sure you’ll also get some great advice from our helpful and friendly members … but top line is, be professional, always thoroughly read the listing and personalize the application, some owners make it easier than others by include a lots of information, be friendly and approachable be that sitter the owner wants to have a conversation with, but most of all be yourself.
https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/what-do-your-write-in-your-application-to-sit