What do you say when you apply?

[Blondce]

So just curious. I have applied for 3 different ones. Different locations, different time frames. They have been read, but no response. One still shows 0-3 sitters. Are they just waiting for more?

How much info should I give? I assume they will read my profile. I do give a link to my Rover account, where I have 5 years of 5 star reviews.

Any thoughts?

[mars]

You want to let them know how well suited you are to care for their pets. If you are new to THS and don’t have many, or any, reviews, then yes, I would send them a link to your Rover reviews.

[KarenS]

Hello @Blondce and welcome to TrustedHousesitters and the Forum. This is most definitely the place to come for resources to all things related to pets and travel.

There are many possible answers to your questions here. Just like we all have different personalities, people will vary on their responses and times depending on a number of factors. They might be at work, for example, and unable to reply in detail at that moment. Or they may be looking for something specific they haven’t seen yet.

I see you have 3 solid references which is a good start. I’m not sure if you’re applying for sits locally, but often times it’s a great way to earn your first review within the site. You and Pete seem to have a variety of qualities which a homeowner would desire. One additional item: I would add your listing to your Forum profile: How to add a listing or profile link to your FORUM profile That way potential homeowners can easily access your details. If you need help doing this, please ask.

I have sent you a message regarding additional links as it’s against company policy to advertise. Here is more information on Forum protocols: Community Rules - TrustedHousesitters Community Forum

I hope this helps you navigate the trail here. We look forward to hearing - and seeing photos - of your first expericence with us.

Happy tails
Karen S - Moderator

[Grandma]

And how do you say or phrase, or what specific words, why you are so good. This is not a resume where you can put achievements.

[Brad]

The link you’ve added to your forum profile doesn’t work. That’s the link that shows each of us our own profile. Here are the instructions:

How to add a listing or profile link to your FORUM profile

It’s important to firstly understand that your FORUM PROFILE is different to the profile you have as a member on the main TrustedHousesitters’ website. We do not allow links to profiles or listings in forum topics or posts (see guidelines here), but you can add the link of your TrustedHousesitter website profile or house sit listing in your FORUM PROFILE. The process is slightly different for owners and sitters. Note - We would recommend you do this on the desktop version as it’s easier to ma…

[Vanessa_A]

@Brad Good spot Brad and I’ve just updated this for you @Blondce

[Andrew]

@Blondce

I assume they will read my profile.

Don’t assume this - I’m surprised at the number of Home Owners who don’t read sitter’s profiles. The first thing my profile says is "** I currently have no availability for 2022 ** - yet I get requests to sit every week! So, based on this, when I do apply for sits, I repeat some of the information which can be seen in my profile.

[Blondce]

I followed the instructions that I was given. Sigh. will try again.

[Kelownagurl]

I tell them why we are interested in sitting for them and what our rough travel plans are since we almost always come from overseas and people are often concerned about that.

I mention the pets by name, discuss our relevant experience and why we’d be a good choice to sit them.

I read the listing carefully and mention our relevant experience for any responsibilities they require (lawn/garden care etc).

I then ask them to check out our profile and to let us know if they’d like to have a video chat or phone call etc.

We try to sound enthusiastic and positive and generally, I save my questions until followup messages or for the interview process.

[botvot]

I second what @Kelownagurl said, we do the same.

On the other side of the coin, we were HO who needed sitters on 3 occasions last year. I could not believe the slap-dash applications I received. A one-line application saying: ‘please see my profile’. NO. You need to write an enticing application, like a cover letter for a job application, whereas your profile would be your CV/resume. Offer the information on a silver platter. Then I suddenly understood why we got nearly every sit we applied for (back in Australia in 2019/2020)…because our applications were very thorough.

[BillyBonnieBenji]

Hi Blondce, and welcome!

I would mention the pets by name if you haven’t already when applying. And also something that I didn’t realise straight away is you have to actively state which dates you are available for them to show highlighted in turquoise on your profile. At the moment you don’t have any dates highlighted. Dates available should look like this:

I always have mine highlighted for the next year, and then when I get a booking, it crosses those dates out.

The photos of you with pets (and the kids) are great. Maybe include more photos with pets.
Good luck!

[Blondce]

Where do I do that? If I am applying for a sit, shouldn’t the assumption be
that I am available?

[BillyBonnieBenji]

You would think, wouldn’t you?!

But it will confirm that you are available if you edit the dates.

But also if you are not showing as available, your profile won’t show in available sitters when Home Owners search. Once you’re visible you will no doubt get lots of invites from HOs.

Go to your dashboard, then “My Sitter Profile” then click “Manage availability”.

[Blondce]

So I get a thing that asks me to enter date by date. Should I see something like your screen shot?

[BillyBonnieBenji]

No the dates will all be as they are now; all with white backgrounds, and you click on the first date you are available and then click again on the last date you are available. So in my case; a year from now.

And then those dates turn turquoise.

[Snowbird]

@Blondce here’s an excellent post by one of the forum members that deals with this topic:

Sitter AVAILABILITY Calendar - and how to edit/add/delete dates and location

To update your AVAILABILITY Calendar on the main THS website, go to your dashboard, and scroll down to your picture, beside your picture in green writing “manage availability” click on this. [Screenshot 2022-04-27 at 13.36.14] You can easily edit or remove existing dates, and add as many new dates as you want. Enter start date (From) on the drop-down calendar, enter end (to) date click add. These dates will show as green on your calendar, which you can view, and owners will see, at the bott…

[anon27523372]

I greet the whole names of anyone mentioned in their advertisement, family members, pets.
I also mention that we would care for their pets (individually named) and do what they ask of like go for two walks a day etc.
I always refer to my 100 % positive feedback and reviews highlighting my experience.

I always mention roughly the ETA of time I would arrive and when I would leave.

I also finish off with “Please feel free to ask any questions you have of me”.

I have noticed some house owners have specific requests with responding to them like “If you are interested, please respond by telling me your favourite book and why”.

I read the whole advertisement to make sure I meet what they are looking for. If there is opportunity for flexibility, I ask them to consider that too.

[Leftcoastofcanada]

Hello, I posted on this topic yesterday through a different thread. For what it’s worth, I’ve copy/pasted it here:

The other “tips” I’d say is: go short on the application and long on the bio. Utilize humour. Show your personality. Tell a brief funny relatable pet story. Do you know something neat about their area? Do you have a good memory to share of having visited their area before or a humours reason why you want to? Never underestimate the attraction of possessing local knowledge.

In my humble opinion, I get the feeling that homeowners will invest time in a well crafted bio if your application is clean and to the point, friendly, and phrased more like an invitation to read more about you, rather than a laundry list of things you’ve done.

I guess that’s about all I can think of! (and I’m certainly no expert on the subject ; D

[Cuttlefish]

I really don’t understand this and have never done it! You have to “make” yourself available on there or the assumption is you’re not? We must have been lucky on booking sits for a full year…. #veryconfused

[Crookie]

@Leftcoastofcanada

go short on the application and long on the bio

I don’t agree with this as many HO don’t read a sitter’s profile (bio). Put maximum effort & info in to both your application and profile. It’s ok if some info is repeated, as again, your profile isn’t always read. A HO will always read your application first and first impressions are what count.

Tailor each application to the sit by mentioning the pets names and how you will fulfill the responsibilities mentioned. Talk about your sitting experience, your professional background, any hobbies/interests and why you want to do that particular sit. Offer to have a video call with them to discuss the sit further to ensure you are a good fit for each other.

Have a look at some experienced sitters profiles for some ideas for your own profile. Happy, smiling photos of you with pets are crucial for your profile.

You are right in saying that by applying you are available so don’t worry about the availability calendar too much as many sitters don’t use it (there are many forum threads on that). The calendar will automatically block out any confirmed THS sits you have.

Don’t get disillusioned as it often takes several applications to get a confirmed sit. Try applying for some local sits to get you started.