I do provide both a phone and an email address - suggest using one of the apps for contact if desired.
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It depends on the situation. I don’t usually include my phone number or personal email address in my initial application, but I do exchange it after a HO has expressed interest. I received an invitation yesterday for a sit I had just favorited. I was not available for her dates but sent my phone number so she can contact me directly in the future. I have also sent letters of intro that include my contact info to HO whose sits I’m not able to apply for now but would like to be considered for in the future.
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I meant I don’t include it in my initial application but once the homeowner replies and is interested, then I offer my phone # to have a chat. I find a lot of the homeowners don’t necessarily feel the need to chat prior to the sit but I always do.
I could do an application in 4 words - ‘I’m brilliant, pick me!’ 
- but I do add more info and make it personal to the dog and the area. I offer to do a WhatsApp chat which sometimes the HO takes up, and sometimes they don’t.
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I’m wondering if HOs get a link to your profile when you apply? Do we need to say where we’re based so they can find it more easily? I don’t put absolutely everything about us ( just the most important bits) in the application so I do urge the HO to see our profile to learn more about us, and let them know we’re very happy to have a zoom call, I’m hoping there’s an automatic link but I’m not sure.
Thank you
We think our application letter is fine, it certainly covers the advice I have read on the forum ( Thank you everyone) but I really would like to know if the HO gets a link to your profile or do we need to let them know where we’re based so they can find it more easily?
Yes, we [home-owners] get a link to your profile when you apply for a sit. My inbox shows the sitter’s name and when I open the message, under their name is their strapline followed by ‘View profile…’
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We can click to see your profile, but I don’t know what you mean by “where we are based”. We can see the location you have listed on your profile, but if you are sitting somewhere else, we have no way of knowing. I had an application last week from a sitter whose profile said he was in Israel but, in messages, he said he was in the US.
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Thank you Lassie, yes I did mean where we are located on our profile. Since I wrote my post I now know that HOs see a link to your profile so will be able to see where you are located. Thank you for responding.
Thank you so much for your reply, it’s much clearer now!
Just a short survey. I noticed that when I put my former work experience in my application, I get immediate response. When I don’t put my former work experience in, I don’t. Seriously. I can say I have 35+ 5 star reviews, had dogs, I am clean etc etc. But when I put my work experience in, I get immediate response.
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I dont write alot either….if I happen to be wanting the sit for a specific reason I may mention it.
A 2 year-old post being updated -
I just did a word/character count of a recent application - about 300 words, 1600 characters.
I definitely customize the app message - name the pets or if many use a collective noun - quartet/trio, mention if I’ve sat the breed (if a dog) or species (if unusual -parrot, duck, reptile -but only sat 2 of them). Mention the location and why I like it if I’ve been there before or why I’d like to go there (friends or family in the area).
I do walk with a cane so I put that in the application.
If the sit includes use of a car I note that I’ve used HOs’ cars on many sits, or if the sit doesn’t mention use of car and I think it may be needed, ask about it and note the possibility of airport car swaps to save HOs’ parking fees at the airport.
I’m retired so note what I did when I was working (although it isn’t a profession most people will understand).
If I’m working on sequential sits, mention that and if I’ve already confirmed a sit in the sequence.
I offer a voice/video chat and include email address and cell number asking for a suggested date and time and what time zone I’ll be in for the weeks after submitting application.
I do cut&paste from prior applications, but proofread carefully to make sure I’m getting it right!
My first sit was summer 2019 and I’m on sit 120 or so now.
My apps have gotten better since starting but I managed to get my first 2 intl sits (UK) within a month of starting and then a Jeju Island sit shortly after that (Feb 2020). Then had a trip around the world booked with sits in Hong Kong, Sweden, the UK and back to the US - but covid shut those all down!
Applying for sits isn’t a job, but I work at it.
And I provide a link to a google photo album of the pets I’ve sat. If you are interested - https://photos.app.goo.gl/gBF4CQzvhG7qVtNi7
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Tom - I think the link to photos is a great idea, thanks for sharing.
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What was your work? Anything related to animals (or keeping a house clean/organized 
)?
actually far from it. I worked on Wall St for over 25 years, I did strategy. Maybe they think I am good at figuring things out. I do like puzzles.
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I have a few template application messages - cats / dogs / cats & dogs etc, then get ChatGPT to add in the pets’ names and ensure verb subject agreement.
I also add in a line about my specific medication/old dog/needy cat etc experience when required.
I mention that I work online - many hosts seem to like that as it means I’ll be home a lot with the pets, not out touristing.
I always proofread too.
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I would think they would really like a work online person.
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