(Nanny) Zenia 24yrs old

Dear Future Family,

Greetings!

My name is Zenia, 24 years old and single. I am a Filipina working here in Taiwan as a Caretaker for more than two years now. I am the eldest among three in our family. My sister is 22 years old and currently working as a hotel employee in Manila. My brother is 19 years old he just graduated from college this year. Our father is farmer while our mother is a housekeeper. We are living in a small in the central part of the Philippines called Iloilo.

My mother was a domestic helper for more than ten years until I finished my college years. Growing without her taught us to be responsible for ourselves and inside our home. She’s the sole breadwinner of the family because the money my father earns in working in a small piece of land my grandfather left for him is not enough to finance for our daily needs. After college I decided to take over the responsibility for her to rest and take care of our house and our family.
Confident and inspired by my family I was able to survive homesickness and work harder to send my siblings to college and at the same time provide our family’s financial needs.

I have a happy, loving and contented family. We have a strong bond that makes us close to each other even to our extended families. My father together with my grandmother, aunts and uncles molded us to be a better person. They taught us good moral values. They are strict in implementing rules inside our home but do not use physical force such as spanking or the like to reprimand us if we had mistakes. They believe that an open-communications between parents and children is a key to solve problems and to have harmonious relationship.

As a person, my friends and families describes me as a very family-oriented, patient, compassionate, responsible, open-minded and loyal friend. I like the outdoors, enjoying a fine weather and the scenery. Being a member of a mountaineering society of my university, I love to go hiking, island-hopping and exploring the beauty of our country. I love to watch movies and read good books. I hang out with my friends but do not smoke or take alcohol and drugs.
I am a BS Computer Science graduate. I know it’s a way not related to my choice of work right now but being as witty and responsible as I am, I decided to take this as a challenge. I love to take care of other people especially kids, it is my passion. When I was in Manila, my aunt asked me to babysit her then two-month old daughter. I take care of her for almost six months doing general infant care such as bathing, changing diapers, feeding by using baby formulas, giving her the care and love she needs in the absence of her mother. I enjoyed it well that made me realize what I really wanted—to take care of a baby or kids and hopefully someday having my own.

In my work here in Taiwan, I am responsible of doing all the household chores including cooking meals for the family. The best thing I think of staying here is that I was able to do some cooking and they even allow me to cook some Filipino foods or try a simple course I found in a cook book or learned in watching on TV. I also take care of my employer’s grandson who is now eight years old. I make sure that I am giving him the physical and emotional care he needs in the absence of his parents. I play with him, organize some creative activities like doing some coloring, drawing and painting, bringing him out to ride his bike or his scooter around our neighborhood to meet and socialize with kids of his age.

As his nanny I keep him safe all the time and make sure that his surrounding is clean and pleasant. If he is having temper tantrums, I always wait for him to calm down, before asking him to do what we ought to do. I comfort and take good care of him when he is not feeling well and let his parents know immediately. It is good to inform the parents for them to know their child’s development. Everyday is a challenge for me, studying and learning in every possible way in order to be effective.

I take good care of Daniel not because I am paid to do so but because he’s also like a brother to me. I am lucky to be a part of this family for they accept and treat me as one of their own. I know I have made my employer’s family’s life easier by doing my job well, it’s a lot of work but I was able to do it spontaneously and effectively.

It is always been my dream to go to Canada, it is the place where there’s plenty of opportunity. I’ve learned that after two years under the Live-in Caregiver Program I can be a permanent resident and be able to request for my family member to go there. I have also known that I can study while I am working there under the program. It is good because I really wanted to study again to refresh and learn more about the course I have studied in college. Living and working in Canada is a great opportunity to earn and save money because of higher wages. I really wanted to go there to look for greener pasture, a better job and a better life.

Being a caregiver or a nanny is a hard and honorable work. It’s an opportunity to take care of others and make their family’s life easier by doing your jobs well. In return I expect to be treated nicely by my future employers and treat me as part of their family. May you will consider. I am confident that I am qualified for the position and possess the qualities of a good caregiver or nanny. I am also willing to undergo certain trainings or studies that may help me to be of better service to your family.

Thank you so much for your time reading my letter. I hope to hear from you soon.
Best regards to you and your family!

Sincerely,

ZENIA

(Caregiver) Jane 25yrs old

Dear Future Employer,

Greetings to you and the rest of your family. Before anything else, please let me introduce myself to you. My name is, Jane, 25 years of age, single, from Philippines. Presently, I’m working here in Taiwan as Caretaker for more than 2 years now. I was born and raised in a Christian family and the youngest among the 3. I have two Elder brothers who are happily married, both live separately from our parents. My moms is a Nurse by profession, and currently working as a Private Duty Nurse on call in some private hospital located in Cebu City, while my dad on the other hand, is a Retired Employee. For me, having parents like them is really a blessing. They raised us with good morale values and they disciplined me in a good way. Spanking for them is not really necessary unless it’s already a repeated offense. As for making major decisions, I am consulting them for advice but after that they leave to the decision making. For me, being away from my family for the first time is really difficult, but there’s no turning back, I need to be brave and work hard not just for me but also for them.

Presently, I’m taking care of an old female client with complete memory loss due to her advancing Alzheimer’s disease. She is presently admitted in Mackay Nursing Home here in Taiwan. We’ve been together for more than 2 years now, 24 hours per day. I was tasked to provide overall care for this patient such as; bathing her, changing her diaper, massaging her abdomen to promote bowel movement, washing her clothes, feeding, giving prescribed medicines, inhalation med. (as needed/ or when necessary) at a specified time, instilling eye drops, initiating routine exercise (walking, Leg stretching), safe transfer from bed to wheelchair and vice versa and always keeping her safe and well guarded all the time. Although, I have a monotonous routine everyday, I still find my job quite tough and challenging, I need to be very observant in the tiny details my client is manifesting. It’s really hard to have a patient who can’t speak or express her feelings but it is much harder to feel what she feels. Before doing something, you need to think in advance the cause and the possible effects, so that you can come up with a sound decision, tough but I’m enjoying every bit of it. With this job, I learned how to be more sensitive & attentive, more patient and flexible which I believe that a good caregiver should possess. As reference, you can always call my employer for my working performance with the way I care for her mother.

Before this contract expires, I want to apply directly going to Canada. It’s always been my dream to go there and work, and since Canada has opened its doors for migrant workers like me, I want to take the opportunity to apply as a caregiver for your family. Hope you’ll consider me as one. My years of experience working with different clients and my four year academic preparation as a Nursing student (both in classroom and clinical setting) has molded me to become a good caregiver fully equipped with enough knowledge, skills and attitude. When I was in college, in connection with our clinical practice, I had the chance to care for different patients in various age ranges from infant to elder adults, although it’s not a long term care still it helps broaden my knowledge and skills. I just want to let you know that when it comes to my work my heart is really into it. Aside from that, I’m a kind of person, who has a very positive outlook in life, open-minded, very adjustable, hardworking, independent, fun, adventurous, friendly fast learner that needs minimal supervision and very adaptable to change. In addition to that, I am also into sports like table tennis, volley ball, badminton and scrabble. I haven’t been involve nor arrested for any trouble ever since I was a kid.

Well aside for my great passion for work, I’m also interested in cooking and baking cakes/ pastries, it is one of my hobbies and my favorite past time too. I love learning new recipes and cuisine from other country. As for my present and previous jobs, I haven’t been given a chance to cook for them, but I’m in charge to cook in our house before, just like my mom, kitchen is my favorite area inside the house. And to you my future employer, I’d love to learn your way of cooking your meal, in that way it will really suit to your taste, especially if you are in a strict dietary restriction. Don’t worry about the household chores; I’m glad to do it for you.

And to you as my future employer, I’m hoping you’ll treat me nice and good. I always want to maintain a nice harmonious relationship with you and the rest of the family until the end of my contract. I am very much willing to work anywhere in Canada.

To be honest, if given a chance I want to live and enjoy life in Canada together with my family in the future. It is my greatest goal and a promise I want to keep for my parents. But as of the moment, I wanted to give a life they deserve in return for all the things and sacrifices they did for me. That’s the main reason why I pursue this application; this is not just for me but most importantly for my family( my parents ). It would be a great privilege for me if you will hire me as caregiver for your family, I assure you that I will do the best I can, to be a good and responsible caregiver for you. So much for now, I would like to thank you for spending your valuable time reading my letter. My best regards to you and the rest of your family.

Thank you very much.

Respectfully yours,

Jane

(Caregiver) Agnes 32yrs old

Dear Future Employer,

Greetings! I am Agnes, 32 years old, Filipino citizen, married for more than 5 years. We are blessed with 3 healthy cute children namely Austin Jerard (almost 5 y.o), Robie (3 1/2 y.o) & Lyka (9 months old). I grew up in small town in Bato in a beautiful island of Catanduanes in Bicol. I am the second daughter in the family, have three loving sisters and have a very supportive parents.

I graduated Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy on year 2000 had been a volunteer Physical Therapist in the Provincial Hospital in our province. Now working for almost 8yrs. here in one of the tertiary Gen. Hospital in Riyadh Saudi Arabia made me discover more my passion in taking care of individuals who needs special attention. I have a big heart for those who are in need & I do serve my patients devotedly & patiently. I treat & consider them not just an ordinary patient but care for them like my own family as they truly need understanding & support.

I do possess technical & practical expertise in my job making me self reliant & can easily adjust to the workload. I can work efficiently in taking care of patient & be able to provide their nursing needs with full responsibility & dedication. I can also interact with parents of various nationalities & can be relied during emergency situation. I had a training of Basic cardiac life support .

My work here includes: Vital signs monitoring, assisting the patients in bedside care, giving sponge bath, feeding, accompanying patient to x-ray dept., laboratory , OR (if for operation), sending specimen to laboratory collect the results after. I also assist the doctor during their rounds & physical examination, do care of patient's rest & comfort (perineal care, morning care, positioning & other needs).

The patient's I handled in the hospital may vary from the experience that a caregiver is looking for but I love working with all ages as I am always flexible. Patience, hardwork, & commitment to the work are something a caregiver must possess.

During my free time, I usually play with my kids, reading them different story book, also I love to sing to them children songs & watch with them cartoon shows & other educational movies. I used to bring them outside for a picnic, & bring them in a playhouse to let them interact with other kids. In addition, doing household chores was never knew to me. Being a working mother is quite difficult to divide my responsibility of being a mother & working woman but because I have a correct time management, I have been able to fulfill my daily task completely. I personally handle all works such as laundry, ironing clothes, cleaning, going to the market, budgeting , & others. But my most favorite work in the house is cooking.

I always love trying new recipes as what I have in my cookbook. I want to learn to cook different cuisines because one of my dream in the future is to establish a my own business like catering & restaurant. Furthermore, I am always willing to learn to try any recipe you might require to prepare.

My hobbies are singing (I love music), playing piano ( I know little only), and cooking. I like all kinds of sports but I go more on volleyball, swimming, table tennis & bowling. I wanted to come to Canada for work because I want to explore my knowledge & experience , also I am interested in learning about your country & culture, and to have a better life opportunities while working there. I am honest, hardworking, patient, with a good sense of humor, has initiative, & friendly.

I humbly guarantee you that you will not regret if you will hire me because I will do my very best to meet your expectations as a good caregiver. Hoping to hear from you the soonest. My best regards to the family.

Have a nice day!

(Nanny) EVELYN

My name is Evelyn, 38 years of age, physically and mentally fit. Honest, hardworking, committed and easily adaptable. A Public elementary school teacher by profession and now live in Hong Kong and work as a Domestic Helper.

I have been working in Hong Kong since January 2009. I came to Hong Kong as my Gateway to Canada as it is very difficult to get hired direct from the Philippines. My main OBJECTIVE is to work as a LIVE-IN CARE GIVER or NANNY in a good Canadian household.

My Profession as a Teacher indeed has helped me to be flexible and very adaptable to different job situations. I have realized how lucky I am to be of help not just to my own family but also to those who need my help. However as a trained Caregiver and Housekeeper, I need to broaden my horizon in all aspects and to eventually fulfill my burning desire of exploring the essence of primary care and public service in Canada. I decided to apply in the Live-in Caregiver Program of Canada because I know that I can develop better skills that will enable me be more helpful to my family and people who desire my services. It will also allow me further my experience as it is a known fact that Canada is a country of opportunities to those who are honest and hardworking bonded with great initiative.

I have attended and participated in several in-service educational programs such as Basic Life Support Provider with certificate. Fire and Safety Training with Certificates including Proper Body Lifting Mechanics in bedridden and disabled Patients.

Skills:

A College graduate with major in Elementary mathematics in the early school grades. I can handle children of pre-school ages. A trained Caregiver/Housekeeper and can take care of Newborn baby and people of different age levels of development. Computer literate (MS Word, MS Excel, Internet access and E-commerce). I can communicate both verbally and written English language with basic knowledge in French language and I can easily adapt to different work environments with cheerfulness.

A little bit about my family. My parents are alive and they are in their late sixties. I am married, with three children - 1 boy and 2 girls. My son is 10yrs old, followed by mymiddle daughter who is 6yrs old and my youngest daughter - 2yrs old. I have 3 brothers and 2 sisters and I am the 3rd, followed by 2 girls and 1 boy.

While I'm away from my children, they will be under the care of my husband and parents and I will be communicating with them often from wherever I choose to live.

My answers to the interview questions:

What did you enjoy most about your present job?

I enjoy preparing the children for school every school day and getting them into their school bus.

What was the worst thing about your present job?
Waking up 6 AM to start cleaning the house and closing late at night.

What was the most difficult thing you had to do in your life and how did you handle it?
Quitting my job as a Public School Teacher for more than 10 years. That was a decision I had to make in other to create a better life for my children.

How were you disciplined as a child? And how do you discipline your own children?
As a child, my parents taught me to always do the right thing and I am teaching my children to have faith and always choose the right path that leads to better life.

What do you do for fun?
On my day off, which is usually on Sundays, I chat with my family in the Philippines and elsewhere.

What makes you happy?
Seeing my children and other members of my family in good health.

What are the three most important things for you in choosing a new job?
Serving to improving the good health and social well-being of people
Better life and education for my family and others
Brighter and wider opportunities in the horizon

Why do you want to come to Canada?
Going to Canada will enable me to prepare a better future for my children and my extended family.

How long would you like to stay with your new employer?
I will stay as long as my services will be required by my employer/s

Do you plan to come directly to Canada?
Yes, the moment an employer becomes available for me, I will relocate to Canada from Hong Kong.

Are there any types of people who make you uncomfortable or who you would not like to work with?
In fact, as a trained Caregiver/Housekeeper, I can adapt to any work situation as long as it is adaptable by human beings.

Are you willing to work anywhere in Canada?
Yes, I am willing to relocate myself to Canada and work in any part of Canada as a Live-In Caregiver or Nanny.

What are your future plans?
My future plan is to live and work in Canada and with that, I will be able to improve my living condition and that of people around me.

Have you been responsible for all of the cooking in any of your jobs? Are you comfortable in the kitchen? What do you like to cook?
I am very comfortable in the Kitchen but I have not been employed as a cook before. However, I can prepare some stew and vegetables that could be served with Rice. As long as I have a recipe book, I am confident that I can make it edible.

Are you athletic? Do you like spending time outdoors? What outdoors activities will you enjoy doing with the children?
As a trained Teacher and a Girls Scout leader in my former school, I went camping with my Pupils and taught them different Sporting activities. I enjoy ball games, walks and time spent at the playground.

Describe some of the things that you have done that make your employer.s life easier.
By working and doing general Housekeeping in the house, my employer can have a better concentration at the office knowing very well that the house is being taken care of by a trained professional.

Have you ever been arrested or in trouble?
No
Do you use alcohol or drugs?
No

Do you have any dietary restrictions or requirements your new employer should know about?
None

What ages of children do you have experience with and which ages do you think you are most suited to care for?
As a mother and trained teacher/Caregiver, I will say that I am comfortable with any living human being irrespective of age.

Would you care for special needs children/adults? Do you have experience?
Yes

When I speak to your former employer(s) what will they tell me about you?
My employer will tell you that I am very hard working and accommodating.

Give me three reasons why an employer should hire you.
I am a trained, honest and obedient
I am hard working
I can easily adapt to different job environments.

What kind of support do you have in your decision to come to Canada?
My entire family is very supportive.

What are your expectations about your job in Canada?
I will be able to work for my employer and even put in extra hours to earn reasonable amount at the end of the month that will enable me to assist my family.

How would handle a temper tantrum? A sick child? What if a child refused to
listen to you, What would you do?
I must try to be patient and tolerant.

Describe a typical day on the job that you do now, include start times and finishing times.
I do the house chores, wash and iron cloths. I prepare the children for school and take them to the school bus. I go to the market to buy groceries and do some occasional cooking. I start very early in the morning and close late at night every day except my day off which is every Sunday.

I do hope that I have written something here that is of interest to you. It will be my first time to work as a live-in caregiver, I am always willing and ready to develop my skills and learn more. Hope you will give me chance to show my skills. I will be honored and excited to meet my host family soon.

Kindest regards,

Evelyn