The application letter – a seemingly simple yet immensely crucial step in your journey to becoming a successful house sitter. As house sitting becomes more popular and consequently more competitive, a well written application letter is key to making a lasting impression and maximising your changes of securing an interview. To stand out from the crowd, follow these essential tips for crafting an application letter that grabs homeowners’ attention and showcases your suitability for the role.
Address their needs and concerns first
From the moment you start composing your letter, keep your focus laser-sharp on the homeowners and their unique requirements. Dive deep into the house sitting listing, reading their description of what the house sit entails. The goal is to create a personalized letter that resonates with their specific needs and concerns.
Address the homeowners by their names whenever possible. If they’ve lovingly mentioned their pets’ names in the listing, leverage this information to mention them as well. Such simple but thoughtful touches help forge an instant connection.
It’s imperative to align your application with the responsibilities outlined in their listing. Explicitly reference the duties and tasks they’ve specified and tie that to your previous experience and skillset. This not only demonstrates your attention to detail but also assures homeowners that you’re the right person for the job.
Recognize that the process of finding a trustworthy house sitter can be daunting for homeowners. Your tone should exude friendliness, but also confidence and reassurance. Your application letter should be the answer to their prayers, so emphasize how you can not only meet, but rather exceed, their expectations.
Explain your own requirements
Sharing your needs upfront fosters transparency and helps the homeowners determine if their home and house-sitting assignment are a good fit for you. We recommend framing your requests as polite inquiries rather than demands, which helps maintain a friendly and cooperative tone.
By now, you should have a good understanding of your deal-breakers. Here are some of the most common considerations for many house sitters:
Internet Access: If remote work is part of your routine, this likely tops your priority list. You may even wish to request a speed test to ensure the available connection meets your requirements
Accommodation Preferences: For instance, if you favour a private bedroom over a sofa bed, or require a designated workspace, this is also a good time to mention these personal preferences.
Pets and Allergies: If you have allergies or specific concerns related to pets, it’s vital to communicate these in advance.
Health and Safety: If you have any health or safety concerns, this is also a good time to discuss them with the homeowners, for your own peace of mind.
Request a Video Call
Once both you and the homeowners have established that you are on the same page, we strongly recommend suggesting a video call. This step can substantially enhance the application process and foster trust and confidence on both sides.
A video call provides an invaluable opportunity for both you and the homeowners to get to know each other better in real-time. It enables spontaneous discussions where unforeseen questions or concerns can arise naturally.
These conversations can be pivotal in clarifying expectations and addressing uncertainties, and allow you to establish a deeper connection and gain insights that written words might not convey.
Sometimes, during these live conversations, something clicks, and you feel an instant rapport with the homeowners. Conversely, if something feels “off” or raises concerns during the video call, trust your gut feeling.
By incorporating a video call into your application process, you’re taking a proactive step toward building a solid foundation for a successful house-sitting arrangement.
Post-Conversation Etiquette
You’ve submitted your application and maybe even had a video call. Let’s explore the possible scenarios that may unfold afterwards and how to respond gracefully:
If you are chosen and want to accept the invitation, promptly notify the homeowners of your decision. Express your gratitude for the opportunity and outline the next steps. Discuss any pending details, such as travel arrangements, key handovers, or pet-specific instructions, to ensure a smooth transition.
If, upon reflection, you find that the arrangement isn’t the right fit for you, simply thank the homeowners for considering you and explain your reasons for declining without going into unnecessary detail.
Was your application declined? It’s natural to feel disappointed. However, do remain professional by sending a polite reply to thank the homeowners for their time. Express your continued interest in house sitting, keeping the door open for future possibilities.
Even if you’re relieved not to be selected, do leave the door open for future collaborations. Maintaining a professional approach, regardless of the outcome, contributes to building your reputation as a reliable and respectful house sitter in the community.
In summary…
In the competitive world of house sitting, a thoughtfully composed application letter can set you apart and open doors to exciting opportunities. By prioritizing homeowners’ needs, transparently articulating your own, and embracing the power of personal connections through video calls, you’ll maximize your chances of becoming the sought-after house sitter you aspire to be. Good Luck and Happy House Sitting!
