I’ve found the majority of my clients have found (learned) ways of making tons of money…. but along with this comes the “Frankenstein”…… the 15,000 + sq ft house or apartment. The 2nd and 3rd (many times more) properties. Boats, planes and a fleet of cars. But these are still family units, with the same basic needs of all families, compounded now with complications of all the toys mentioned above. It’s a “monster” resulting from hard work, success & choice of lifestyle. Now eight or more bathrooms need cleaning, four or more beds need be stripped and made if not [ Read the rest...]

For many Employer’s of Household/Domestic Staff, this is the time of year when additional workers are needed.   Though not needing a permanent employee, the same quality & skill-set is essential. References, background and personality component must still be of the level of a “long term” candidate being considered.  The best way to be assured of having expectations met…… is to be up front, in the beginning, about the “temporary nature” of the job. We have seen many family’s indicate they are hiring for a permanent position.  A new member of the “team” comes on board.  In all work environments, [ Read the rest...]

Since we do not have; “beam me up Scotty” yet…….Chauffeured Transportation would be the following, at a minimum: 1. Availability at Bosses request, when and where needed. 2. Transport safely & comfortably by a FOCUSED, SECURITY-CONSCIOUS INDIVIDUAL. 3. Transport from point A to point B in as fast a time possible, utilizing knowledge of routes & destination, various construction/movie-shoots/closed streets, along w traffic conditions. 4. Driver must be “Secret Service” type; see’s nothing, hears nothing, repeats nothing, remembers nothing…..with the common sense to do something should he/she realize someone in vehicle is having a heart attack or other medical issue. [ Read the rest...]

In Nanny Staffing business for 36 years.  Seen it all when it comes to references, credentials, academic history & background.  Cannot believe how some people stick to their “made up or phony presentation,” when trying to get a job.  Even when the truth is exposed and put in front of their faces.  Always better to be safe than sorry.  Listen to your instincts.  Pay attention to the smallest of “red flags.”  Don’t only check the “reference” of a nanny….. check references/verify the “reference” itself. Be smart.  Have a potential Candidate interviewed by a Doctor or similar professional.  Please be very [ Read the rest...]

You could have had xxxxxx back, at least for the next couple of weeks. With kind words and comments expressing her value and your appreciation. Instead, you attacked and threatened. Weather by innuendo or actual verbiage. You acted in a similar way with me. I’m trying to advise, not criticize. I hope you realize this. Domestic/Household Staff is an employee group, unique and unlike any other. Their “pride & self-esteem,” is all they have. In most cases, they’ve came to the US with little else….except for a suitcase, the clothes on their backs and maybe a relative or friend’s room, [ Read the rest...]

Your Initial Interview at Greenhouse As the person who sits here at the front desk, greeting new applicants, I see many different people walk through this door. Some are dressed to the nines, with a professional resume, a leather briefcase and a whole package of reference letters and certificates. Others arrive with less preparation, but great attitudes, confidence and the ability to tell our Placement Specialists about their qualifications. Many of these folks leave with an interview, or two, set up, or in the works. Unfortunately, there are many people, who arrive here unprepared in one way, or another; these [ Read the rest...]

In a house, the boss, when  going over “responsibilities” with a new/prospective  employee, may say: “you’re going to do cleaning, laundry & cooking.  Also, help with the kids when necessary and oh! our linens and bedding are changed twice a week…..I almost forgot, my husband’s shirts  are done at home. He can’t stand the way the ‘cleaner’s’ do his shirts & they come back with buttons missing all the time.”  This is not a good practice. Try to be as specific as possible.  You can begin with tasks starting in the morning. IE: “first thing you’ll do is empty the [ Read the rest...]

Every one in the US knows we’re going through difficult, tough & unique times.  If your “seeking” Household/Domestic Staff; how do you find the market, compared to a few years back?  Do you come across better qualified candidates? Are candidates more flexible? Are salary requests higher, lower  or about the same? What’s the most obvious difference you’ve noticed? If your a “Personal Service, Career Proffesional,” what have you noticed? More jobs available? Are the jobs requiring more responsibilities?  Do you notice  a change in salaries being offered? We see as an Agency; the demand for “qualified, trained staff”  is still [ Read the rest...]

We come across so many, “seemingly” amazing Candidates. They’re talented, bright & skilled. They list an excellent work history, with all contact info for their references. We call the references, have a 10 to 15 minute conversation and come away thinking the Candidate IS as good as they seem. We’ll find a nice job for them, a well paying job that seems to be a nice “fit” for both Employer & Employee. A week goes by….the jury is still out. The second week..boom, the sh_t hits the fan. The new Employee proves to be not what we thought them to [ Read the rest...]

Well, if you’re searching for a job right now, you may have been disappointed.  This is not the only reason, there are job seekers at this time, but some will be surprised how the expectations of a Domestic/Household Staffer not being met, can result in many openings in the market.  On the other hand, true professionals are not that “mercenary.”  Also, the career & seasoned Personal Service Employee will take many things into consideration, before entering the job market and leaving their current job.  I’ve found over the years, the Holiday Bonus, in reality is not the cause of a [ Read the rest...]