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 folks often have to return to our office, or email us with the vital information that they forgot in the first place. By not preparing for the initial interview, these applicants delay their opportunity to meet with our clients and to possibly leave with a new job.

Here are some tips as to what to prepare, how to dress, and what information to have with you when you meet with our Placement Specialists:

·  Remember to bring a resume – Even if you don’t have the ability to create a perfect resume, it is important that you create a sheet of paper noting the dates you worked,  the name of the family/business you worked for and a list of things you did for them. Although you will be completing an application, most of our clients ask to see the applicant’s resume so they can clearly see the employment history.

·  Try to get reference letters – While having the phone numbers of your former employers is important, as we do make sure to check all references, we prefer if you can get written reference letters from the people you’ve worked for.  These letters do not have to be long, but having them adds to your “Applicant Package”, making you more appealing to your prospective employers

·  Don’t forget your IDs at home – Unfortunately, many people arrive at the office, and realize that they have forgotten their IDs at home. People almost always carry their Driver’s Licenses with them, but don’t usually walk around with their Social Security Cards, or Green Cards. Remember that we will need to keep your IDs on file, so get them out of the drawer and bring them with you!

·  Dress appropriately – Although we do not require anyone to dress up in a suit, a dress, or a tie, to meet with us, it is very important that you dress presentably when meeting with a Placement Specialist.  There are two reasons that your presentation is important.  First, often, our counselors are able to get candidates an interview with a family or two, the same day; however, we can not send you to meet with a potential employer, if you are not dressed “interview ready”. More importantly, your attire says a lot about who you are. Your chosen wardrobe will help our Placement Specialists see that you are prepared, and serious about seeking employment.

DO WEAR:

o       Black pants or dark, clean and crisp jeans,

o       Flat shoes

o       A button-down shirt, shirt with a collar

o       Light makeup (women)

o       Well trimmed nails.

DO NOT WEAR:

o       Dirty, grungy and/or ripped pants or jeans

o       Big, flashy jewelry

o       Heavy bright makeup, long nails, or wild hairdos

Remember, first impressions count; and you never have a second chance to make a first

Impression!

·  Don’t be shy – The other day, we had a lovely lady here looking for a job.  Because she came from a different country, she was shy about opening up and telling us about herself in English.  It was hard to draw out information from her at first, and I was worried that we wouldn’t be able to help her, because she wasn’t telling us about her experience and qualifications.  After Denise, our Senior Placement Counselor spent sometime with her and got her to relax, we found out that she was a college educated woman with many years of solid experience, working for prominent families. After her interview, we had options for her; and she left our office with a smile on her face.

Remember that we are here to assist you. Meeting with a counselor at Greenhouse, shouldn’t make you nervous.  We want to help you find work.  We want to place you with the best family possible; and in order to do so, we need you to tell us about what you can do, and what you have done.  Our counselors ask you each question for a specific reason.  Often we have unique jobs for specific backgrounds.  The more you tell us, the more we can help you.

Good luck on your interview! I look forward to assisting you!

Tiffany

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, people talk, conversations can be over heard or the feeling of being in a new, long term setting is lacking.  Very quickly, this new member of the Household Staff gets the feeling they’ve been mislead……. as to the true “stability” of their new job.  A new worker will feel as if they’ve been taken for granted.  True professionals are not naive.  Though being complemented on how well their doing, they will see and feel there is a predetermined, termination.  A situation like this is always best to avoid.  It can be very unsettling to existing staff and of course, the new person is not a happy camper.  They may have left a stable job, to take on this new position.  Possibly, they’ve chosen this temporary situation over a true “permanent, long term position.”

In this most “unique” of Employer/Employee environments……. the Household, it’s always best to be clear from the get go.  There are always excellent, skilled Housekeepers, Nanny’s, Chefs, etc., who would agree to a short-term arrangement.  An Employer may  pay a slightly higher wage or even a Temp Fee to an Agency…..but it is better to be open & candid.

Glenn Scott Greenhouse

The point is, not everything is about salary or money.  Most quality candidates, who have the skill set and experience your seeking, want to be treated with dignity and know their basic needs are important to their boss.  An experienced household/domestic worker understands their roll in the household.  It’s showing your an experienced employer of household staff that will help you land a candidate who will meet your requirements, take pride in their job and want to make their boss happy.  A housekeeper or nanny is not looking for a friend or particularly sweet, kindhearted boss.  Their seeking a stable, organized environment and an occasional pat on the back.

Bottom line;  Being as clear and detailed as possible upfront, will avoid many problems down the road!!

Glenn Greenhouse

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 high.  Employer’s are being more “cautious.”  Background Checking has become more important, but salaries are still good, compared to most other

industries.  Suprisingly, we’re finding “job-seekers” not as flexible as we would think with unemployment in the 8-9% range.  We’ve always known, true, qualified and experienced Domestic/Houshold Staff has always been

a commodity.  We expected asking salaries to go down a bit…they realy haven’t.  We thought “job-seekers” would be more flexible with hours, summer travel, taking on additional responsibilities etc.  But we’ve seen little of

this.  Is it a stubborness?  A: ” I was earning 65 k three years ago and I’m going to wait it out, till I get what I think I deserve attitude?”  Hard to figure.  Could be because the “demand” for Household Staff, despite the financial

problems the country is facing, has noticeably diminished.  I guess, as long as the JOBS are still out there, along with the NEED….the “desired staff” which will hopefully meet an Employer’s expectations, will continue to do well.

Any feelings and or comments on the “uniquness”  of this Employer/Employee situeation, will be helpful and greatly appreciated.

Thanks To All

Glenn Greenhouse

Please be sure to consider whether you will be “happy” on the job & “like” the family your considering to commit to. Though very important, money isn’t everything. When in a work environment where you’re close to your boss, all the time…..you must be sure it’s an environment that’s tolerable and you can deal with: “emotionally,” “psychologically” & “…physically.” This is a very unique “employment relationship.” Every “Household” is different, every “Employer” is different. None are truly bad, but some situations are more “stressful” than others. All people are different and some can handle “situations” that others cannot. Look at the “whole picture” when thinking about taking a job. Weigh all the pros & cons. Again, money must not be your only “motivator.” I’m not suggesting taking a position which will put you in worse financial straights, only that giving up an extra $50.00 per week, to take a job where you will be happy & enjoy your days, is the smart way to go.

by  Glenn Greenhouse  ©

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 be. Skill level is weak, personality is in-appropriate for a household, reliability is know where to be found. What happened? How could we have been so wrong? The Employer also, who made the decision to bring them on board?
In many cases, the mistake goes back to the reference. Did we (you) really know who you were speaking with on the phone? Who was it, truly, who gave the great reference? I’ve learned, even the reference should somehow be checked too!

It does make our job a bit harder, but we have found effective ways of knowing who, what, where we’re calling when checking a reference. We also found, being thorough and taking the extra time, is well worth it!

by Glenn Greenhouse ©

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 long term employee, deciding to leave.  In most cases it’s simply being unhappy  on the job.  To many hours, stressful environment, burn out, change in their own personal life, change in the household environment  or even an other member of the staff, tend to be the most common reasons, such a serious move is contemplated.

Even Employer’s of Personal Service Staff can have a bad year….financially.  This will always effect things across the board.  Most Staffers pick up on this and this is when loyalty kicks in.  A true “lady” or “gentleman” will not have forgotten all the past acts of “graciousness.”  Over the years, I have seen many acts of “appreciation” on the part of  the Boss.  More often than not, these acts have been truly extravagant.  Airline tickets for a Housekeeper that’s going home to visit family.  A nice Rolex, cosigning for a house or apartment, down-payment for a house….I’ve heard of an Employer who paid for there Driver’s Son’s School tuition.  Sometimes it’s been simple “notes” of thanks and rewarding their staff with lots of time off or allowing them to leave early on a regular basis. A simple “understanding” that those who are in “service” have a life of their own, will always go a long, long way.

I feel the bottom line is common sense; “the knowledge that the relationship between Employer & Employee is a ‘two way street.’  Mutual respect and the meeting of each others expectations, is what truly makes for a happy relationship.

by Glenn Greenhouse ©

Why did you leave your last job? Will your previous employers speak on the phone about you? Why are you a ——————? Do you enjoy this work or is it the money? What would you do if (hypothetical situations) my two kids are fighting over the same toy? If we’re away and my Son starts running a fever? Can you work late on occasion, if we’re delayed one evening in getting home?  If I can’t make dinner one evening, are you willing to put something together for us? You’re looking for degree of flexibility and willingness. What salary are you seeking? (you always want a content Personal Service Staffer)

By  Glenn Greenhouse

When checking references on a candidate, know who your talking to. Google the address of the reference, Google the reference, IE: your given a name, phone & address, Your told the Nanny earned $1,000.00 per week, worked with other staff in a large Suburban House with a swimming pool, tennis court, gazebo etc. After doing a bit of Google, you find the house is a tiny row house, in an industrial area & the reference works as a taxi driver….duh, something isn’t right.  When interviewing, see what your kids think. Note your “pets” reaction to the candidate.  Kids and dogs have a natural instinct. True professional, seasoned candidates will NOT wear flashy jewelery, have tattoos, smell from heavy perfume or be dressed for a “Saturday Night Out.”

by  Glenn Greenhouse  ©