Tiffany says:

 
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 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
 
 
 
 
 

Jesse says:

It’s been an intense week for me and it ends with my grandfather’s funeral tomorrow morning. Please send him good thoughts. He was a good man and an inspirational grandpa for me. R.I.P. Joseph Vanacore Sr.
 

Glenn Greenhouse says:

DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTIONS vs. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
 
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 dishwasher from the night before. Next you go upstairs and make sure the kids are up and getting ready for school. Preparing breakfast and feeding the dogs is next. While the kids are eating their breakfast, make sure their book bags are ready, coats, scarves also.”  Continue the conversation with going through a typical days chores in the order which your household’s needs are best addressed.  It’s always a good idea to have a written and itemized list of expected, daily expectations.  This is not as easy as it sounds…but no one knows your house better, than you.  Including “break time” is important.  A potential employee should know, you are reasonable and do care about their work load.  Making sure you emphasize their need to sit down for a quick lunch, dinner etc goes a long, long way.  Believe it or not, this is one of the most common complaints we hear from housekeepers; “there’s never anything for me to eat or I never have a minute to sit down for a sandwich.”
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