THE INTERVIEW WITH THE PLACEMENT SPECIALIST IN THIS “JOB SEEKERS GUIDE”

So you have done your own research on our agency and decided that Greenhouse is the way to go for your next domestic and household opportunity. You decide that you will visit us as a walk-in. You show up dressed professionally; have all your documents, impressive resume, copy of your certificates, and you fill out our application. The next step is to meet with one of our placement specialists. You patiently wait for the specialist to call your name. You sit with confidence because you know YOU are what we are looking for.

Our placement specialists are very experienced in interviews. Before they call your name, they have already reviewed your package. They will recognize some of your references, if they don’t they will probably do some research on them and check the address to see if it exists. (So please no funny games with putting down a great Park Avenue address and giving out your cousin’s name and cell phone number). We will catch it. If not at that moment, then later on when we really start digging.

Basically, the specialist will review what you have on your application and resume. They will ask additional questions to get a feel of your personality and exactly what you are looking for. They will go into detail about your previous work history to make sure that they understand clearly the duties you performed. They might even find something to add to your resume!

The following is a list of things to understand so that your time and our time will not be wasted. It will help you get the most out of your experience.

• Expect to spend some time with them. This is how you both can get a feel for one another.
• Don’t lie. Tell them the truth about what you really want. This saves time when they are looking to send you out. If you are a chef that does not want to do any housekeeping then tell them this. If you don’t want to live-in then don’t say you want to live-in. This does not hinder your opportunity. It makes it easier for everyone involved on which job order would be right for you.
• You must know how important reference information is to our agency and our clients. We have to verify that the address and phone number exists. We have the technology to do this. When you don’t want to give us their address or home phone it makes everyone suspicious. We have to be able to check a reference. That’s it in a nutshell.
• Ask them questions. Have the questions written down along with any concerns. This will make you feel more at ease.
• Make sure your get their name and card. Know how to get in touch with them and who to ask for when you call in. Don’t lose this information.
• Notate how they want to be contacted and how often. If they say via email then email. If they say call once a week, then there is no need to call everyday…two times a day.
• Don’t try to visit the agency and say you have never been in order to meet another specialist. If you are unhappy with your specialist tell them and they will forward your information to another person.

The best advice I can give you is to make sure you have a good relationship with your counselor. We cannot and will not force you to submit to any interview. If you do go on one and decide you don’t want to take it that’s fine. Just don’t lie to get the interview. The specialists spend a great deal of time on each order and this can be a huge letdown and they may not be as enthusiastic the second time around. Now cross your fingers because we are going to submit your package to a client. Stay tuned!

By: Justine Hall