Let’s say you need a job. You come to Greenhouse with your resume, reference and ID. You meet myself or one of the other counselors. We get you an interview for a position that is attractive both in responsibilities, hours and salary. You get along well with the family. After your interview, Mr. Smith calls and alerts us that he’s interested in extending you an offer, that he wants you to start working as soon as possible, that you’re exactly what he’s looking for in an employee, that there’s chemistry.  Mr. Smith also says that he wants to start you [ 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…]

Nothing but admiration for the lady….and she was a Lady. Feeling sad, very sad. She always stood by her man, worked hard giving my generation hit after hit to remember. Great actress…­will never forget her in the arms of Kevin Costner, while he kicks his way out of the theater. I’m truly “angry.” I’ll miss Miss Whitney Houston. My most heartfelt “condolenc­es” go out to her family. I know she’s happy & at peace. Whatever speeding, nightmaris­h & unstoppabl­e “express train” (I believe she was on, the last 10 or so years) she probably tried her hardest to “stop” and [ 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…]

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 [ 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…]

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 [ Read the rest…]

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 [ Read the rest…]