Finding The Right Housekeeper For You And Your Family
- Date: 2010-09-12 - Word Count: 481
Share This!
Searching for a capable housekeeper who can become a welcome and functioning part of your family may seem like a daunting job, but there are several approaches that can make the process much easier. Initially, you need to decide between hiring an agency and paying its higher fees or looking around for yourself. Word of mouth is always useful because your friend can often also give a reference for the person being mentioned. The Yellow Pages list cleaning services as do online sites. You can also try the classifieds, both in the local papers and online. A local college may have students looking for part time jobs that will fit your needs and schedule.
Once you have a name, a telephone interview will help you decided whether this person is worth pursuing. At this time, set up a visit to your home and prepare yourself for a serious, in depth interview. Since misunderstandings are most apt to occur over lapses in communication, it is important to be very thorough about your expectations. You might want to develop a job description that you can use as a tool during the interview process. It should include the schedule, specific responsibilities, house rules and standards, and of course, salary and benefits. A walk-through of your house and discussion of your expectations will be useful. Keep a notepad to jot down answers to your questions to aid your memory and avoid further confusion or misunderstanding later.
Because you will be giving a virtual stranger access to your family and your property, it is important to be thorough in checking references. Ask for 3-5 both personal and professional and from non-relatives. When you go over the work history, now is the time to ask about work gaps or unexplained circumstances. Since your safety and security are paramount, you may want to also do a credit and criminal background check. A housekeeper who is unwilling to share information is definitely a red flag, having said that the interview should not feel like an inquisition. Be friendly and respectful or you may drive a potentially great housekeeper right back out your front door.
When you follow-up on references, ask the key question, "Would you hire this person to work for you again?" You can learn volumes by this simple little question, and while many people would be reluctant to speak negatively about a former housekeeper, they almost always will answer this truthfully. A follow-up "Why" or "Why not" should give you more useful information.
Finally, once the responsibilities and costs have been agreed upon, everything should be written into a clear, easy-to-understand contract. Include specifics such as days and hours scheduled, holidays, a detailed list of services expected, a date for performance review, who provides the cleaning supplies, and the payment agreed upon. Once you and your new housekeeper sign this contract, each of you should keep a copy for future reference.
Once you have a name, a telephone interview will help you decided whether this person is worth pursuing. At this time, set up a visit to your home and prepare yourself for a serious, in depth interview. Since misunderstandings are most apt to occur over lapses in communication, it is important to be very thorough about your expectations. You might want to develop a job description that you can use as a tool during the interview process. It should include the schedule, specific responsibilities, house rules and standards, and of course, salary and benefits. A walk-through of your house and discussion of your expectations will be useful. Keep a notepad to jot down answers to your questions to aid your memory and avoid further confusion or misunderstanding later.
Because you will be giving a virtual stranger access to your family and your property, it is important to be thorough in checking references. Ask for 3-5 both personal and professional and from non-relatives. When you go over the work history, now is the time to ask about work gaps or unexplained circumstances. Since your safety and security are paramount, you may want to also do a credit and criminal background check. A housekeeper who is unwilling to share information is definitely a red flag, having said that the interview should not feel like an inquisition. Be friendly and respectful or you may drive a potentially great housekeeper right back out your front door.
When you follow-up on references, ask the key question, "Would you hire this person to work for you again?" You can learn volumes by this simple little question, and while many people would be reluctant to speak negatively about a former housekeeper, they almost always will answer this truthfully. A follow-up "Why" or "Why not" should give you more useful information.
Finally, once the responsibilities and costs have been agreed upon, everything should be written into a clear, easy-to-understand contract. Include specifics such as days and hours scheduled, holidays, a detailed list of services expected, a date for performance review, who provides the cleaning supplies, and the payment agreed upon. Once you and your new housekeeper sign this contract, each of you should keep a copy for future reference.
Related Tags: family, home and family, housekeeper, domestic staff
Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Important Things to Know About an Assisted Living Residence in Texas
n assisted living residence is a facility designed for senior citizens or persons with disabilities - Understanding How the Probate Process Works
The probate process is required within the U.S. to settle estates of deceased persons. The time requ - Fun Ideas for the Family During the Christmas Holiday
The Yuletide season is one of the most awaited holidays of the year because it is the time for joy a - How To Find The Right Composite Decking Deck Builders
Another rising home improvement project homeowners are starting to do a lot more of is the composite - Every Home Should Have A Radiant Barrier
The most easy and successful home improvement project you can do to your House, would be to install - The Different Types Of Rain Gutters
When purchasing a house or planning to do improvements to a home, there is always one project that s - How To Get The Best Replacement Windows For Your Home
Installing replacement windows can be the single most important home improvement project you can do - Holiday Accommodation Gold Coast: Pointers For Selecting The Best
With a multitude of holiday accommodations in Gold Coast, choosing the one for yourself can be quite - Want Holiday Accommodation In Gold Coast Queensland? Get Online To Find The Best Deal In A Quick, Co
There are several ways to find holiday accommodation in Gold Coast. You may refer to travel guides t - Celebrate The Ten-days Festival Of Navratri.
Dasara known as Dussehra, Navaratri, Vijaya Dashami is a festival of triumph of GOOD over Evil. The
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Adoptees Need Support When Voicing Feelings about Birth Parents
"I feel like a mistake.""I'm not like them.""Where's my family?""Why can't I find a suitable career? - Progressive Cooking: All About 'cuisine'
The French are known for their interest in art and all that is fine. It therefore comes as no surpri - Moroccan Decor - Oh My! Make Your Home Shine With Moroccan Rugs and Tapestries.
It is said in Morocco that he who enters Fez with a rug will leave with a moneybag. This saying o - Online Criminal Background Checks-Importance & Ease
Have you ever thought your new neighbor looks like one of the pictures on the post office bulletin b - Installing A Burglar Alarm
Want to protect your home? Ready to install a burglar alarm? The popularity of the home burglar ala - Lowe's Backyard Playground Sets
Lowe's is an excellent first place to look for anyone who is looking for the best swing sets on the - How Could Short Term Health Insurance Help Me?
Short-term health insurance plans allow people to have health insurance for a limited amount of time - Watch Out For Those Stinky Skunks!
There are various species of skunks found throughout the United States including the striped, spotte - Asthma In Kids: An Increasing Epidemic
Many believe that the majority of asthma cases are confined to adults, but this is definitely an inc - Stairlifts For Riders Of Above Average Weight
A stairlift is an affordable device that is used to give people with limited mobility access to the