Housekeeping Jobs: How to Interview

Interviewing for a Housekeeping Position requires more than one interview to cover all the necessary topics and make the impression you need to make to get that job.

First Interview

*The initial impression is the most important when you meet anyone. An employer will look at the clock to see if the candidate arrived on time. There should be little to no excuse for arriving late. We have enough resources to find addresses between the internet, GPS/navigation in our cars and phones to prevent us from getting lost. We even know the time that it will take from destination to destination, so there shouldn't be any lateness due to not knowing how long it would take to get there. Traffic is another great excuse, but if you are traveling during the peak hours of traffic, then the candidate should allow for extra time. This all makes logical sense. Bottom line, it is better to be early and wait outside for your designated hour to step to the door, then to be late with excuses.

*Dressing appropriately for an interview means that you wear clothes that fit the role you are seeking. A nanny/housekeeper should be professional looking with black pants or skirt and a white blouse or shirt, closed toe shoes, little to no jewelry, perfume, aftershave or make-up, nails short, well-manicured and clean and hair pulled up or back away from the face. Anything short of this will not leave the proper impression on an interview.

*Bring the proper identification and portfolio that represents your qualifications, references and certifications. Arrive with a 3-hole binder that has everything in it to show your background and why you are qualified for the position. On a first interview, you may make copies of these items to leave with the employer (less your ID) or you may wait until the employer shows interest with a follow-up interview or call.

*Be pleasant, engaging and focused. The candidate must put on her/his best attitude and personality to warm up the chemistry with the employer. Even if you are nervous, you must snap out of it, breathe deeply and put your best foot forward. Listen carefully to the questions and have your own list of questions about the job, the children, the house and the responsibilities. The first interview is not about the benefits and salary; you should first focus on the job and what is required of you. Ask sufficient amount of questions to understand the schedule, expectations and needs.

*Meet the family members, especially the children if the job requires childcare. Engage with the animals and see if you and everyone will get along. Obviously, a good relationship takes some cultivation, but you want to at least meet everyone and get a feel for each member of the family.

*Express your interest, or not, in the job so the prospective employer knows where you stand. Ask when the employer plans to make a decision. If you really like the job, offer to leave your information.

Second Interview

This is when you might be one of several candidates that the employer has narrowed down. Now you really need to step up to the plate and do your best to keep the employer's attention. All of the first interview requirements are the same, but now is when you should be discussing the nitty-gritty issues.

*Cover the responsibilities carefully: Be fully aware of what is required in terms of childcare, housekeeping, cooking, driving, errands, etc. Take notes and show a true interest in noting everything. Ask if the employer will provide you a household manual in order to know what is required day to day.

*Discuss the schedule, need for flexibility and overtime: What is the earliest and latest hour you are needed and will you be required to work nights or weekends.

*Discuss the salary: How you will be paid. Preferably it will be through payroll. Discuss the gross versus net salary so that everyone is clear of what you are being paid per hour, per week and per year. Also discuss whether you will be paid weekly or bi-weekly or monthly.

*Discuss the benefits: Find out if they are providing vacation time, sick days, holidays, personal days and/or medical and dental insurance. In most states, there are no mandatory laws for providing these holidays. Recently in New York, the law for domestic workers has changed providing greater benefits. Check your state to see what is standard. Check with other workers in the area to see what the industry seems to be providing in your part of town.

*Discuss what will happen when the family travels: Will you be paid for the time off or not. Find out if they travel frequently and need you to go with them. Are the trips international requiring a passport or domestic only.

*Discuss issues with the family members that are important: Find out their philosophies for raising the children, methods of discipline for the children, how to handle an emergency, what is the best way to contact everyone. Find out if there is anything that you need to know before starting a job.

*Discuss cooking needs: What does the family like, how extensive do you need to know how to cook. Perhaps, they are expecting a better cook than you are comfortable providing. You may need to learn more and improve those skills. Get some recipes down so that you can begin practicing those dishes.

*Discuss when the family actually plans on hiring someone: Will they make a final decision soon so that you know exactly when to expect an answer.

Once you have been selected for the position, come back for the final meeting to get all of these particulars in an Employment Agreement so that there are no misunderstandings.

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