NEW CLASS SCHEDULE FOR JULY

We are continuing to do classes for all Nannies and Housekeepers to learn more about their field. These courses are one day, 5 hour workshops given on Saturdays and Sundays. There are only 10 people per class making the session intimate and providing individual attention. Lunch is served and a Certificate of completion is given to everyone who attends.

Do not miss an opportunity to learn more about your career and how to improve your skills.

You will benefit from the lectures and open discussions.

You will walk away better equiped to deal with all the challenges you face when looking for work and dealing with issues concerning your employment.

Sign up on line or call the office to reserve your space.
TELEPHONE (818) 784-8102

REGISTRARSE AHORA!!!
DOMESTICA PROFESIONAL PROGRAMA CERTIFICADO

PAGO POR CHEQUE O POR VISA

Julio 19 o Julio 20 Curso 1 –Escoger El Trabajo Y Preparacion
Julio 26 o Julio 27 Curso 2 –Aceptacion de la Oferta de Empleo
Augosto 9 o Augosto 17 Curso 3 - Limpieza y Lavanderia

$50 Cada Clase – incluye almuerzo

LLAMA AHORA PARA RESERVAR ESPACIO:
TELEFONO (818) 784-8102

Elements to Becoming a Professional Domestic

Professionalism: What exactly does this mean in any career? If you do not have a clue, then it is time to think about this concept. In today's very competitive and economic times, being on top of your game may make the difference between you getting that job and/or keeping the one you currently hold.

Here are some tips on how to to become and stay "professional":

*Be Punctual - arriving late is clearly a problem for most people, whether you are attending your first interview to getting to the job everyday. There are always potential hazards that can cause delays, but every effort to be punctual at all times is important.

*Be Reliable - when you say you are going to do something and/or be somewhere, others are relying on you to do so. This is what gives you "integrity" and makes you someone that others can count on.

*Be Honest - any hint of storytelling or blatant lying is not looked upon favorably. It may be hard at times to reveal the truth, but you are more respected for coming clean on any issue, then your grand efforts to circumvent the facts. Being trusted is clearly admirable and valuable in any relationship you cultivate.

*Be Hardworking - slacking off in anything you do is viewed as laziness. You may begin strong and put all your efforts forward, but if you ultimately stop doing so, the efforts from the start will be forgotten. All that remains in one's memory is your current level of productivity. A constant and continued effort to remain hardworking is necessary.

*Be Pleasant - your attitude is crutial to having others want to remain in your presence. We all have personal concerns: bringing them to work is distracting and troubling to others. Stay focused on the job. Your pleasant nature will reflect a positive demeanor: one that your boss, colleagues and even friends will admire.

*Be Flexible - things will not always pan out as planned. Your ability to roll with the punches may be necessary not only in a working environment but in life itself. Rigidity can be stifling and viewed upon by your boss as the inability to adapt to change. Certain routines at work can be comforting; however, a path not ventured could also be interesting and challenging.

*Be Smart - "knowing is not knowing", a thought provided by a well known guru/philosopher, Krishnamurti. If you think you know everything, you obviously know very little. A continued effort to learn about your field and further educate yourself in your carrer can only help you be better at what you do. An effort to learn something new will also help you expand your talents and qualifications - perhaps even making you "indispensable".

Interviewing

Here are some tips on how to interview so that you are making the best impression firsthand.

1) Know where you are going and be sure to have proper directions via mapquest or the THomas Guide. If possible, take a drive there before your interview to be sure you know the location.

2) Dress appropriately: no excessive jewelry, make-up, medium to low closed toe and heeled shoes, no short skirts or dresses, no cleavage, mild solid colors (black and white is always impressionable), no gum, no sunglasses on the head, no strong perfume or lotions.

3)) Bring all your references, letters, identification, cpr card, diplomas, certifications so that the prospective employer sees all your qualifications.

4)) Arrive on time and that means "ON TIME" not early, nor late.

5) Introduce yourself using your full name and give a firm shake of the hand when you first greet the employer.

6) Wait for the person interviewing you to direct you where to sit and speak and wait for him/her to sit down before you do.

7) Do not cross your legs, sit tall in your chair and keep very focused on the prospective employer. Do not have wandering eyes. Keep your body facing the person interviewing you. Do not fidget around in your chair.

8) Begin by presenting your resume and qualifications.

9)Answer the questions carefully, with some detail, but never overdoing the answer to the point that you become a "chatty Cathy" or "chatty Harold" - be succinct in you responses.

10) Be prepared to ask questions. Employers like the fact that you have questions about the job and family.

11)) Ask to meet other family members, if present. Attempt to bond with them as well.

12) When the interview is over, share with the employer your interest in the position.

13) End the meeting expressing your gratitude for the opportunity and how you look forward to hearing from them soon.

14) Stay in touch with the prospective employer on the progress of any other interviews you have had as well as checking on their decision. Be polite and courteous at all times.

15)If you are turned down for the job, keep the door open by expressing that if the other candidate doesn't work out, to be sure to contact you in the event you might be still available (if you go through an Agency, they will do this for you).

GOOD LUCK and STAY POSITIVE!!!

References

Sometimes an applicant will be very concerned about reference checks and worry that if they give the reference number for a previous employer who is not prepared to give a glowing reference that they will not get the next job. The alternative is then to "lie" about the reference. The problem with that scenario is that a lie always catches up with you and ultimately it is the lie that ruins your reputation and prevents you from ultimately getting work.

It is clearly a problem when a previous employer is disgruntled and wants to sabotage you from ever finding work again. However, this would be "illegal". An employer may not have had the best experience with someone, but short of some serious offenses like, stealing, lying, and hurting one's child, it is preferable that the employer make an effort to provide a reasonable reference. What is mandatory by the Labor Department is that the employer state the facts regarding "employment verification." In other words, the employer is obligated to state the dates of employment and duties thereby verifying that the employee indeed did work for the employer the designated time performing certain tasks.

So what should the employee do when she/he suspects a "bad" reference? My suggestion is to sit down and ask politely that the employer please give you the benefit of the doubt and while you may not have another chance with this particular employer, you are asking to please provide you with a reasonable reference so that you may get the opportunity to work again. This is a good time to "apolgize profusely" for whatever you did to upset your employer.

What should the employer do when he/she simply does not feel it possible to give any good reference besides the mere verification aspect of employment? My suggestion is that the employer find it in your heart to forgive and provide suggestions as to how one can improve their work ability, ethics, etc. and make the next job successful. If you can improve one's life and be the one to teach another how to do something that will improve their livelihood, doesn't this make you a better person? This person may not be right for you, but you can certainly help this person find the right match and offer suggestions.

It is not a good thing when any relationship ends in such a sour note that no one learns nor gains anything from the experience.

WORKSHOP/SEMINAR

We are beginning a new series of Seminars for both the Employee and Employer. March 2nd is our first of this series primarily directed to the domestic seeking information on how to become more professional in their career as a Housekeeper, Child Care Provider, Companion and more. This seminar will cover recurring issues that due to lack of information often cause problems in the employee/employer relationship that lead to termination. Despite the fact we are regulated by the Labor Code and various IRS Laws, there are many more standards that can be implemented to help create and maintain a long-term mutually-satisfying employee/employer relationship.

All employers and employees would benefit from this seminar as we discuss, learn and work together to solve the concerns and issues that we face daily when hiring and working as domestics.

Go to www.martaperrone.com to read more about the upcoming seminar and register.

Predispositions May Be Discriminatory

Often I will hear a client have a list of predispositions when making a special request to hire someone. For example: "I want my nanny to have no small children, over 40, from a certain country, unmarried, and in good physical shape." (Sometimes, there are a few more requests that I prefer not to mention.) Clearly when a person uses an agency, the hope is that these requests remain private to any potential candidate; however, the criteria itself can be a bit stringent and ultimately perceived as discriminatory. The justification for not wanting a person who has small children is the concern that a domestic may be encumbered with certain responsibilities causing interference with the job. Wanting someone of a certain age is just a perception of someone being long term or of an age that relates to a level of energy. The country issue is a reflection of some past experience with another employee from a place where perhaps all people must be the same. Requesting a person who is in good shape often relates to aesthetics and/or stamina. All in all, you can make any justification you deem appropriate for any of these requests; however, each and every one of them is very confining and often can exclude a wonderful candidate. Legally speaking, most of these requests are simply against the law. Think of it in this way: there is most likely a wonderful domestic who is married with small children, of a certain unpreferable age, who comes from a country where there are exceptions to every stereotype and who just might appear like a membership to the local gym is welcomed.

Needlessless to say, we are not dealing with widgets. We need to focus on one's experience, references, personality, education and abilities as they relate to the position you are offering. Beyond that, I think we are getting just a little too personal.

Choosing or Needing Work

It is always heart-breaking when we suffer periods of time where jobs are scarce and the multitude of people who flood our phones are pleading for work...any type of work. Yet there are so many other times when jobs are quite plentiful and the employees become very picky about what jobs they choose to take. For example, "I want to work as a Nanny and do not want to do any housekeeping." My response is always a bit disappointing because there is always a certain amount of cleaning associated with childcare and there is sometimes a little bit of childcare associated with cleaning. It is clear that the reason why many domestics have become adamant about the delineation of duties is because so many employers have tried to get each applicant to do the impossible - everything and anything. Always dependent on the number of children present, the age of the children and the size of the home, we can estimate just how much one individual can accomplish. The best approach is for the applicant to see and test the job to assess just how much is required while the employer should be flexible to make necessary changes with perhaps additional help once per week so that everyone is happy and the house is running smoothly.

Being flexible, having a great attitude and being willing to make things work is the key to a positive and successful employee/employer relationship. Always better to consider every job opportunity that is placed before you than to find yourself without work and wishing you had reconsidered turning so many away.