The climate is still a bit gloomy when it comes to job hunting, but your spirit and energy is most needed at this time. If you are a nanny looking for work, this is the time to consider your skills and education in the field. The nannies who are getting hired amongst the many seeking employment are presenting themselves as follows:
*Child Development training - courses taken and certificates received
*Experience with all ranges of children from newborn to school age.
*At least 3-5 reference letters illustrating work experience
*A professional looking resume
*Excellent "clean" driving record
*CPR and First Aid training
*TB Tested along w/ medical testing that is of concern for babies
*Flu Shot
*RIE Method training
*An understanding of how to work with an autistic child
*General housekeeping skills
*Good basic cooking skills to make healthy meals for children
*Pleasant, nurturing, outgoing personality
*Strong communication skills
*Sense of professionalism: reliable, punctual, responsible
If you are seeking employment as a Nanny, consider these qualifications and how you measure against your competition. Get your portfolio together and present yourself as a professional, educated and experienced nanny. You will soon find success!
http://www.martaperrone.com
http://TheProfessionalNanny.net
Thursday, April 07, 2011
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
A Nanny Runs a Household
When we think of hiring a nanny to care for a child, it may seem that the responsibility is solely "child-related"; however, if you were to break down the day step by step, you would see that a nanny does so much more.
*Wake up the children and get them dressed
*Get lunches ready for school
*Get breakfast ready and clean the kitchen
*Drive the the children to school
*Stop to do a few errands for the household
*Plan dinner for the children/family and do grocery shopping
*Organize and clean children's rooms and make beds
*Organize and clean children's bathrooms
*Do children's laundry from sorting, washing, hand-washing to drying and ironing
*Accept packages, supervise repairs and other workers as needed
*Keep a list of needed items for children and/or home
*Pick up children from school and to after-school activities
*Bring children home and provide a snack
*Help children with homework
*Begin to prepare dinner
*Assist with bath and preparation for bed
*Prepare children's clothes for next day
In all of these responsibilities, there is a need for a nanny to know how to do many things such as:
*Organize closets, drawers and rooms
*Clean a bedroom, kitchen and bath
*Launder clothes
*Cook basic healthy meals
*Make Lists and do grocery shopping
*Drive
*Tutor
*Manage activities such as household repairs
*Multi-task and have a good sense of time management
*Maintain a sense of security for the home and children
*Handle emergencies as they relate to the home and children
With working parents, a nanny is in full charge not only managing the children from every aspect but also running the household.
http://www.martaperrone.com
*Wake up the children and get them dressed
*Get lunches ready for school
*Get breakfast ready and clean the kitchen
*Drive the the children to school
*Stop to do a few errands for the household
*Plan dinner for the children/family and do grocery shopping
*Organize and clean children's rooms and make beds
*Organize and clean children's bathrooms
*Do children's laundry from sorting, washing, hand-washing to drying and ironing
*Accept packages, supervise repairs and other workers as needed
*Keep a list of needed items for children and/or home
*Pick up children from school and to after-school activities
*Bring children home and provide a snack
*Help children with homework
*Begin to prepare dinner
*Assist with bath and preparation for bed
*Prepare children's clothes for next day
In all of these responsibilities, there is a need for a nanny to know how to do many things such as:
*Organize closets, drawers and rooms
*Clean a bedroom, kitchen and bath
*Launder clothes
*Cook basic healthy meals
*Make Lists and do grocery shopping
*Drive
*Tutor
*Manage activities such as household repairs
*Multi-task and have a good sense of time management
*Maintain a sense of security for the home and children
*Handle emergencies as they relate to the home and children
With working parents, a nanny is in full charge not only managing the children from every aspect but also running the household.
http://www.martaperrone.com
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Is a Nanny Really Part of the Family
Frequently a nanny will come to me confused and upset that she just doesn't know how to act on an interview. "Each time I go to an interview, I am getting turned down for one reason or another and I just don't know what I am doing wrong. It is either a family that wants me to become "part of the family" or it is someone that wants me to have more distance and be slightly less personable and more reserved. Some families want me to be talkative and outgoing while others seem to want a more quiet disposition. What is the magic formula? How should I act on an interview?"
My response is as follows: When you are seeking a job for this kind of position where you are working in someone's home closely with the parents, it is a touchy situation. You walk a fine line between being "part of the family" and demonstrating a more "professional conduct". The first thing you must always do is be yourself and then find a way to make necessary adjustments so that you are "professional at all times". It is necessary to be pleasant and engaging, but not to necessarily say "I want to be part of the family." Maybe the family isn't interested in having that relationship with you. This isn't your family, it is your employer and ultimately that is the relationship you both want to have together. One where you both are respectful and do not cross any boundaries. You want to be able to ask your employer for direction and constructive criticism and be in a position where you can also ask your employer to abide by what has been stipulated in your employment agreement.
For a better understanding of protocol on the job and while interviewing for household positions, you can read more in "The Professional Housekeeper" Career guides.
http://www.martaperrone.com
My response is as follows: When you are seeking a job for this kind of position where you are working in someone's home closely with the parents, it is a touchy situation. You walk a fine line between being "part of the family" and demonstrating a more "professional conduct". The first thing you must always do is be yourself and then find a way to make necessary adjustments so that you are "professional at all times". It is necessary to be pleasant and engaging, but not to necessarily say "I want to be part of the family." Maybe the family isn't interested in having that relationship with you. This isn't your family, it is your employer and ultimately that is the relationship you both want to have together. One where you both are respectful and do not cross any boundaries. You want to be able to ask your employer for direction and constructive criticism and be in a position where you can also ask your employer to abide by what has been stipulated in your employment agreement.
For a better understanding of protocol on the job and while interviewing for household positions, you can read more in "The Professional Housekeeper" Career guides.
http://www.martaperrone.com
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Domestic Estate Managers Association DEMA
January 26th, the Domestic Estate Managers Association hosted their first ever DEMA Townhall Meeting in Los Angeles California. This was another first for the Private Service Community! The purpose of the event was to provide a platform for members and the industry to have a candid discussion about Domestic Placement, the challenges that exist today and the future of the industry. The panelists provided more insight on these topics in hopes to create better communication between everyone related to the industry during a question and answer forum.
The four participating Domestic Placement Agencies were Charles MacPherson Associates, Distinguished Domestic Services, The Help Company and Precise Home Management. Mr. MacPherson gave the opening remarks and kicked off the event with a Bang! Amongst the ninety attendees were sixty-five Private Service Professionals and over a dozen Placement Agencies.
To view videos of the event please visit the DEMA Facebook page:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Domestic-Estate-Managers-Association/92315277423
The Domestic Estate Managers Association was created to provide a forum for Private Service Professionals and certified service vendors interested in better serving and protecting the best interests of their clients. The fundamental purpose of the Association is to provide continuing education and raise industry standards. You can join via this link: http://domesticmanagers.com/joinh.php and gain access to local meetings, educational materials, webinars and a network of individuals striving to make a difference in the industry.
You can view more more information at www.domesticmanagers.com.
http://www.martaperrone.com
The four participating Domestic Placement Agencies were Charles MacPherson Associates, Distinguished Domestic Services, The Help Company and Precise Home Management. Mr. MacPherson gave the opening remarks and kicked off the event with a Bang! Amongst the ninety attendees were sixty-five Private Service Professionals and over a dozen Placement Agencies.
To view videos of the event please visit the DEMA Facebook page:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Domestic-Estate-Managers-Association/92315277423
The Domestic Estate Managers Association was created to provide a forum for Private Service Professionals and certified service vendors interested in better serving and protecting the best interests of their clients. The fundamental purpose of the Association is to provide continuing education and raise industry standards. You can join via this link: http://domesticmanagers.com/joinh.php and gain access to local meetings, educational materials, webinars and a network of individuals striving to make a difference in the industry.
You can view more more information at www.domesticmanagers.com.
http://www.martaperrone.com
Friday, February 04, 2011
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.
http://www.martaperrone.com
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.
http://www.martaperrone.com
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Domestic Estate Managers Association DEMA
Calling all Private Service Professionals!
Please join the Domestic Estate Managers Association (DEMA) in Los Angeles on Wednesday January 26th for a free chapter meeting! This meeting is an industry first featuring a round table discussion with Domestic Placement Agencies to discuss the state of the industry and answer questions regarding placements. Space is limited so I highly encourage you to register for this event as soon as possible.
Please visit the website below for more information and to register.
Should you have any additional questions please email Matthew Haack at info@domesticmanagers.com.
Los Angeles Wednesday January 26th
http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=qkpel7cab&oeidk=a07e384ow2h9221fa30
Please join the Domestic Estate Managers Association (DEMA) in Los Angeles on Wednesday January 26th for a free chapter meeting! This meeting is an industry first featuring a round table discussion with Domestic Placement Agencies to discuss the state of the industry and answer questions regarding placements. Space is limited so I highly encourage you to register for this event as soon as possible.
Please visit the website below for more information and to register.
Should you have any additional questions please email Matthew Haack at info@domesticmanagers.com.
Los Angeles Wednesday January 26th
http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=qkpel7cab&oeidk=a07e384ow2h9221fa30
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
How to Maintain your Housekeeping Job
For the last several years, economic times have been a bit strange and job opportunities working as a housekeeper are simply not what they used to be in better days. This brings to mind how important it is for those doing housekeeping to find ways to maintain a good relationship with our employers so that we do not lose our jobs. This year alone, I saw 2 individuals who were well-paid lose their jobs for simply crossing boundaries and not maintaining a professional relationship. This was heart-breaking for me and disturbing for their employers. Here are some thoughts on how to avoid such problems.
Crossing Boundaries refers to many things within an employment relationship. Here are a few examples and some suggestions on how to have a better working relationship.
a) Forming unnecessary opinions about personal, religious, and political views. These are subjects that should be kept private. It is also advisable to not be over-bearing on your personal choices in for example child-rearing. If a mother chooses to "not breastfeed", this is a personal decision and completely up to the mother. Showing disdain to the mother will only make her feel bad and uncomfortable with her decision.
b) Gossiping about the family's lifestyle to others such as household workers. What your boss does in the house is private and should remain there. Telling others of your perception or observation, whether it is true of false is harmful and disrespectful. It truly isn't your place as an employee to discuss the family's activities unless the cause for concern is serious, in which case, you might consider leaving the job and notifying the authorities.
c) Taking advantage as it relates to time and responsibilities. If you are entrusted with a list of duties that you agree to perform for the salary provided, it is your job to fulfill every duty to the best of your ability and to arrive on time and work the hours agreed to. Employers are also capable of taking advantage and should realize that this could cause an employee to quit.
d) Forgetfulness and Lack of Attention to Details - It is not easy to remember everything that you must do, but that is why man invented "paper and pen" so that you could utilize both to record anything and everything necessary. I recommend that all employees form a "household working manual" describing everything that is required by the employer. This can be something that is updated on a regular basis. You can review this daily, weekly and even monthly as needed to stay on top of your job. A great way to be sure that no one is forgetting important details regarding employment, it is suggested that an employment agreement be in place.
e)Review Sessions - It is mandatory that problems and issues do not fester between the employer and employee. Decide on how often is best for you to sit down together and discuss anything that might be of concern. This is a great time to get a performance evaluation to ensure that everyone is happy.
Every attempt while on the job to keep an open line of communication and stay on top of your responsibilities will help you maintain the job you worked so hard to get.
http://www.martaperrone.com
Crossing Boundaries refers to many things within an employment relationship. Here are a few examples and some suggestions on how to have a better working relationship.
a) Forming unnecessary opinions about personal, religious, and political views. These are subjects that should be kept private. It is also advisable to not be over-bearing on your personal choices in for example child-rearing. If a mother chooses to "not breastfeed", this is a personal decision and completely up to the mother. Showing disdain to the mother will only make her feel bad and uncomfortable with her decision.
b) Gossiping about the family's lifestyle to others such as household workers. What your boss does in the house is private and should remain there. Telling others of your perception or observation, whether it is true of false is harmful and disrespectful. It truly isn't your place as an employee to discuss the family's activities unless the cause for concern is serious, in which case, you might consider leaving the job and notifying the authorities.
c) Taking advantage as it relates to time and responsibilities. If you are entrusted with a list of duties that you agree to perform for the salary provided, it is your job to fulfill every duty to the best of your ability and to arrive on time and work the hours agreed to. Employers are also capable of taking advantage and should realize that this could cause an employee to quit.
d) Forgetfulness and Lack of Attention to Details - It is not easy to remember everything that you must do, but that is why man invented "paper and pen" so that you could utilize both to record anything and everything necessary. I recommend that all employees form a "household working manual" describing everything that is required by the employer. This can be something that is updated on a regular basis. You can review this daily, weekly and even monthly as needed to stay on top of your job. A great way to be sure that no one is forgetting important details regarding employment, it is suggested that an employment agreement be in place.
e)Review Sessions - It is mandatory that problems and issues do not fester between the employer and employee. Decide on how often is best for you to sit down together and discuss anything that might be of concern. This is a great time to get a performance evaluation to ensure that everyone is happy.
Every attempt while on the job to keep an open line of communication and stay on top of your responsibilities will help you maintain the job you worked so hard to get.
http://www.martaperrone.com
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
