If you are looking to secure a new domestic staffing role, it’s important to create a resume that shows the depth and breadth of your experience, expertise, and passions.
Whether it’s placement as an estate manager, a nanny, private chef, or any other household staffing position, your resume is the first glimpse potential employers have of you.
Providing references is another way employers discover more about you and who you select as a reference is key.
How References Enhance Your Resume
References provide a more well-rounded picture.
When an employer calls a reference, they are looking for more detailed information about you and your previous work history. References will be able to provide information about what your strengths and weaknesses are and can discuss your work ethic and commitment to the position you held.
A good reference will paint a picture of what kind of employee you are so the potential employer has a clearer understanding before hiring.
References can help showcase your growth.
A good reference can attest to your personal and professional growth and also describe situations or scenarios where you’ve handled new learning opportunities.
References can demonstrate your wide range of skills.
When creating your resume, consider who can speak to your skillset. For example, if you have worked as a nanny, provide a reference of letter of recommendation from someone who has seen you in that role.
If you want a personal reference that speaks to your character, passion for community work or volunteerism, ask someone who works alongside you in those ways to serve as a reference. Picking people who have seen you in different areas of your life helps provide a clearer view of what makes you unique.
How to Pick the Right References
When thinking about who’s the best person to write a letter of referral or provide a phone recommendation, consider individuals who know your strengths and have worked with you directly. These should be people who you’ve worked with recently or know well personally and are able to articulate the details about your abilities and your work ethic.
Once you’ve chosen two or three people, ask each potential reference if they are comfortable providing a positive recommendation about you. If they seem unsure, nervous about it, or simply aren’t enthusiastic about being a go-to reference, it’s okay. They should never feel pressured into it. Just thank them and then move on to the next person on your list.
Keep in mind that you should always have their permission to use their name, number, and email address. Having a call or email out of the blue when they aren’t expecting it could cause stress or frustration.
If your references do provide some great information via a letter or phone call to a prospective employer, send a quick note of gratitude to them afterward. Thank them for taking the time to write a letter or speak to an employer. This only helps nurture that relationship and shows that you value their opinion.
Ready to start your career search?
At Household Staffing, we understand how important it is to find a domestic staffing role that aligns with your talents, training, and personality. We recognize that each household and family office offer a unique set of dynamics. No two roles are the same! That’s why we take the time to get to know our clients and our candidates so we can match them well the first time.
You can trust our nearly three decades in the staffing industry, where we have placed thousands of highly trained and specialized individuals in homes and offices around the country.
While it can be a competitive industry to break into, a good interview with solid references that provide people with a window into your expertise gives you an edge to stand out. Ultimately, this can increase your chances of securing your ideal household staffing role. Take the time to carefully select who will serve as the strongest references for you. It’s one of the key pieces to a successful job search.
Contact us today to get started. We look forward to working with you!
