When you start your search for household or domestic staff, it’s essential to write a job description that attracts the right candidates the first time.
The best way to do this is to create a job description that details the job requirements, expectations, specific duties, or any other particulars that candidates should know about.
Need help? Our experienced staff has worked with thousands of household employers and know exactly what to include in an effective job description. We listen to your specific household needs and create a dynamic job description that attracts the right candidate quickly.
Once your job description goes live, we review applicants and then present you with high-quality, verified, and pre-screened candidates to review and select for interview. Each candidate introduced comes with a complete history profile. Our personalized approach helps place experienced candidates in homes in as little as 10 days.
The Anatomy of an Effective Job Description
Articulating Clear Expectations
The first step to creating a good job description is carefully evaluating and understanding your specific household needs.
Begin by assessing your daily, weekly, and seasonal requirements – consider everything from routine cleaning and maintenance to special projects and occasional duties.
For example:
- Do you need a live-in housekeeper to provide ongoing help in and around your estate?
- What specific tasks will keep that person employed full-time, and do you have suitable on-site living accommodations to offer?
- Think about the schedule requirements – will you need coverage during specific hours, weekends, or holidays?
Consider how the role might evolve with changing seasons or family circumstances, such as hosting more events in summer or requiring additional help during school breaks. It’s also important to think about any specialized skills needed, such as experience with high-end appliances, antique furniture care, or specific cleaning protocols for valuable items.
Be sure to consider how this role will interact with other household staff or family members, and what level of independence versus supervision you expect. Will they need to manage vendors, coordinate with other staff, or handle sensitive information?
Clearly articulate all expectations in the position description, so prospective employees can accurately assess whether they have the qualifications, experience, and lifestyle flexibility to meet your needs.
By taking time to think through these details upfront, you’ll create a more accurate and comprehensive job description that attracts candidates who truly align with your household’s requirements and working environment.
Example job description:
Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced, full-time nanny to provide dedicated care for our two children (ages 3 and 5) in our Manhattan home. The ideal candidate will create a nurturing, educational, and engaging environment while managing daily childcare responsibilities and coordinating activities. This position requires a proactive, loving professional who can maintain consistent routines while adapting to our family’s dynamic schedule.
Schedule & Time Commitment:
- Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Occasional evening babysitting may be requested with advance notice
- Some flexibility required for parents’ travel schedules (approximately 1-2 times per month)
Primary Responsibilities:
- Provide attentive supervision and age-appropriate activities for both children
- Manage morning routines including breakfast, dressing, and preschool preparation
- Handle school drop-offs and pickups, maintaining communication with teachers
- Plan and prepare nutritious meals and snacks following dietary guidelines
- Organize educational activities, creative projects, and outdoor play
- Arrange and supervise playdates and extracurricular activities
- Maintain children’s schedules for classes, appointments, and social events
- Keep children’s areas clean and organized, including toys, clothes, and playroom
- Track developmental milestones and provide regular updates to parents
- Assist with light household tasks related to childcare (children’s laundry, meal prep)
- Administer basic first aid and medication when needed (with parental authorization)
Living Arrangements: This is a live-out position with a dedicated nanny station in our home. During occasional overnight stays for parents’ travel, a private guest room with ensuite bathroom will be provided.
Growth Opportunity: As our family grows, there may be opportunities for increased responsibilities and professional development support, including additional childcare certifications and educational courses.
The right candidate will become an integral part of our family, helping to create a loving, structured environment where our children can thrive and develop.
Outlining Qualifications and Skills
Be clear as to what type of skills, qualifications, training, or certifications that you want your ideal candidate to have.
- Will you require a college degree or specific certifications related to their industry?
- Do you want them to have a specific number of years of experience working in similar roles?
Clearly outline each in your job description, and then be able to ask candidates to expand on these during an interview.
- Break down years of experience into specific competency areas rather than just total time.
- Define what constitutes “relevant” industry experience.
- Think about whether leadership or management experience is necessary.
- Consider cross-industry experience that might bring fresh perspectives.
Remember to maintain flexibility in your requirements to avoid excluding potentially valuable candidates. Consider including language like “or equivalent experience” where appropriate, and regularly review and update qualification requirements to ensure they remain relevant to your evolving business needs.
Example job description:
Education and Experience
- High school diploma required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management or related field preferred
- Minimum 5 years of housekeeping experience, with at least 3 years in a supervisory role
- Previous experience in a luxury hotel, resort, or high-end residential setting
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in property management software systems
- Strong knowledge of cleaning products, equipment, and safety protocols
- Understanding of OSHA regulations and safety standards
- Experience with inventory management and budgeting
- Computer literacy including Microsoft Office Suite
Leadership & Interpersonal Skills
- Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a diverse team
- Excellence in customer service and problem-solving
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to maintain composure under pressure
- Fluent in English; additional languages are a plus
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand for extended periods
- Capable of lifting up to 25 pounds
- Ability to bend, stoop, and move throughout the property
Setting Performance Standards
Hiring an employee to work in your home is a very personal decision. Most household employers have specific standards that they hold their employees to, and it’s important to communicate what those are to your employees.
In your job description, discuss what performance standards you’ll be watching for.
For example:
- Will they be required to undergo monthly, quarterly, or annual reviews?
- Are there specific rules or standards surrounding privacy, social media use, or other household rules?
Each of these needs to be expressed ahead of time to ensure both you and your employee are on the same page – at all times.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary and benefits are an important part of a job description. Provide details on what you plan to pay and what benefits are part of the job.
For example:
- Health Care
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Retirement Savings
- Vacation
- Payment Schedule
In addition, if you expect the employee to pay for specific things, you should include that they will be reimbursed for work-related expenses and mileage if they drive their own vehicle.
