Recruitment Strategies

Today’s domestic employee represents a diversity of professionals including estate managers, private chefs, housekeepers, nannies, personal assistants, property maintenance staff, security personnel, and more. Each role requires specific skills and experience, making the recruitment process particularly nuanced for household employers.

The current candidate market presents several distinct challenges for employers. Competition for experienced household professionals has intensified, with staff increasingly prioritizing work-life balance and comprehensive benefits packages.

There’s also a growing expectation for formal employment agreements and competitive salaries, while maintaining the discretion and confidentiality essential in private service.

Successful recruitment in this sector typically begins with professional networking, building relationships with reputable domestic staffing agencies, or utilizing self-serve talent websites and software.

Hiring Through an Agency

Hiring staff to work in your home is very personal. You want to make sure you get the right person, the first time. That’s why working with a vetted staffing agency can help.

The benefits of hiring through an agency include:

• Saved time: We know our clients are busy and hiring household staff takes time. Expedite the hiring process by letting our experienced team evaluate job candidates on your behalf.
• Candidate screening: Looking through each resume and determining which candidates meet your specific requirements is time-consuming. Working with an agency means that we do the screening for you, looking at each candidate in detail, identifying the best individuals for the role you’re looking for.  Our 98.7% perfect placement performance speaks volumes about our dedication. And, if your hire isn’t a perfect fit, we’ll find a replacement for free.
• Better selection: We have extensive networks and a unique database of more than 10,000 candidates. We take the time to get to know your home’s staffing needs, so we can present high-quality candidates that meet your specific job requirements and specifications.
• Cost efficiency: Working on your own to conduct multiple rounds of interviews, screen candidates, and find the right candidate can cost you time and money. Working with a vetted agency like Household Staffing means most of the hiring process is done for you – we screen individuals, narrow down the top three choices, then present them to you. You can determine which ones you want to interview and meet. This helps place the right candidates in your home the first time, so you can get on with your busy lifestyle.  

Conducting Independent Searches

Sourcing an employee for your home can be difficult and time consuming. While we recommend working with a proven staffing agency, the following are some best practice strategies to go it on your own.

Start by creating detailed, professional job listings that clearly outline the role, responsibilities, and required experience. Be specific about the schedule, whether it’s live-in or live-out, and any unique aspects of your household that would affect the work. For a deeper dive into creating the most attractive job description, see Chapter Three here

For posting your position, several specialized platforms cater to domestic staffing:

• Industry-specific job boards like Domestic Workers United or the International Nanny Association
• Care.com and SitterCity, which focus on household staffers and offer background check services
• Local parenting groups and community boards, especially for childcare positions
• Professional social networks like LinkedIn, particularly for executive household positions like estate managers
• Alumni networks of hospitality schools and culinary institutes for private chef positions

When reviewing applications, establish a systematic screening process:

1. Initial resume review looking for relevant household experience
2. Phone screening to discuss basic qualifications and availability
3. Video or in-person interview covering detailed experience
4. Skills assessment appropriate to the role
5. Reference checks with previous household employers
6. Professional background check including criminal history and driving record
7. Trial day or working interview when appropriate

Consider timing your search strategically – many household professionals look for new positions in January/February or during summer months. Allow adequate time for your search, as rushing the process often leads to poor matches.

Some essential safety considerations when conducting independent searches:

• Always meet candidates first in a public place
• Have another adult present for in-home interviews
• Verify identity with government-issued ID
• Get signed permission for background checks
• Trust your instincts about personality fit
• Document all agreements in writing

Most importantly, be prepared to discuss compensation and benefits professionally. Research current market rates for your area and type of position. Consider including standard benefits like paid time off, health insurance, and mileage reimbursement where applicable.

Legal pitfalls to be aware of:

• Many states have laws that prevent you from asking specific questions regarding age, sex, race, and prior criminal history. Consult your state’s employer legislation and rules to ensure you are in compliance.
• Many states have enacted law that prevents you from requiring a background check as a part of the screening process BEFORE you present a formal offer of employment to any candidate. Again, consult your state’s employer legislation and rules to maintain compliance.

Online Platforms and Networking

Personal networking or self-serve online platforms can be effective methods for finding domestic staff.

Personal Networking

Start by discreetly letting your professional and social circles know you’re hiring – this might include conversations with neighbors who employ domestic staff, members of your business or social clubs, trusted advisors like attorneys or accountants, and local professionals who interact with household staff such as contractors, landscapers, or property managers.

Private schools and children’s activity centers can be excellent networking hubs for finding childcare professionals, while country clubs and high-end residential buildings often have staff who know qualified domestic workers looking for positions.

When discussing your needs, be specific about the role while maintaining appropriate privacy about your household. Ask for candidate recommendations and introductions to other employers who have successfully hired staff. They can provide valuable insights about their search process and may know of qualified candidates.

Remember that the domestic staffing community is often close-knit; a positive reputation as an employer can make your networking efforts significantly more successful, as staff members often share information about good employment opportunities with their professional networks.

Self-Serve Online Platforms

Success though these websites requires a strategic and systematic approach that prioritizes both efficiency and safety.

• Start by selecting reputable platforms known for domestic staffing – Care.com, SitterCity, and Indeed are among the most established, though each tends to attract different types of candidates.
• Create a detailed job posting that clearly outlines responsibilities, schedule, qualifications, and any non-negotiable requirements like driving record or certifications, while being mindful not to include overly specific details about your household or location.
• Set up a dedicated email address for the search and establish a structured screening process – begin with written questionnaires to efficiently filter candidates before moving to phone screenings and eventually in-person meetings in public places.
• Be prepared for a high volume of responses and maintain organized records of your communications.
• While these platforms often offer built-in background check services, consider these a starting point rather than a complete solution.

The most successful employers on these platforms typically set aside time daily to review new applications, respond promptly to promising candidates, and maintain detailed notes about their interactions. They also recognize that the best candidates often receive multiple offers quickly, so being responsive and professional in communications while maintaining appropriate caution is crucial.