Clearly defining a domestic position before going to a recruitment agency is key to ensuring you find the right person for your needs. Here are some tips for structuring and defining the position:

1. Define specific tasks and responsibilities

Lists the tasks that the person must perform. This will avoid confusion and ensure that the candidate has the necessary skills. For example:

-General cleaning: Dust, vacuum, clean windows, clean windows, etc.

-Cooking: Preparing food, buying ingredients, etc.

-Care of children or elderly: Supervision, feeding, help with daily activities.

-Specific maintenance: Gardening, pet care, minor repairs.

2. Set working hours

To clearly define the working hours of a housekeeper’s job, it is crucial to consider both your needs and the expectations of the candidate. Here are some guidelines for specifying expected days and times:

2.1.-Full time or part time schedule

-Full-time: Usually involves working 35 to 40 hours per week. You can specify whether the hours are fixed or if there is flexibility. For example, Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

-Half Time: Usually less than 30 hours a week. Clearly defines how many days a week will be worked and the range of hours, such as Monday to Wednesday, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

2.2.-Availability on weekends and holidays

-Weekends: Specifies whether work is required on Saturdays and/or Sundays. This may be necessary if there are special events or family activities.

-Holidays: Clarifies whether the employee is expected to work during holidays. If so, compensation should be adjusted or additional rest days provided.

2.3.-Type of residence

-Internal (Living at the workplace): Details whether the employee is required to live at the workplace, which may include being available outside of regular hours for emergencies or specific needs.

-External (Entry by exit): Indicates whether the employee will leave the workplace at the end of the day, allowing a clear separation between work and personal time.

2.4.-Additional Considerations

-Flexibility Time: If the job requires flexibility, such as staying longer in case of unexpected events, this should be discussed in advance.

-Rest Time: It is important to set breaks during the working day, such as a break for lunch, and define how long it will last.

By specifying these details, you ensure that both you and the candidate have clear expectations from the start, which contributes to a more harmonious and effective working relationship. Specifies the expected days and times:

-Will it be full time or part time?

-Is availability required on weekends or holidays?

-Will they live in the workplace or be on a one-off basis?

3.- Determine the Requirements and Skills Required for a Domestic Position

Clearly defining the requirements and skills required for a domestic position is crucial to selecting the right candidate. Here is a detailed guide to help you set these criteria:

3.1.-Previous experience in similar tasks

Prior experience is an important indicator of a candidate’s ability to perform the required tasks efficiently. Considers the following:

-Years of experience: Specifies how many years of experience are required in areas such as cleaning, cooking, or personal care.

-Previous work environment: Indicate whether you prefer candidates who have worked in homes similar to yours or in specific environments, such as hotels or nurseries.

-References: Requests references from previous jobs to verify the candidate’s experience and performance.

3.2.-Specific Certification

In some cases, having specific certifications may be crucial to the position. Consider including:

-First Aid: Especially important if the position involves caring for children or older adults.

-Cooking: Cooking certifications may be required if the employee must prepare specialized meals or for people with specific diets.

-Equipment Handling: Certifications for the safe use of appliances or gardening machinery.

3.3.-Languages

Ability to communicate in different languages may be an essential requirement, depending on your needs:

-Primary language of the household: Specifies whether the candidate should speak the same language used in the household to ensure effective communication.

-Additional languages: Consider whether the ability to speak other languages is a plus, especially if you receive international visits or communication with external providers is necessary.

3.4.-Additional Skills

In addition to technical skills, there are other skills which can be valuable:

-Use of appliances: Make sure the candidate is comfortable and competent in using household appliances, from vacuum cleaners to heating systems.

-Knowledge of cleaning products: The ability to select and use cleaning products safely and effectively is important for keeping your home in optimal condition.
-Time organization and management: The ability to organize tasks and manage time efficiently will contribute to a more harmonious functioning of the household.

4. Define working conditions

By clearly defining these requirements and skills, you will ensure that you attract candidates who not only meet the expectations of the position but also integrate well into your home environment. This will facilitate the selection process and increase the likelihood of finding the right person for the job.

Clarifies contractual aspects to avoid misunderstandings:
-Salary: weekly, fortnightly or monthly amount, including benefits if applicable.
-Holidays and breaks: weekly free time, annual holiday days.
-Benefits: Transportation, meals, uniform, return trip tickets, etc.

5. Consider aspects of living together (if applicable)

5.1.-Private space allocated
Room: Describe the type of room allocated (single or shared), approximate size, furniture included (bed, wardrobe, desk, etc.) and whether it has additional elements such as ventilation or heating.
Bathroom: Indicate whether the bathroom is private or shared. If it is shared, specify how many people use it and if there are rules for use.
Access to other areas: Mention whether the employee will have access to common areas such as kitchen, living room, laundry, garden, etc.

5.2.- Rules of coexistence
Cleaning and tidiness: Establish responsibilities for the maintenance and tidiness of common and private areas.

Departures: Mention if there are restrictions or regulations regarding departures and returns, such as night hours or prior notification.
Use of free time: Indicate whether recreational or rest areas are available to the employee.

Activity schedule: Detail if there are noise restrictions or activities at specific times.

Visits: Indicate whether personal visits are permitted, at what times and under what conditions.

Service use: Set limits or guidelines for the use of services such as internet, electricity, water and other resources.

Living with other people: If you share the place with more employees or owners, specify expectations for interaction and mutual respect.

5.3.- Free time and departures

Working hours: Specify working hours and days off.

Departures: Mention if there are any restrictions or regulations regarding departures and returns, such as night time or advance notice.

Use of free time: Indicate whether recreational or rest areas are available to the employee.

6. Identify personal values and characteristics

6.1.-Punctuality

Description: Ability to meet schedules and commitments consistently.

Importance: Reflects respect for one’s own time and that of others, something crucial in roles with structured schedules or where coordination is key.

6.2.-Trust and honesty

Description: Act with integrity, be reliable in handling information, assets or money, and maintain transparent communication.

Importance: In jobs where sensitive resources are handled or clients are interacted with, it is vital to trust that the employee will act righteously.

6.3.-Proactive attitude

Description: Taking the initiative to solve problems, propose improvements or take on responsibilities beyond the basic ones.

Importance: Valuable in dynamic environments where the employee is expected to contribute actively to the success of the team or organization.

6.4.- Adaptability

Description: Ability to adjust to changes in the environment, working methods or expectations.

Importance: In jobs with changing or frequently unforeseen conditions, this feature is essential to maintain productivity and harmony.

6.5.- Teamwork
Description: Collaborate effectively with others, contributing ideas and respecting differences of opinion.
Importance: It fosters an atmosphere of cooperation, which improves collective performance.

6.6.- Empathy and interpersonal treatment
Description: Ability to understand and consider the feelings and needs of others.
Importance: Critical in roles that involve constant interaction with other people, such as clients, co-workers or supervisors

6.7.-Commitment
Description: Shows dedication to fulfilling their responsibilities and alignment with the organization’s goals.
Importance: Ensures stability and loyalty, reducing turnover and fostering a reliable environment.

6.8.- Ability to solve problems
Description: Think critically, analyze situations and find effective solutions.
Importance: Ideal for roles where technical or logistical challenges are faced frequently.

6.9.- Resilience
Description: Stay positive and productive even in the face of adversity or stress.
Importance: Key in high pressure or demanding work conditions.

6.10.- Attention to detail
Description: Be thorough in the execution of tasks and detect errors or areas for improvement.
Importance: Particularly relevant in roles that demand precision, such as administration, maintenance or customer service.

Think about what you need to know during the interview:

-What is your previous experience?
-How would you handle an emergency situation?
-Are you comfortable working with children/pets?

8. Document everything

Carry a written description of the job. This will be useful to share with the agency and also to formalize the agreement with the selected candidate.

Having all this defined, the agency will be able to search for candidates that exactly fit your needs, saving you time and guaranteeing a better result.

To hire your service you can contact us at info@landsearecruitment.com, we are an agency specialized in luxury hospitality and private staff recruitment.