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Finding a Private Service Position

When considering a career change, starting out in the domestic field, or finding your next position as a seasoned service pro, there are a few very important considerations. The first and most important is "Why do I want to work in private service?" Second, "What are my immediate and long-term goals in the industry?" And third, "How can I be competitive in the job search process?" Carefully and truthfully answering these questions will dictate how to proceed.

Why?
Many people looking for work in private service for the first time have an incomplete idea of the actual requirements for a position. Titles and job descriptions give some insight into the type of work expected, but the intangible and hidden details are where the true nature of the business is discovered. For example, can you honestly say that after years of building your own career and lifestyle that you now want to focus on the fulfillment of someone else? You need to understand that this is the one goal of service: to provide support for the employer above all. Are you capable of watching your boss spend more money in one day than you make in a year? You must have a disposition that allows for such dramatic realizations. Likewise, although several skills from the business world apply to domestic work, can you spot the little things that create harmony in a luxury lifestyle? Can you be a jack of all trades to assure things get done, no matter what? If so, you may be headed down the right path. If not, look for another direction with your career. The best way to know for sure if you are cut out to handle a domestic position is to ask a veteran. Get in touch with someone you may know in your personal network, or perhaps ask an agency or service association for a referral to a top candidate. You can likely find an event in your local area to attend and meet others already well-established in the field. Most people in the business are proud of what they do and are happy to give you some of their time. This is truly the only way to understand what happens on a day to day schedule, and the best way to know if it is for you.
For those already in the field, you still need to ask the hard questions of yourself. In my own experience I know I am no longer capable of private service as a profession. My years as a Personal Assistant were very dedicated and intensive as a 24/7 live-in employee. I can objectively review the efforts and sacrifices I made both physically and emotionally, and I feel like I’ve used up my ability to give that level of service in the employment arena. I could no longer be content or offer an employer my best while in the direct service role. I’ve considered it seriously over the years and know for sure that I could not be the best employee for the role. You need to assess this for yourself. If you are able to continue performing dedicated, personal service, or if you feel “born to serve,” or perhaps like you have a “true service heart,” then by all means, carry on. Likewise, if upon examination you find even a slight resentment, or a waning level of care for the service or principal, then look elsewhere. There are many other avenues of service oriented professions that may be rewarding for you, and there is no room for anyone bitter, resentful, or tired of high level private service. Remember always that personal service is not about you. You’ll always want to establish a relationship that is equitable, but to be your best you will have to make it “all about them.”

What?
What are your overall goals in the workplace for the next year? The next 3-5 years? The next 10 years? Do you have a plan that you are working toward such as owning your own business, retiring, going to school, etc.? If you know the answers here, you may be able use the domestic industry as your next stepping stone. For example, a domestic couple with some experience, excellent health, and flexibility with relocation can easily earn a salary of $80-120k and have all of their living expenses paid. With some planning and discipline, a 5-10 year stretch can put away enough money to meet some long term goals like starting a venture of your own or taking some time off. On the other hand, a position in private service does little to advance one's corporate career, so beware if that is a future goal. It is important to think a few steps ahead and look at your motivation when entering into or continuing a career in the private sector, because it is such a specialized and unique environment. Of course, if your true intention is to create a long-term career path within the industry, you are in the right place and the right frame of mind. If not, consider other options.

Another stumbling block in the job hunt is being able to prove your dedication. Newcomers and those returning to private service after a long time may find it hard to convince an employer that "this is what I really want to be doing.” Similarly, providers who have been in business for themselves over a long period of time will need a great, convincing story about their return to singular employment. Have a very concise, carefully thought out answer to the question "Why do you want to do this type of work?” Using the specific duties of a position, match your reasons with skills and tasks you have been successful with or exposed to. You should give the impression that you know and can handle the upcoming job duties. In the same vein, having clear, positive reasons for moving forward from your last position is also essential. Framing your choice to find a new position or describing the reason your last role ended with positive statements and future goals is the mark of a service career pro. Either way, once you have it in your head and your heart that you want to do this type of work, it is time to begin searching.

How?
The most asked question of any agency is "How do I find a position?" First, if you made it to this point of the chapter and were honest with yourself all the way, step one, conviction, is complete. Step two is PREPARATION. If you do not read and understand the next chapter, "Becoming a Better Domestic Employment Candidate", you will not be ready to proceed. Before you go any further, you must have the specific tools to be successful. There is a list with detailed explanation in the chapter, so read it carefully and understand each item. Step three is RESOURCES. Not everyone can do it alone. If you are reading this book, you probably are looking for some assistance in the search. Why not? It’s mostly free and those who help you typically will benefit in some way. The following list includes the most likely targets for your job hunting effort.

Agencies:
Get on the phone and get on the internet to gather all the information you can stomach. Call agencies and ask for advice or referrals. Go through a few interview and application processes with them. Make sure to read and understand all the notes for "Working with Domestic Agencies" in this guide so you know the behind the scenes of what to expect. One of the best agency situations is a temporary agency. It will take some legwork to find one that has domestic or combination positions (domestic/executive), but this is one of the best ways to get experience with house management or personal assisting. For example, if you can get a job assisting a busy executive in their office, look for a situation where you can manage the personal duties as well. This includes gift buying, personal errands, pet care, scheduling and overseeing work at the residence, personal travel arrangements, etc. A fantastic resource is called The Job Seeker’s Guide to Private Service Agencies, and is found at http://personaltouchcareerservices.com. A search through EstateJobs.com also offers profiles on many of the agencies posting jobs there.

Publications:
Although classifieds are one of the oldest ways to search, they are also one of the best. Often employers will try their own search before calling an agency and those willing to hire for a "starting" position probably won't use an agency. Check in the papers local to where you want to work and live. Another great feature of classifieds is that for a small fee you can place your own ad looking for the right employment situation. The print version of classifieds has waned in recent years, but the same thoughts now apply to many new online locations that support the same function.

Online:
Since our original guide came out in 2002 there has been exponential growth of online resources for job hunting. Industry specific job boards, agency online listings, and social media have become standard recruiting tools. Along with this relatively new arena come a number of pitfalls, so our advice is to tread carefully. You absolutely must be engaged with these resources in your job search, but you also must have a full understanding of what they can and can’t do, and where you can go terribly wrong in your online activity. Our top recommendation is EstateJobs.com where agencies and private employers post job openings regularly. We built the EstateJobs site ourselves to use in our agency searches and it has grown to become the "go to" resource for job listings in the private service community. Read all instructions carefully and use this free online resource as a part of your job search.

Networking:
If you are good with people, put the word out on the street about what you're looking for. Tell friends, relatives, former employers, etc. and start spreading the news. Most of the positions in the private service industry are filled this way. If you were looking for someone to work with your family and home, wouldn't you ask a trusted friend or associate? Of course you would. Just by getting your name in the right social circles you could end up with an amazing job. And perhaps a good showing will lead you to the next family on a referral from that one, and so on. Many long-time domestic professionals never go through a job hunt and frequently receive offers from friends of their employer. That is the level to aspire to.

Schools:
There are several schools to train you in private service. This is a path for the truly committed, so as before, step one (Conviction) is VERY important here. Schools are fairly expensive and do not guarantee placement upon graduation, but certainly the knowledge, experience, and dedication it takes to complete the courses is a step in the right direction. Also, each school will have a placement service or leads for you to network for a job. (more resources!) Consult with the different programs out there to see if it makes sense for you based on your goals and your finances. Most of them can be found on the internet and you can also inquire through private service forums and social media.

Author’s Note: There are currently several schools throughout The Americas, Europe, and other more remote locations. The main question we are asked about private service schools is “Are they worth it?” There is no short answer to the question, as every individual case needs to be considered in detail, but we have developed some very concise statements in response to those inquiries: 1. If you are enrolling in any educational program for the sole purpose of getting hired in a new job, DON’T DO IT. No matter what anyone says in their sales pitch, there are NO guarantees of employment upon graduation. 2. If you have the time and money, take every course available! Career related education is a hallmark of professionals in any industry, and the quality of available private service education is, in my opinion, excellent. I have personally taken several wonderful courses through one institute, and was on the board of advisors for the curriculum at another great academy. I highly recommend continuing your education in your chosen profession at every opportunity.

In conclusion, a few basics are important to get a job in the private service field: Be sure of what you are after; be prepared for the opportunities; and use all available resources to give yourself a shot at the best possible employment.

For more on this topic and others related to private staffing, get the book! The Insider's Guide to Household Staffing, 2ed. Private Staffing Secrets They DO Want You to Know! Click for more information.

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Working with Domestic Placement Agencies

If you have ever looked for a job in the private service field, there is a good chance you have dealt with a domestic employment agency. If not, your next job search should include at least one agency to represent you. In the mid 2000‘s we would have advised candidates to work with perhaps two or three agencies exclusively, building a very strong relationship and having those few agents present you with the best possible fit once they know you well enough. These days we recommend a two-fold approach:

Have a close relationship with a few agents, preferably in your local area, and then have a controlled distribution effort with as many other resources and agencies as you can manage. There are more agencies and fewer jobs in the current marketplace, so carefully casting a wide net beyond your close contacts will ensure the best chance of results. Whether you have had good or not-so good luck with an agency before, the following tips and information will be very valuable as you approach your new job hunt.

Another upfront issue is how to determine the experience, reputation, or competence of an agency service. This is a great item for networking among associates in the industry, reading online posts in related groups, and also looking for some basic business data. Many agencies are just individuals who form their business practice as an LLC or some other entity to properly conduct agency searches. You can always find company information in the state level governments to see if companies are registered properly and currently as they describe themselves. That also reveals how long they have been in business. It is also possible to have a general phone call introduction to see if there is a good basic match with the type of jobs an agent might represent. For example, if we get a call from a Nanny in Chicago, we would not want their full application, but would review their resume and refer them to a partner or local business to help with their search. It isn’t a position that our agency would likely encounter and we’ll save the candidate lots of time and effort by steering them to a more appropriate resource. Try to get a sense of the company you choose to work with before sending piles of information. It should be handled sensitively and in close communication with you throughout the process, even if the match doesn’t happen with a job right away.

Before proceeding with agency relationships you should understand the agency’s function and why they are looking almost exclusively for applicants with years of experience. Domestic agencies get paid by clients to find them skilled employees who have been successful in a home and have the references to prove it. Therefore, an agent tries to present candidates who have recent, well-documented experience in their field and impeccable histories. If you are just starting out or are making a “career change” because a domestic job sounds like something you want to try, forget it. You can, however, call on an agency and kindly ask advice for breaking into the field, but don’t expect too much attention. If you want to learn how to get started in the private service industry, or transition from a related field, see our recommended resources in the chapter on “Finding a Private Service Position.” (The best target call for inquiring about entry to the field is one of the schools who also handle placement. They are very informative throughout their sales process and enjoy inquiries.) The only exception is if you have skills relative to the work you are looking for, such as high-end hotel management, bed & breakfast, restaurant Chef work, etc. Some agencies accept “entry-level” applicants for clients who may not need an applicant with direct private service experience. It is more rare, but apply to the agencies who encourage you to do so.

If you are a skilled, experienced candidate, start your agency approach with a few basics in place. First and foremost, you can’t find something if you don’t know what you are looking for. Before you seek an agency to represent you, know for certain what position and what job description you are asking for. If you don’t know already, you probably should not use an agency, and if you do know, but can’t communicate it well, nobody will be able to assist you to search on your behalf. A great rule of thumb we offer our applicants is this: In thirty seconds, can you explain your job title and what your job search is to a friend who knows nothing about the private service industry? Will they understand and be able to relay that information clearly to someone else? If not, you need some work. Again, when you are trying to be perceived as an expert at what you do, you should be able to “teach” about your position on demand. Though you can expect a successful agent to have knowledge about the position, you need to be the one who consistently communicates exactly the role you fit and describe the many details of your expertise.

Next, when you do contact agencies, be prepared in every way! Don’t even call if you don’t have a resume. The previous section is your guideline to be ready for the paperwork requirements of just about any employment situation, so use it. Once you are ready, call the agencies local to where you want to work and also try the agencies that place nationwide. The best advice is to register with every agency in the world if you have the time and patience, because each agency gets different clients, and more clients = more jobs! This will take a lot of your own effort, but if you have fully prepared and checked out the agents as discussed earlier, you should be up to the challenge. Also, agencies work for you for FREE, so it is fine to use them all, and never pay an agency to register for employment. Knowing this, it is important to be respectful of the time and any guidance you do receive along the way. Remember, agencies get paid by the employer when you get hired, so trust me, if they have a job that fits your background, you’ll quickly become “best friends” through the hiring process.

Author’s Note: Don’t make the major mistake of playing favorites with agencies. There is a reason our company was named Domestic Placement Network. It’s because the way we initially built the agency was in cooperation with like-minded placement agencies across the country. Similar to real estate transactions, a group of us have worked together through the years to successfully extend the reach for our clients and source the best possible candidates. That means we are constantly sharing notes and experiences both good and bad about the candidates we represent. If you have a problem or conflict with one agency, it may affect your status with another. The point is, you’ll never know for sure if a random set of agencies work as partners. Make sure you maintain professionalism even in the face of a bad agency experience. Never “badmouth” an agency when you are speaking with another. If it comes up in conversation, you may suggest that you had a less than positive experience at company A or B, but never say anything overly critical. (Even if it is true!) If you have a legitimate, formal complaint about an agency business practice, use the appropriate government and business channels to resolve the issue.

The registration steps for each agency will be different. Some will ask you to fax or email a resume first, then if you are qualified you will fill out the full application. Others will have you do a complete application right away to be considered for representation. Some may not even take your application. Either way, follow the instructions of the person you are in contact with. After submitting the application or resume, allow the agent to get back to you on their time. They may be busy working with placements or more likely do not have a suitable position to talk to you about at the moment. A good rule is to wait 3-5 business days to follow up after you have spoken to or sent something to an agency. Be persistent, but try not to be annoying. If there is a job on an agent’s desk that you are perfect for, they will call you immediately and treat you like a long lost friend! Be patient.

Did I mention patience? Let’s look at the numbers for a moment: A typical agency has several hundred to several thousand applicant files. Some are computerized, but many are in filing cabinets and are searched manually when a job order needs to be filled. For example, here’s what happens when a client calls the agency for a Private Chef:
The client will have specific details about the type of person, cuisine, schedule, living arrangements, salary, etc., that they are looking for. Based on the job details, an agent goes through the files of all available chef candidates for a possible match either by computer search, flipping through applications, or by memory. Out of maybe 100 available applicants, an agent selects just a few to send to a client, maybe four or five. The client reviews the files sent by email or fax and decides whom to interview. And then if a perfect match is found through the interviews only one person gets hired! So if a very busy agency does just two chef placements per month, your chances are about 2 out of 100 or 1 in 50 that you will land a chef position through the agency at any given time. It’s not pretty. Many candidates on file with agencies may only get one or two interviews over a span of years, and many more never get interviewed at all.

Here’s the trick: Try to be in the four or five applicants sent on every job order at every agency. How? Have the best, most complete, most up-to-date application on file and follow up periodically to have a great relationship with the agents representing you. Basically, it all comes back to the preparation and presentation from the “Better Candidate” section. This is assuming, of course, that you are equally qualified with the other applicants. Likewise, the specific requests of an employer might disqualify you right away, but there is nothing you can do about that. Your only mission is to beat out the other candidates on jobs you are a match for. So be the best applicant in the files and have a solid, ongoing relationship with the person representing you. Always be on the lookout for ways you can set yourself apart from the pack and enhance your profile as a top candidate.

 

Excerpt from the book, Insider's Guide to Household Staffing, 2ed. Private Staffing Secrets They DO Want You to Know. Click for more information...

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Becoming a Better Domestic Employment Candidate

There are many approaches to finding employment as a domestic professional. You can respond to classifieds both on and offline, network through friends and former employers, or use a placement agency, to name just a few. No matter which path you follow to find a new job, there are some standard items that can help you rise above the other applicants in your field. Whether you are a Chef, Estate Manager, Chauffeur, Nanny, or any other type of employee, being prepared is the name of the game!

It is also necessary to take a critical eye to the whole job search process and look at the specifics of your actions in each of the relationships of private service. You may be committing errors along the way that ruin your chances of moving forward. This section has a number of items for your job search overall, and the “Working with Domestic Employment Agencies” section contains notes regarding that particular relationship. Keep in mind that while these tips won’t guarantee you get the job, messing up on some of them could eliminate you from a position that you otherwise might be the best candidate for!

Often in the private service industry, the candidates who get chosen in the early stages of the hiring process are not necessarily the ones with the most experience or the most skills, but those who understand basic business protocol in the job search. For example, a Chef may be extremely talented in his or her trade, but offer a very poorly written application package. He or she will stand less of a chance of getting an interview when competing against applicants with an up-to-date, well-constructed portfolio. (This actually seems to be more common among Chefs, being talented in artistic ways, and less focused on the resume presentation skills.) Likewise, should an agency or employer request background information or documents from a candidate, any delays could result in the hire of another applicant. In addition, if the information such as references, dates of employment, and contact numbers are hard to follow or incomplete, the application could seem "fishy" or the candidate could be thought of as incompetent.
For all of the above reasons, one should apply basic business "common sense" to the job hunt process. Spend some time educating yourself about conducting employment searches, interviewing, and writing a resume. Also, if you are planning to go through an agency for representation, the next Chapter, “Working with Domestic Employment Agencies,” offers a behind-the-scenes perspective on the hiring procedure. Read carefully, because any inside knowledge and careful preparation will pay off tremendously as you go through the process of finding your next position.

In today’s private service industry, there are a few specific items that will make you ready for any potential job opening. The list below is a great starting point for your job search process. By preparing all of the items, you will also become more clear in your own goals and choices for the employment you are seeking. For further tips on job hunting, visit sites online like monster.com and rileyguide.com (a personal favorite). Most of their advice and articles apply to all occupations and can be a great help. There’s a tip I like to give before candidate go on interviews that also applies here. Do a web search for “Top 10 mistakes made on resumes” and you’ll have enough material to be sure you don’t mess up on obvious things. When interviewing, it’s best to search for ‘Top 10 interview mistakes.”

As with any endeavor worth pursuing, the job search can be tedious and frustrating. Approach the task with a positive attitude and commit yourself to being ready for any obstacles along the way. Also "put your money where your mouth is" when creating your application materials. You may have to spend a few dollars to have a great looking resume package with clean, legible copies of all your documents (both black & white and color), but the payoff is far greater than the costs you will incur. Also with personal and community access to computers available almost anywhere, it is expected that all your materials can be sent in a digital format and be edited as necessary. It is not acceptable for any top household employee to fax their hand written or hand notated resume to an agency or employer. Another common grievance is that agency applications are all different, tedious, and ask for the same information as a resume. Well, too bad. If you can’t give individual attention to the specific process that a company asks for, then don’t work with them. You only hurt yourself by giving anyone a half-hearted effort in your job search. It may seem like lots of work on your part for little result, but that’s what it takes. Hopefully you will only have to go through this once or twice in your lengthy career.

Overall, preparing carefully and placing yourself in front of all the opportunities available is the only way to get ahead of others competing for the same attention. If you are unsure of how to do any of the essential job seeker tasks then get an industry peer or career counselor to assist you. Here too the internet can be your best friend. There is a treasure trove of information available for free on sites like those mentioned above. Best of luck in your search!

Job Seeker Basics
At a minimum, anyone looking for a job in private service should have the following information on hand in both hard copy (printed documents) and available in digital copy for electronic distribution. As a side note, pay careful attention to document types and sizes for the ability to email and print files.

1. Current Resume
I cannot stress the importance of the resume enough. In many cases, it is the only item an employer will see when deciding on candidates to interview. Some agencies only send the applicant’s resume to a client. Some employers only look at resumes and skip the rest of the pages. Make sure yours is up to date and has a professional look with no mistakes! You can hire a service if you are not good on the computer, and there are no excuses allowed for lack of computer skills or access to a computer. If you are not capable of this on your own, go immediately to your local library, community center, or job center and get yourself some computer training. It is unacceptable in 2013 to lack basic document preparation and online transfer skills. More details about specific formats and computer standards are ahead in this guide.

2. Letters of Recommendation
Any time you leave a job you should get a letter of recommendation. Try to have them written on company letterhead or personal stationery of your employer. The more letters you have, the better. Be prepared to distribute copies that are as clear as possible. Even better, have color copies made of the most recent or most important letters, and like the resume, have scanned, clear, reasonably sized computer versions available for sending. This particular aspect has a few nuances to be aware of. The privacy concerns and confidentiality issues apply when sending out employer names, addresses, and contact information. Before submitting these elements make sure you understand what a company or individual is doing with the information and what their reference verification process is. Sometimes it is appropriate to have “privatized” versions of your recommendations with names and contact information blacked out for security.

3. Reference List
You will have to supply this information on any job application so have it ready on a separate page, laid out as follows: Employer name; whom to contact for the reference; the contact's title; a current telephone number; and any notes about reaching the person. You may also request to be contacted directly for telephone numbers so you can tell your reference in advance who will be calling. Like the reference letters, this is the most sensitive information you will be disclosing. At a professional, top level in the field, we will respect a candidate’s request to hold reference checking until there is a pending job offer. This arrangement is on a person by person basis, so communicate clearly with the agent if you need to maintain a high level of confidentiality. It is not a good idea to send this information to an online job application without first knowing and contacting the representative for the client.

Author’s Note: It is painful to admit how many job seekers will not provide basic reference information for their past employment. In our role as employment agents, references will often determine if we can even work with an applicant. There are several nuances to the reference game, but the basics are unchanging. We need to verify where you worked, when, and how your employer felt about your performance of the job. If we can’t do this, we can’t help you, period.

4. Current Photograph
We sometimes get questions about this from a legal or discrimination angle. It is not within our scope of expertise to give legal advice here, but let’s just say that if you are concerned about showing someone a photo of yourself as a professional employment candidate, you may be in the wrong career. Most, if not all, employers will be critical of the physical appearance of their staff. In addition to providing the service flow of a home, the staff in the “front of house” represents an aesthetic consistent with the employer’s taste and image. Therefore the physical aspect of “fit” in a private home becomes important depending on your place in the service structure. Of course this will vary from job to job, but let it be said that our clients are more than likely to differentiate two equally skilled candidates based on their professional appearance.
That said, have a recent photograph of yourself ready to give out (color photocopies are a good idea) with an application, in addition to a digital copy for emailing, etc. It should show your overall physical appearance with a clear shot of your face. Another nice touch is to be in the uniform of your profession. (For example, a Chef can include a photo of them in action in a working kitchen.) In most cases an agent or employer that you cannot visit locally will want to see your overall physical presentation, just as they would in a face-to-face interview. Though not the same, a quality photograph is an excellent opportunity to show yourself positively. You can stage the picture in your best professional dress with appropriate grooming for the position you seek and offer this as your interview presence when only a telephone meeting is available. Today’s technology is also moving the recruiting industry toward video interviews and profiles. If you are comfortable with it, a video introduction is an amazing way to showcase your physical, professional presence and communication skills. It is like having a first interview before any candidates are even chosen.

5. ID
Usually agencies will ask for your identifying documents upfront to verify you are who you say. This includes driver's license, social security card, passport, green card, work visa, etc. Requirements vary for interviews with agencies and employers, but without exception make sure you have ample identification to prove your identity and the required employment authorization of the job. If you have any questions about acceptable documents, you MUST ask in advance what you will need. The best guidelines for standard employment authorization are found in the US government’s I-9 form. http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-9.pdf

6. List of Previous Addresses
To conduct background checks, employers or agencies will require a list of the county, city, state, and address of where you have lived over the past 10 years. Have this information available and typed out. Make copies. This is the standard for any reputable background screening company. Sadly most in-depth searches are still performed by hand and this county-by-county listing will guide a thorough background report process.

7. Background Explanation
If there is anything derogatory at all that you know will show up on your: driving record; credit history; criminal background; or any civil litigation cases, have a detailed explanation ready. When these checks are done on you, the reports come back with codes and sketchy details about the events that are difficult to interpret. Your willing discussion of the incident can make certain situations less incriminating as a candidate for employment. Treatment of background information has come under much scrutiny lately, especially in California. There are certain conditions where applicants cannot be chosen based on information in their consumer credit file. You can check with state laws if there is some concern about this. That said, most private employers either don’t fall under the rules or don’t follow them. When the security and wellbeing of their families are at stake you can bet they will want to look at any potentially relevant “skeletons” in an employee’s closet. Ideally the best employees in private service will be quite boring people, having nothing in their histories to even consider. However, there are some exceptions and easily explained circumstances that come up in public record. The perfect scenario is to have nothing on file whatsoever, with a close second being simple entries that can be quickly identified and justified.

For more on this topic and others related to private staffing, get the book! The Insider's Guide to Household Staffing, 2ed. Private Staffing Secrets They DO Want You to Know! Click for more information.

Larger Butler

Only the best will do. Am I qualified?

Domestic Placement Network places experienced domestic professionals in top jobs nationwide. If you have significant experience in private home service, you'll want to be on file with us. We work with only the most qualified candidates to secure full time, permanent employment with our clients.

Our focus is on management level and specialized service roles within the home, including:

  • Estate Managers
  • Butlers
  • House Managers
  • Chefs
  • MajorDomos
  • Domestic Couples
  • Drivers
  • Executive Housekeepers (Management level)

What do we typically look for?

  • Minimum of 3+ years of significant private service experience (directly employed, full time by high net worth clients)
  • Additional education, training, and related experience that applies directly to the job you are seeking.
  • Impeccable background in all areas.
  • Direct references from recent employers and/or managers that speak to your capabilities and can be verified. 
  • Evidence of longevity in prior roles.

If your portfolio includes all of the above, please send us an introductory email with your resume and supporting documents. We'll thoroughly review your profile, and then talk directly with you about your job search.