Do you know how to hire domestic staff? Do you even know where to start? When you are looking or a new member of staff for your household, it can feel a little overwhelming. There are many different routes to take to find new people. But the process of recruitment and selection can also be a challenging one. As well as time-consuming! Knowing the options and the right steps to take will save you time, stress and money.
Find out now how to hire domestic staff:
Self-hiring Domestic Staff
A first option when looking to hire domestic staff is to undertake the process yourself. This means that you would be fully responsible for the complete process. And do not underestimate the amount of work this may be!
Vetting & Selection
You will create a job specification and make sure that this is spread and sent in the right networks for candidates to find it. You would then do all the vetting and selection of all the applicant coming in. And beware: there will be many people applying for job roles. Even people who might not at all be suited for the role! So going through all the applications can be a very time-consuming job.
Then there is the checking of references, verifying qualifications and organising interviews, and trials. And although it might seem very tempting to skip any of the steps for speed. You really do not want to take any risks when you hire domestic staff for your home, your family!
How To Start
The first thing to do is to write down a full job specification. this should include a full detailed description of the job and the salary and package on offer. Don’t forget to mention any required specific skills, experience and qualification candidates should have. As well as when the job will start.
Once you are happy with a clear job spec, you can post it on websites such as Gumtree. From there, the real work starts! As now you will have to go through all the applications and select the ones that seem right for you.
Please make sure that you always speak to candidates and their references. Whether a candidate is in the same country or overseas. A Zoom or Skype call can be easily arranged. And it will really give you the opportunity the get to know the candidate better. It is also a great opportunity for the candidate to present themself to you!
Find Domestic Staff Via Your Network
A second way of hiring domestic staff is to utilise your (wider) network. Here you can think of things like social media to post your job spec on and ask people to share the post. There might be someone you know who can recommend a great person for you. And candidates might even find the job spec directly if you use the right hashtags too!
Getting a candidate referred to you can be a great, and sometimes more reliable way, to find domestic staff. However, you will still need to be vigilant. Make sure you still do your due diligence in checking references and follow all the steps you would do in self-hire too. Because what worked for another person might not at all be the right fit for you.
What Is A DBS Check?
DBS checks are really worth looking into when hiring domestic staff, There are certain jobs where a DBS check even is a must. For example when working with or near children or working with vulnerable adults. . If you decide to self-hire, ensure that any formal offers are pending a completed enhanced DBS. Even if you do not have children in the property, you want to really make sure that the person you are letting into your house is who they claim to be.
You, yourself will not be able to apply for a DBS check. The way to do it is to request one by going through one of the registered bodies that can give access to DBS checks. Polo and Tweed are one of these registered bodies and we can help you with applying for a DBS should you need us to do so.
Use A Professional Agency
A final, and important option when it coming to hiring domestic staff, is to use a recruitment agency. An agency will take all the hard work away from you. Saving you lots of time and stress. All the vetting, selection, reference checking and CV checking will all be done for you. So that you end up only with those candidates who match your job requirements and have the right skills and experience.
Working with a professional domestic staff recruitment agency can be a great and efficient choice. However, be aware of the following things.
- Avoid agencies who charge you an upfront fee to start the search. This should not be trusted. A reputable agency will not charge you their fees upfront.
- All fees should be clearly explained in their agency T&Cs. Do make sure you read these before you sign anything. You want to make sure there are no confusions later down the line when the work is done.
- Have clear communication. Whether it is over phone, email or even video chat or in person. Your recruiter should be there for you to understand your requirements so that they can find the best person for you. Even though they might not be available all hours of the day. they should be in touch with you regularly enough so that you feel looked after.
How Can Polo & Tweed Help?
Are you looking to hire domestic staff for you and your household? Why not let us take all the stresses and worries away from you! Polo & Tweed has thousands of vetting, checked and highly experienced candidates on their books. from Butlers to Nannies, Housekeepers, Chauffeurs and Gardeners. And many more! Why not get in touch with us now to find out how we can help.