Are you a domestic employee?

In this area, you will find information that will be useful for your search for work or supplementary income. Please click on the theme to access the information you are looking for.

Before the interview

(Tips for a job interview with a private employer)

Your application must contain:

  • Cover letter;
  • CV with a recent photo;
  • Copies of employer’s references;
  • Copy of your different qualifications;
  • Copy of proof of ID or working permit;
  • Copy of driving licence, if necessary;
  • Prepare 1 or 2 names to provide during the interview for professional references (after having asked the authorisation of the people in question).


Take care with your appearance.

Be punctual, plan your journey in advance and find out how long it will take to get there (taking into account unexpected events such as traffic jams, etc.).
Be punctual, plan your journey in advance and find out how long it will take to get there (taking into account unexpected events such as traffic jams, etc.).
Take a notepad and pen with you.
Switch off your mobile phone to avoid any disruption or inconvenience.

Capture the employer’s attention

The first minutes of an interview can be decisive. As a consequence, it is important to  be prepared to present your professional background in 3 to 5 minutes maximum.

Here is an example of a presentation by subject in a few points (to adapt to your background):

Practice!

 

“I was born in ………………, I’ve been living in Geneva since (date)/ for (number years) …………………………….................................... 

I’ve always liked making myself useful. When I was younger, I used to help my parents look after the house. I’ve always taken a great sense of satisfaction in seeing a tidy and clean house. This is why I decided to make it my profession and put my skills into the service of other people.”

Know-how :

“For five years, I’ve been working both in private households and in offices. In particular, this has enabled me to become really efficient in cleaning and disinfecting procedures, given me a sound knowledge of cleaning products and excellent knowledge of the safety, hygiene and cleanliness rules to respect.”

Achievements :

“Over these five years, I have cleaned more than 20 offices and two houses, with an average area of 100 square metres each. In addition, I was in charge, weekly, of looking after, ironing and putting away the household linen and clothing for two families of four.”

Inter-personal skills :

“I particularly like taking care of the upkeep of houses or apartments because it’s independent work in which you need to be able to show discretion and which appeals to my sense of organisation and my ability to adapt. I am also punctual, attentive to every detail, and a dynamic person who rapidly performs the tasks entrusted to me."

Training/Qualifications :

“I am keen to continue developing my professional knowledge, I recently attended a training course to improve my cleaning techniques with……………………………. (or “I intend to take a training course to improve my cleaning techniques.”).”

Reason for job search :

“One of the families I’ve been working with for five years is about to move abroad, so I’m looking for a new job, so I was very interested to learn that you are looking for a domestic employee."

During the interview

Be energetic and enthusiastic - and smile - during the interview;
Speak about your experiences positively, whether they are good or bad;
Showcase your different training courses; Answer questions with concrete examples;
Present your arguments, illustrate your answers with situations you have experienced;
Salary expectations, wait for the employer to raise the question of wages.

Concluding the interview

Prepare a list of questions to ask

Here are some examples of questions you could ask:

  • Do you have a list of the tasks that must be done?
  • How many candidates are you going to meet?
  • What criteria are you going to use to make your decision?
  • What date would you like the domestic employee to start work in your home?
  • When do you think you are going to be able to give an answer? Could I telephone you on that date?

Suggest a trial.

Say thank you for the time they have taken to meet you, and confirm your interest in the position.

Do not forget to shake hands and say goodbye with a smile when you leave.

If you have the e-mail address of the private employer, then send them an e-mail within two days, at the latest, thanking them for the interview and once again confirming your interest in the position, telling them that you remain at their entire disposal should they have further questions about your application and to undertake a trial.

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