NANNIES AND HOUSEKEEPERS PLEASE READ
Having interviewed thousands of Domestic Candidates over the years I thought I would post some helpful hints regarding the interview process.  Today I will begin with THE RESUME.
Many of the Housekeepers and Nannies I interview have wonderful experience - years of working for families acquiring priceless skills from newborn or twin experience, full charge child care to cleaning finest of furniture and antiquities.  I can not stress to you enough the importance of a resume.  Any interview you go on be it with an agency or a prospective employer you MUST bring a resume with you.
If you were hungry and went into a restaurant to have lunch and there was no menu - how would you know what to order?  Or you go the movie theater and there is no sign to display what movies are being shown - how could you make a choice on what you wanted to see?  This is how an interviewer feels when they are meeting with a candidate who comes to them without a resume.
Domestically speaking - the resume itself can be simple.  Below is a list of MUST haves.
  1. Your full name
  2. Your objective (ex: To obtain a position as a Full Time Nanny…Housekeeper)
  3. List your certifications and achievements put any and all here (CPR, CNA certification, bilingual, Newborn Specialist,
  4. List of your previous employment starting from the most recent job
Start with the dates of employment
List the Family’s last name
City and State of employment
The position you held (include either FT or PT)
The ages of the children UPON HIRE
Your responsibilities
The reason for leaving the position (put this in italics)
Do not put your previous employers telephone numbers on the resume if you are working through an agency.  Provide the agency the numbers directly to do the references.  Once a client is interested in hiring you they will contact the agency if they would like to speak to your prior employers personally.
EXAMPLE
Rebecca Jonas
Objective:  To obtain a position as a Full Time Nanny.
Certifications/ Achievements
Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Development
CPR Certified
Swim Instructor
Domestic Experience
2002 - 2005
The Smith Family
Santa Monica, CA
Full Time Nanny
Ages of the children upon hire: 1yr, 3yrs, 6yrs
Responsibilities included but were not limited to the following:
Full charge care of 3 children on a daily basis
Driving children to and from activities
Scheduling play dates, doctors appointments, children’s activities etc..
Cooking
Laundry for the children
Light housekeeping
Traveled with family on vacations
Reason for leaving the position: Family relocated.
1999 - 2002
The Pilar Family
…..and so on
This is obviously the most basic resume to have but it covers the most important facts an interviewer needs to know about you.  The interview itself should be spent answering questions about your experience - not explaining it play by play.

She has a huge life (professionally and personally) as her husband is also high profile, so you will be assisting the entire family unit. You will be expected to travel 100% of the time as this family has homes in NY, LA and FLA. They spend equal time at these 3 homes as well as travel internationally for tours, movies etc. If you are not accustomed to traveling internationally with your boss please do not apply.
Must know how to adjust in each city, be easily adaptable and go with the flow. Ideal candidate is OCD, organized, articulate, professional, a team player, has a thick skin, be resourceful in foreign countries and always on point. You will be on call 24/7 and be expected to travel at a moments notice. Must be able to keep up with a very fast paced intense environment. No egos! No job is too big or too small. Responsibilities may include; taking notes during production meetings, overseeing ever changing schedules for family, changing dirty diapers, helping boss dress for red carpet or photo shoots, juggling a million balls at once, gatekeeper for the family, touring with family etc.  There is little room for error at this high level. Must be able to work on little sleep and be graceful under extreme pressure. Always represent both yourself and the family well at all times. Got to be 10 steps ahead and have great follow thru. Must be extremely comfortable around very high profile people. Never bring your own baggage to work. Kid friendly as they have young kids that will be traveling with the group. Must have an understanding and appreciation for Fashion, Film, TV, Music and business in general.
55K-65K DOE + health benefits after 90 days. Must be able to do a 2 week paid working trial.
If you have a minimum of 5 years experience as a Celeb PA please send resumes to both Rachel@thegrapevinela.com and Lori@thegrapevinela.com ASAP.  If you do not have the correct background you may not receive an email response from us.

Although 2010 certainly has been “better” than 2008/2009, the fact remains that if you listen to the news, times are uncertain and we are still technically in a down market.  That is why we at The Grapevine highly encourage those of you that are working to try and stick it out. PLEASE don’t leave your current job unless you have to!!

We are aware that looking for a job while you are working can be somewhat challenging however, the good news is that you have a job right now and there are so many folks right now that don’t.  As companies cut costs and make changes to consolidate, there seems to be more people looking than there are jobs. It is ultra important right now to be aware of the changes that have been made in the current job market.

Here are some tips to keep in mind so you can always be prepared and on point in this current market.

1. Always have your resume be up-to-date.

You never know when a change may be made internally where you have to look or you hear about your dream job.  Opportunities can come and go rapidly and with so many people looking, you want to be the first one in.

2. Think about your/employer’s bottom line salary.

So many times applicants say that they want a certain amount of money and don’t necessarily want to wear as many hats as are expected of people these days.  We at The Grapevine Agency always recommend that people be willing to submit themselves on the lower side if possible as opposed to the higher side.  This way it is not as easy to out-price yourself of an opportunity.  We are not suggesting that you not get paid your worth. We are simply saying you may stand out ahead of the pack if you have great experience and offer yourself at a rate that is more palatable for a company or individual’s bottom line salary.

3. Be flexible

We suggest that when looking for a position in this topsy-turvy economy, that you be open and flexible to a variety of opportunities as well as be flexible with what you will do in each role.  Some companies don’t have the same resources as they did before and may want someone to wear many hats.  Again, we are not suggesting that you be taken advantage of but we do want people to be open to what the opportunity may bring you down the line.

4. Make sure you stand out

In this increasingly challenged market it is also important to make sure you identify what might make you stand apart from the competition and highlight it on your resume!

5.  Networking

Networking has never been more important than it is right now! So get out there, do your due diligence and see who can help you in your search for a new opportunity!

Executive Assistant

Career Assistants

Personal Assistants (Part Time and Full Time)

Publicists

Nannies (Live in and Live out)

Baby Nurses

Chefs

Estate Managers

House Managers

Butlers

Housekeepers

Pet/House Sitters

Drivers/ Security

and so much more…

60K plus home offered
A client in Santa Monica seeks a true “garden manager”.  This person will be supervising/managing
a team of 5 men who work in the gardens of a very affluent estate.  In addition to being able to
supervise these men who manage the garden, do outside construction and electrical work in the garden, this person should also
be able to work on a computer and keep itemized lists of work being done, expenses etc.
MUST be able to SPEAK FLUENT SPANISH - as well as live on a home on the property.
Only required expense is telephone and TV.
8 hour day or so starting at 7am.
If married OK to have spouse living there as well.
MUST also be very hands on.
If qualified and interested please email resumes to both Caitlin@thegrapevinela.com and Lori@thegrapevinela.com.

(If interested in this position please email caitlin@thegrapevinela.com)

The Grapevine Agency is looking for a wonderful Housekeeper / Nanny who is interested in a TEMPORARY position.  Mom is having her first baby in a few weeks and will need help for 2 months.  Although this position calls for more of a Housekeeper than a Nanny the candidate MUST have experience working with infants.  Duties will include general housekeeping, laundry, organizing, cooking is a plus.  Please only respond if you are available to work starting by or before mid August.

Schedule: Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays 9-5PM

Salary: $18 - $20 per hour

(If you are interested in this position and meet the qualifications below please EMAIL your RESUME and SALARY requirements to Caitlin@thegrapevinela.com )

Single Mother of an 18 month old boy is in search of a Mother’s Helper / Nanny.  The Grapevine Agency is looking for a wonderfully qualified candidate to place in this fantastic position.  Candidate MUST be comfortable cooking for the child as well as for the mother on a daily basis and be meticulous, clean, and organized.  Mom is truly hands - on and works from home.  This position calls for lots of travel, mostly domestic, often on short-notice.  Early Childhood Education preferred.  MH responsibilities: Baby laundry, clean and organize baby’s room, baby’s bathroom, drawers, closets, etc - grocery shop, make lunch and dinner each day & clean up in kitchen. Help mother with baby when requested , ac t as mother’s PA when there is travel.  Ideal candidate: comfortable cooking, goes with the flow, forward thinker, can anticipate, sensitive, kind, wonderful with children of similar age, honest, spiritual,good morals and values and have an optimistic, upbeat personality.

HOURS: Generally Mon-Fri 9AM-7PM – when she needs person for occasional weekend, she will let MH know in advance

SALARY: D.O.E.

NO LONGER ACCEPTING RESUMES FOR THIS POST.  IF YOU SUBMIT YOU WILL NOT GET A RESPONSE AT THIS TIME.  THANKS!
Duties will include; household and personal errands, scheduling, booking travel (private and commercial), oversee staff in home, packing/unpacking for travel, grocery shopping, planning and overseeing in home events and dinner parties, deal with dog walkers, acupuncturists, gardeners, koi pond guy, housekeepers, cars, help out local family members with travel and errands, needs for NYC apartment including constructions.
You will be dealing very closely with the Executive Assistant at the office and you will be based from Beverly Hills home office.  This is a team environment so you can’t have an ego.  This is a great boss who is a kind/ personable boss who has high expectations.  Boss sometimes writes and works from home so there will be business meetings for you to coordinate there.  Ideal candidate will be comfortable around high profile people and celebs and will not get starstruck.  Must remain professional at all times, look out for the best interest of your boss and protect him in every situation.  Must be  discreet, nurturing, smart, reliable, hardworking, a perfectionist  and have a true service heart.  Looking for someone to make at least a 2 year commitment but prefers someone to stay long term.  Typical hours- 9-6pm + some weekends so much be FLEX and reachable by blackberry 24/7.
Salary is 45K-65K DOE and NO HEALTH BENEFITS.

(If you meet all of the qualifications and are interested  in this position please email your resume and salary requirements to Caitlin@thegrapevinela.com)

The Grapevine Agency is in search of a wonderful infant Nanny for an 8 month old little girl.  Candidate MUST have current infant experience, CPR certified and solid knowledge of the developmental stages of children.  Childhood Development Degree or similar is preferred.  This position requires travel and flexibility with schedule (some OT babysitting) Ideally this candidate will also be able to assist the family with errands outside of child care - the ability to do light PA work / Mothers Helper is required.

Hours: Monday - Friday 9-6PM

Salary: $20 -$30 per hour

75K-95K Depending on experience and salary history

Creative – fashion/entertainment/media

An extremely busy executive who is a “digital artist” in the fashion arena seeks an impeccable executive assistant who is fashion savvy, bright, articulate and can seamlessly and fluidly manage 20 tasks at once, all the while making their boss look amazing. 

MUST always be 12 steps ahead of their boss and be exceptional at anticipating needs.

Ideal candidate will have many years of experience assisting a C-Level executive in a creative field (entertainment/fashion/media industries).

This is a unique role in that it requires a right-hand person who is both creative and business minded (entrepreneurial).  Must have an appreciation for fashion, art, entertainment and photography.

Duties will include:

  • Being able to masterfully manage a very busy calendar and life both personally and professionally;
  • attending all meetings and taking notes;
  • scheduling, answering a high volume of calls;
  • research for a variety of projects;
  • interfacing with both business and personal contacts;
  • as well as be flexible and available for all needs (24/7)

This role calls for someone who is an extreme self-starter, who is accustomed to making their boss look like they do their job effortlessly, who is able to be in front of major celebrities with poise and grace – and

yet also have exceptional administrative capabilities. Additionally this person must be extremely detail oriented and organized.

MUST know NYC like a blue print – including all restaurants and hot spots.

MUST have excellent computer skills with an expertise in writing and handling every aspect of your boss’ life.

Looking to hire ASAP.

Please do not apply unless you have 8 plus years of experience working with someone who is fashion forward at a C Level. Thank you.
If you are interested please email resumes to both Rachel Zaslansky Sheer at Rachel@thegrapevinela.com and Lori Zuker Briller at Lori@thegrapevinela.com.
*** If you are not qualified for this position and apply anyway you may not hear back from us.

About this blog

Welcome to The Grapevine Agency! We are the premiere corporate and domestic staffing agency in Los Angeles and New York. We decided to create this blog as a forum for all of our Grapevine fans. We will be discussing hot topics regarding the job market as well as offer many tips and advice on how to find and land that perfect job. Also, we are now posting all of our corporate and domestic job lists here and will update them regularly. Feel free to ask us questions and give us suggestions about things you would like to see up here and will try our hardest to give you what you want. Enjoy!

Photostream

  • garage: pvc http://epvccwz.AACEHARDWARE.INFO/tag/garage+pvc+flooring/ : flooring... pvc.. [...]
  • dormeyer: dormeyer http://bimportamg.bestpartsstore.info/tag/Commercial+mixer+dormeyer/ : dormeyer... [...]
  • Prefab: modern http://phid4hizibo.AUTOPARTSTHAI.INFO/tag/Prefab+modern+cabinets/ : Prefab... [...]
  • esthiology: r2 http://zavedalm7go-u.ANTIQUEFURNINISHING.INFO/tag/r2+Esthiology+esthiology/ : r2... [...]
  • network: c http://wnoalterrc7.BESTPARTSPLUS.INFO/tag/dish+network+c+bsc621/ : c... dish... [...]