Let me guess—you posted a job on Care.com, got a bunch of applicants, and yet... no one feels like the right fit. Or maybe you did find someone, but they flaked, quit after a few months, or just weren’t what you expected.
If you’re having a hard time finding the right help on Care.com, you’re not alone. Many families struggle to find the right household support, but after 20+ years in the household hiring world, I've cracked the code! These Care.com hiring tips will help you attract the right candidates and avoid the common hiring mistakes that cause high turnover.
Let's talk about it...
The Real Reason Your Care.com Search Isn’t Working
Most families hiring household help want the same things:
A reliable, long-term hire
Someone proactive who takes initiative
Help that actually makes life easier
But the #1 mistake families make?
They expect professional-level help while offering casual-level pay or hours. And that’s why they keep hiring the wrong person.
So before you waste more time filtering through applications, let’s make sure you’re looking for the right kind of help.
Finding The Right Help on Care.com
At INJOY, I sort household help into two groups:
Professional Help = 15+ hours per week AND $25+/hour
Casual Help = Less than 15 hours per week OR under $25/hour
Casual Help: When You Need an Extra Set of Hands
Casual help is part-time support for under $25/hr. Perfect for families who don’t need someone full-time or aren’t in a position to offer competitive pay.
What Casual Help Looks Like:
✔️ Less than 15 hours per week – A few shifts here and there, not a set full workweek.
✔️ Under $25/hour – A side gig, not a primary job.
✔️ Short-term commitment – They may be in school, have another job, or only be available seasonally.
✔️ Needs more direction – You’ll likely have to check in and provide reminders.
✔️ Higher turnover risk – They may move on quickly due to the season of life they're in.
Who is a Good Fit for Casual Help?
College students looking for extra income.
Neighbors or family friends who want a few hours of work each week.
Pro Tip: If hiring casual help, try posting your job in your neighborhood Facebook group or on Nextdoor. The distance someone has to drive to get to you matters!
Professional Help: The Key to Long-Term Success
If you’re looking for serious, long-term household help, you need to offer professional-level hours and pay.
What Professional Help Looks Like:
✔️ 15+ hours per week – Provides stability and makes the job worth their time.
✔️ $25+ per hour – Competitive pay attracts reliable, experienced candidates.
✔️ Long-term commitment – Professionals aren’t just looking for side gigs.
✔️ Takes initiative – They see what needs to be done and do it without being asked.
✔️ More experience & skills – Many have backgrounds in childcare, home management, or hospitality.
Who is a Good Fit for Professional Help?
Experienced nannies, home managers, and household assistants
Career-focused caregivers looking for consistent hours
Mothers or individuals who take pride in running a home efficiently
What Kind of Help Are You Hiring For?
So, before you start scrolling through Care.com, ask yourself:
Am I offering at least 15 hours per week?
Am I paying at least $25/hour?
If YES to both → You qualify for professional help! Your chances of finding long-term, high-quality support are much higher.
If NO to one or both → You’re looking for casual help. All good! Some help is better than none! You just need to adjust your expectations accordingly.
Why This Matters
Finding the right household help isn’t just about posting a job—it’s about setting yourself up for success from the start. When your expectations match what you're offering, your Care.com search becomes so much easier. You’ll attract better candidates, waste less time on interviews that go nowhere, and finally find someone who actually sticks around.
If you want to hire smarter (not harder), my DIY Hiring Guide walks you through every step—from writing a job post that gets real results to interviewing and vetting candidates with confidence. Because the goal isn’t just to hire—it’s to hire the right person the first time.
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