Finding the right household employee can feel overwhelming—after all, you’re inviting someone into your home and trusting them with tasks that help keep your family running smoothly. It’s not just about skills; it’s about finding the right person who clicks with your family’s needs and values. Knowing how to hire a household employee the right way ensures you attract reliable help and create a long-term, successful working relationship.
So, what should you look for? Let’s take a look at the five essential qualities that make for a great hire.
1. Trustworthiness
This is non-negotiable. Your household employee will be in your personal space, managing your belongings, and possibly interacting with your children. You need someone you can trust to handle their responsibilities with integrity and care.
How to Spot It:
Check references thoroughly.
Ask questions about how they’ve handled sensitive situations in the past.
Look for consistency in their communication and demeanor during the interview process.
Most importantly, conduct thorough vetting. (ie background check, drug screening, and motor vehicle report)
2. Initiative
A great household employee doesn’t just wait for instructions—they proactively look for ways to help. Whether it’s noticing the pantry needs restocking or tackling a task that wasn’t explicitly assigned, initiative is what separates a good hire from a great one.
How to Spot It:
Ask open-ended questions during the interview, such as, “Can you tell me about a time when you went above and beyond in a previous role?”
Look for candidates who can explain how they’ve added value to past positions.
3. Flexibility
Life happens, and your household employee should be someone who can adapt to changing schedules, unexpected tasks, or last-minute needs. Flexibility doesn’t mean saying “yes” to everything—it means approaching changes with a can-do attitude.
How to Spot It:
Ask situational questions like, “How would you handle a last-minute request that required you to adjust your schedule?”
Look for responses that show a willingness to collaborate while maintaining healthy boundaries.
4. Attention to Detail
From folding the laundry just the way you like to ensuring the counters are spotless, attention to detail is a hallmark of a reliable household employee. It’s the little things that make the biggest difference when it comes to keeping a home running smoothly.
How to Spot It:
During the interview, ask them how they approach specific tasks, such as organizing or cleaning.
Look for candidates who ask thoughtful questions about your expectations.
5. Alignment with Your Family’s Values
Your household employee should fit seamlessly into your home’s dynamic. Whether it’s valuing safety, respecting your parenting approach, or simply being a positive presence, a shared alignment in values helps create a harmonious working relationship.
How to Spot It:
Be upfront about your family’s values and expectations during the interview.
Pay attention to whether the candidate’s responses and demeanor align with the atmosphere you want to maintain in your home.
Creating a Win-Win Partnership
The best working relationships are built on mutual respect. Your household employee should find fulfillment in their role, just as you find satisfaction in their performance. A win-win partnership happens when your expectations are clear, fair compensation is offered, and their contributions are genuinely appreciated.
Tip: Outline the role in detail with a clear job description. This helps set expectations from the start and ensures both parties are set up for success. You can download my free Master Task List to get started!
Q&A
Q: What if I can’t find someone with all five qualities?
A: It’s rare to find someone who checks every box perfectly, but focus on the non-negotiables (like trustworthiness and alignment with your values). Some skills or qualities, like attention to detail, can be taught over time.
Q: How do I avoid high turnover?
A: Clear communication, fair compensation, and showing appreciation go a long way in creating a happy working relationship. Setting realistic expectations and offering consistent hours also help build trust and loyalty.
Q: Is it worth paying more for someone with experience?
A: Absolutely. Experienced candidates not only bring skills to the table but often require less training, saving you time and effort in the long run.
Looking for a Guarantee? Let Me Handle Your Search!
Finding the right household employee takes time, effort, and patience—but you don’t have to do it alone. As a household hiring expert, I focus on finding candidates who embody all five of these essential qualities (and more!) to ensure you get the best possible fit for your home.
With my Full-Service Recruiting, I take care of the entire process—crafting the perfect job description, sourcing top candidates, conducting thorough vetting (including background checks, reference checks, and screenings), and ensuring a smooth hiring process from start to finish. Plus, I offer a 90-day placement guarantee—so if the first hire doesn’t work out, I’ll find a replacement at no extra cost.
Skip the frustration and let me handle the hard part—so you can focus on what matters most. Learn more here.
Why Hiring a Household Employee Is Worth the Effort
Hiring the right household employee isn’t just about filling a position—it’s about creating a win-win partnership that brings ease and support into your home. When you take the time to find someone who is trustworthy, proactive, adaptable, detail-oriented, and aligned with your values, you set yourself up for long-term success. Whether you tackle the hiring process yourself or let an expert handle it, investing in the right help will transform your home life and give you back more time for what matters most.
With the right support, your home can work for you—not against you. Let’s make it happen!
Tessa
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