How to Write a Job Description That Attracts Reliable Household Help

Hiring household help can feel daunting, but it all starts with one crucial step: writing a clear and compelling job description. Your job description isn’t just for candidates—it’s also for you! It helps you get clear on what you need, sets the tone for a professional working relationship, and ensures you attract the right person for the role.

Here are my step-by-step instructions and top tips for crafting a standout job description that sets you up for success:

1. How to Start a Job Description for Household Help

Start your job description with a quick summary of the position. Keep it professional but warm, and include the basics:

• Job Title: Examples include “Household Manager,” “Nanny," or Household Assistant."

• General Duties: Include a few high-level tasks to give an idea of the role.

• Location: Specify your city or area (but not your exact address for privacy).

  
  

Example: “We’re a busy family of four seeking a reliable and organized Household Manager to help keep our home running smoothly. This role includes managing daily tasks like laundry, meal prep, and errands.”

2. Clearly Define Responsibilities

Outline exactly what the role entails. Think about the tasks that take up the most time or cause the most stress—these are the ones you’ll likely want to delegate.

💡 Tip: Not sure where to start? Download my free Master Task List to see a breakdown of daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal household tasks. It’s the perfect tool to help you figure out what to include.

Example responsibilities might include:

• Laundry and light cleaning

• Preparing meals or snacks for the family

• Running errands like grocery shopping

• Managing the family calendar and scheduling appointments

• Providing childcare during after-school hours

3. Scheduling Details for Household Help Job Descriptions

Be upfront about your ideal schedule, but be prepared to adjust if the perfect candidate has slightly different availability. Include:

• Days and times (e.g., Monday-Friday, 9 AM-3 PM)

• Total weekly hours

• Start date (or flexibility if you’re open to waiting for the right fit)

4. Communicate Compensation and Benefits

Clearly outline the pay range and any perks or benefits you’re offering. Candidates appreciate transparency, and it helps filter out those who might not be a good fit.

💡 Tip: Research the going rates in your area for similar roles. Websites like Indeed can help you understand the market, or ask local friends who’ve hired household help.

Example:

• Hourly rate: $20–$25/hour, depending on experience

• Perks: 2 weeks PTO, all major holidays off

5. Describe Your Ideal Candidate

Think about the attributes you want in a household employee. This could include:

• Specific skills (e.g., cooking, strong organizational skills)

• Experience (e.g., “At least 2 years in a similar role”)

• Personality traits (e.g., “Kind, reliable, and proactive”)

Example:“We’re looking for someone with at least 2 years of experience as a nanny or household manager. The ideal candidate is organized, great with kids, and takes initiative to keep things running smoothly.”

Q&A: Common Questions About Writing a Job Description

Q: What if I’m not sure what tasks to include?

A: Use my free Master Task List to map out all the responsibilities in your household. It’s a great way to get clarity on what needs to get done and what you can delegate. [Grab a copy here!]

Q: Should I include personal details about my family?

A: Share helpful details like your family size and the ages of your kids, but keep it professional. Avoid personal information until the interview process.

Q: How can I make my position stand out?

A: Highlight any unique perks or benefits, like competitive pay, flexible scheduling, or paid time off. A warm, friendly tone can also go a long way in attracting the right candidate.

Q: What’s the best way to post my job description?

A: Use trusted platforms like care.com, neighborhood Facebook groups, or local parent networks. If you don’t want to deal with the hassle, my Full-Service Hiring takes care of everything for you, from posting to vetting candidates.

Need More Help?

Still have questions about hiring? My DIY Hiring Guide gives you a step-by-step process to confidently define your needs, find and onboard the right household employee. From writing a job description (included an example) to conducting interviews, my guide has you covered.

👉🏼 Grab Your DIY Hiring Guide Here!

Hiring reliable household help doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right tools and support, you’ll find the perfect fit in no time.

Tessa