If you are currently seeking your next placement as an Estate Manager, Private Chef, or any other Domestic Staffing position, providing employment reference letters is an absolute must. Here is how references enhance the employability of Household Staff and help employers make informed hiring decisions.

References Contain Vital Information

A reference reveals much more than who you worked for in your last position; it also serves as proof that you are well qualified to perform in the role for which you are applying.

A Complete Picture

A reference can provide a prospective employer with information about your skills, work ethic, achievements, and strengths, providing them with a clear idea of who you are as an employee.

A Track Record of Your Effectiveness

References also reveal more about how you have grown professionally, how you have benefited past employers, and how you have managed adversity in your roles.

Added Security

Finally, because you will be working in private homes or high-profile individuals, having strong references provides those seeking to hire household staff added security.

References Help to Build Trust

Providing genuine household staffing references will help to build trust between you and your next employer.  In fact, a letter of recommendation can help you obtain your next private household staff position. That being said, it is important to ensure your recommendations are of the highest possible quality before reference checks occur.

References That Stand Out

Even though private staffing is a specialized field, a single available position can create a veritable sea of applications. Your qualifications and experience deserve to be in the spotlight, and a glowing reference can be what illuminates your unique set of skills and benefits.

Personal vs. Professional References

While it may seem obvious that professional references would be required for a professional position, these are not the only reference type. Personal references are also commonly submitted during the application process.

What is a “personal” reference and how does it differ from a “professional” reference? Simply put, a personal reference is typically submitted by someone who knows you outside of working hours. This type of reference will usually provide information about your character, personality, hobbies, and other facets of your non-working life.

A “professional” reference is typically submitted by someone you have worked with, such as a team leader or manager. This type of reference provides information about your training, responsibilities, accomplishments, and similar aspects of your professional life.

Both types of references are very useful for a prospective employer. Personal references help to reveal more about who you are as a person, and professional references offer the information needed to confirm your perfect fit for a particular household staffing role.

However, before including both types of references, it is important to obtain clarification on which type the potential employer wishes to see. If no clarification is given, consider providing professional and personal references at a 2:1 ratio. For example, if you provide four professional references, include two personal references.

Tips for Obtaining and Using References

Choosing the right individuals to provide personal or employee references will be your first task. When thinking about who is best, consider those who know your strengths and have worked with you directly and most recently.

These should be individuals with whom you have had a quality working relationship and who can elaborate on your work ethic and abilities. Having several references who can attest to a diverse range of your skills and attributes is ideal.

Ask each potential reference if they are comfortable with providing a positive recommendation. If they are unsure or not enthusiastic, proceed to the next person on your list.

Before using any reference for an employment application, an important consideration is to obtain permission to use it. You will also want to ask whether they would be willing to share their phone number and which days and times they are available to speak to a potential employer.

It is also a good idea to keep your references updated as to when they can expect a call from your prospective employer. If it has been a while since you have worked together, provide a quick update on what you have been doing. Mention the position you are applying for and email them a copy of your resume as well.

Once all is said and done, sending each person a short note of thanks for taking the time to provide a reference and speak to your potential employer will help to nurture your relationship and be appreciated.

Consider Pairing Partnerships with Employee Reference Letters

As a Personal Assistant, Estate Manager, or any other domestic professional, having references for staff positions you have worked in previously is crucial to the success of your career. However, if you have partnered with the right Domestic Staffing Agency, your next placement could be far closer than you suspect.

Staffing at Tiffanie’s has over 26 years of experience as household staff and employers of staff. Over the years, we have helped many high-profile individuals find top-tier staffing solutions. Professionals on our roster enjoy exclusive support in their job search journeys.

If you are a well-qualified and experienced professional who is ready to take the next step in your career, we invite you to apply to join our network of household staff professionals.