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Searching for a capable butler who can become a welcome and functioning part of your family may seem like a daunting job, but there are several approaches that can make the process much easier. Initially, you need to decide between hiring an agency and paying its higher fees or looking around for yourself. Word of mouth is always useful because your friend can often also give a reference for the person being mentioned. The Yellow Pages list cleaning services as do online sites. You can also try the classifieds, both in the local papers and online. A local college may have students looking for part time butler jobs that will fit your needs and schedule. Once you have a name, a telephone interview will help you decided whether this person is worth pursuing. At this time, set up a visit to your home and prepare yourself for a serious, in depth interview. Since misunderstandings are most apt to occur over lapses in communication, it is important to be very thorough about your expectations. You might want to develop a job description that you can use as a tool during the interview process. It should include the schedule, specific responsibilities, house rules and standards, and of course, salary and benefits. A walk-through of your house and discussion of your expectations will be useful. Keep a notepad to jot down answers to your questions to aid your memory and avoid further confusion or misunderstanding later. Because you will be giving a virtual stranger access to your family and your property, it is important to be thorough in checking references. Ask for 3-5 both personal and professional and from non-relatives. When you go over the work history, now is the time to ask about work gaps or unexplained circumstances. Since your safety and security are paramount, you may want to also do a credit and criminal background check. A butler who is unwilling to share information is definitely a red flag, having said that the interview should not feel like an inquisition. Be friendly and respectful or you may drive a potentially great butler right back out your front door. When you follow-up on references, ask the key question, "Would you hire this person to work for you again?" You can learn volumes by this simple little question, and while many people would be reluctant to speak negatively about a former butler, they almost always will answer this truthfully. A follow-up "Why" or "Why not" should give you more useful information. Finally, once the responsibilities and costs have been agreed upon, everything should be written into a clear, easy-to-understand contract. Include specifics such as days and hours scheduled, holidays, a detailed list of services expected, a date for performance review, who provides the cleaning supplies, and the payment agreed upon. Once you and your new butler sign this contract, each of you should keep a copy for future reference.
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