Professional Domestic Services & Institute

Professional Domestic Services & No-Agency-Staffing-Fees.com: Different Services, One Mission

2010-02-09T05:47:00.000-08:00

Since we have recently launched No-Agency-Staffing-Fees.com, we thought we would take a moment to perhaps better explain the difference between this service and Professional Domestic Services.

No-Agency-Staffing-Fees.com can be used instead of working with Professional Domestic Services, or it can be used in addition to the services of our agency. We created No-Agency-Staffing-Fees.com as an additional avenue for seeking employment or staff.

No-Agency-Staffing-Fees.com is as hands-on and do-it-yourself as you can imagine. If you are a prospective employee who would like a new avenue to seek employment, No-Agency-Staffing-Fees.com could be a tremendous help. At No-Agency-Staffing-Fees.com, you are responsible for your job search. You choose whether you will purchase advertising; you will choose what experience, skills, interests, and so on you will highlight to potential employers. If you subscribe as well, you can choose what employer’s ad to respond to.

If you are a prospective employer, you can take more control of your search for staff with the help of No-Agency-Staffing-Fees.com. Without having to pay any kind of deposit or placement fee, you can look for potential employees at your leisure. You can select which applicants’ ads to respond to; you can create your own ads and let applicants know exactly what you are looking for in staff.

Professional Domestic Services, on the other hand, is a full-service agency. We handle the details. For employees, we use our decades of experience to highlight the experience and skills we believe best match what potential employers are looking for, and we present those to our clients. We also use an extensive application process so that we will know and understand better what those experiences and skills are, thus allowing us to better present you to prospective employers.

For potential employers, we present prescreened and tested applicants for your perusal after ascertaining what you are looking for in your home. We also provide background and reference checks on your behalf. These services are all offered for a fee.

No-Agency-Staffing-Fees.com offers exactly what it states in its name – services without agency fees. The only fees are those for subscriptions and advertising, which are significantly less than those charged by other agencies and Professional Domestic Services. This is why No-Agency-Staffing-Fees.com is the more economical choice for those seeking staff.

For applicants, the appeal of No-Agency-Staffing-Fees.com lies not only in its provision of another method of searching for employment, but also in the increased numbers of possible employment opportunities.

We are happy to offer more choices that we believe will improve the chances for both potential employers and applicants to find their perfect employment match!

From a PDI Graduate

2010-01-22T04:06:00.000-08:00

Changing my career was the best decision I could ever had made. After owning and operating a couple of businesses, and working many types of jobs, all of which I enjoyed, I have learned many lessons throughout my life. But then, I still had one more career I wanted the opportunity to enjoy: Executive Household Managing.

I was in my late 40s and began a search for the right Institute/Agency to help me reach my new goal in life. I came across Professional Domestic Services & Institute in Columbus, OH.

I was accepted in an 8-week program for Professional Household Management in April 2002, and it was the best decision I could ever had made. I had the opportunity to learn so much more during my eight weeks under the supervision of Carol Scudere, and I have taken this all with me to be the person I am today.

I have had the opportunity to work with a couple with young children and an elderly couple in their 70s. Each gave me a new respective on life as well as new challenges, and I always strived to be the best that I could be.

My many responsibilities included managing the household, organization, detail cleaning, taking care of antiques/art, housekeeping, laundry/ironing, as well as landscaping/flowers/organic gardening. Cooking, whether it was making gourmet meals and/or healthy meals or just food prep, meal planning, and grocery shopping. Doing personal shopping, errands, chauffeuring, childcare, and many other tasks. The job duties are endless and many. That is why I chose to be the Household Manager – one that wears many hats!

Paula U.

Are You Using No-Agency-Staffing-Fees.com Yet?

2010-01-21T07:26:00.000-08:00

No-Agency-Staffing-Fees.com is the latest service we have made available to those seeking household staff and those who are seeking a household staff position. If you haven’t subscribed to its monthly newsletter yet, you could be missing out!

What makes No-Agency-Staffing-Fees.com such a perfect solution? It provides all things to all people. For homeowners who wish to find household staff but would prefer not to depend on an agency to manage their search, No-Agency-Staffing-Fees.com is exactly what you need. Simply by subscribing to the newsletter you will be introduced to many applicants, any one of which could be the perfect solution to your household staffing need(s). Advertise in the newsletter, and your chance of finding perfect staff will increase exponentially!

For job-seekers hoping to find their perfect position in a household who would like to broaden their search and explore every possible avenue, No-Agency-Staffing-Fees gives you the opportunity to put your top-notch skill set and experience in front of more potential employers than ever before. By advertising in the newsletter, you have the opportunity to show yourself exactly the way you want and draw attention to exactly what it is that makes you special.

In addition to advertisements from those seeking staff and those seeking positions, No-Agency-Staffing-Fees.com will also be merging with Professional Domestic Services & Institute’s monthly newsletter. This means that every month’s newsletter gives you the opportunity to enrich your life in some way, whether it comes from one or more of our beneficial, informative articles, or from the chance of getting a great new job or the perfect staff!

As an introductory offer, No-Agency-Staffing-Fees.com is offering two great specials. First, there’s our “Buy Two Months Get the Third Month Free” special for all advertising purchased before February 1, 2010. For just pennies a day you will put your ad in front of thousands of people.

Our second offer is for subscriptions: if you subscribe by March 1, 2010, you will receive another 6 months absolutely free!

There’s really no reason NOT to give No-Agency-Staffing-Fees.com a try today! If you are interested, please e-mail us at No-Agency-Staffing-Fees@columbus.rr.com.

Finding Employment: Representing Yourself

2010-01-05T13:49:00.000-08:00

In this tight job market, it is important to do everything possible to ensure that your application for employment is taken seriously. One of the most important is to be forthright and straightforward.

Recently we received an application for a woman who gave her title as “Duchess.” Since such a title is more likely to belong to an employer seeking staff than an applicant, we asked her about it. She told us that she had assumed this title for herself – that it was fitting for her company and her position as a cosmetics consultant.

We are all for enjoying life and living it to the fullest, which were a few of the explanations she gave us for assuming this title. However, we also recognize reality, which is that assuming such a title can strike those who do not know you as quite pretentious. Consider: if you were a homeowner looking for someone to employ in your home, would you even consider hiring someone who calls herself “Duchess”? An employer could hardly be blamed for believing such a person would not have a service heart, would not be willing to give her all to making sure their lives are as carefree and beautiful as possible.

Anytime you misrepresent yourself, you make it more difficult to be hired. Wealthy homeowners are able to get the truth quickly; thus, providing less-than-accurate information on yourself can be a one-way ticket to unemployment.

Cinnamon Coffeecake

2009-11-23T08:25:00.000-08:00

1 cup butter, softened
2 3/4 cups sugar, divided
2 tsp vanilla
4 eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
2 cups (16 oz.) sour cream
2 Tbsp ground cinnamon
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and 2 cups sugar until fluffy. Add vanilla and 1 egg at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine flour, baking powder, soda, and salt; add alternately with sour cream, beating just enough after each addition to keep batter smooth. Spoon 1/3 of batter into a greased 10-inch Bundt pan. Combine cinnamon, nuts, and remaining sugar; sprinkle 1/3 over batter in pan (try to keep away from edges). Repeat layers two more times. Bake at 350º for 70 minutes or until cake tests done. Cool for 10 minutes. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.

Makes 12 to 16 servings.

The Holiday Bonus

2009-11-16T16:52:00.000-08:00

For people in all walks of life, this is often the time of year when people look forward to holiday bonuses. Employers in many different professions often feel compelled to show appreciation to their employees for their year's worth of hard work. Those who have increased company business or shown true innovation in their ideas and decision-making may get a little something extra at the end of the year as well.

This kind of thinking has carried over into the world of professional household staff. Many employers feel that the employees who work within their very homes, helping to make their lives run smoothly, are especially deserving of a token of their appreciation.

One of the questions we are often asked by employers is, "What kind of bonus should I give my household staff?"

For the most part, the response to this is, "Whatever you feel moved to give." There is no "right" bonus to provide to household staff. Sometimes a simple note of thanks, letting your staff know that they are appreciated, is the greatest gift they could receive. But of course, monetary remuneration is always appreciated! This could be anything from a gift card redeemable at an exclusive restaurant to a week's salary.

To Household Employees: Sometimes your employer's generosity may take your breath away, and you feel as though you should reciprocate with a special gift of your own. We do not advise this. The most we would recommend is a sincere thank-you note. Remember that the best gift you can give to your employer is your outstanding service!

Don't miss an issue of our Newsletter!

2009-10-26T09:56:00.000-07:00

We have had many applicants, clients, and potential students subscribe to our FREE e-mail newsletter. We thank you for your interest and support!

However, we have also had a fair number of e-mails bounce back to us due to outdated or incorrectly inputted e-mail addresses. Don't let this happen to you! When you subscribe, be sure you do input your e-mail address correctly. And if your address changes, please re-subscribe to make sure you don't miss a single issue.

If for whatever reason you are not receiving your FREE Newsletter, we encourage you to please re-subscribe. We want you to enjoy our newsletters!

Notice on our Newsletter

2009-10-01T13:03:00.000-07:00

Due to popular demand, we have decided not to phase out our monthly newsletter, as we originally intended with the advent of our new blog. Instead, we will continue to send our newsletter as always, and we will also have special content available via blog.

We are gratified to hear from our subscribers how much you appreciate the information we provide through our newsletter. It’s true: some of the best things in life are free!

Be sure you don't miss our newsletter! If you aren't currently subscribing, visit here: http://housestaff.net/newsletter.asp to sign up!

Maintaining the Chimney

2009-09-30T08:01:00.000-07:00

Maintaining a chimney is the job of a chimney sweep. But unless your employer is already contracted with one, you will need to schedule the annual cleanings and inspections. If you need to find one, look for a sweep who has been given certification by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. CSIA-certified sweeps must pass an exam showing their knowledge of state codes, proper procedures, and safety measures, and they must renew every three years. To prevent liability on your employer's part, make sure the sweep is covered by worker's compensation and liability insurance. Of course, you should always check references and the Better Business Bureau before contracting with a sweep.

Two things you can do to help protect your employer's chimney:

Install a chimney cap. This will prevent squirrels, raccoons and birds from seeking shelter or building nests in the chimney. It will also keep water out and keep wayward sparks from landing on the roof (in case someone other than you builds a fire and doesn't know the hazards of overfeeding a fire!). Stainless steel caps are the most durable and usually come with a lifetime warranty. If your employer dislikes the aesthetics of a stainless steel cap, consider decorative terra-cotta caps made by the Superior Clay Corporation or a handmade English chimney pot made by the Northern Roof Tile Sales Company in Canada. A chimney sweep can place the order for you and get the best price.

Have a professional apply water repellant. Gas-permeable repellant spray allows water to vaporize out of the brick. Other repellants may trap water in the brick, so ask what the worker will be using.

If a strong ash or smoke smell emanates from your employer's chimney even when the fireplace has been closed up during warmer months, the chimney may need to be cleaned. Contact the chimney sweep. Building a proper fire - with wooden matches, tinder, kindling, and dry hardwood logs - will help prevent the odor.

What if the chimney has been cleaned and you're building fires correctly, but the odor remains? Your employer's home may have a problem called "negative pressure." Negative pressure describes a situation whereby too much air leaves the house and not enough comes in, a problem more commonly created in newer (more airtight) homes. Negative pressure causes air to be sucked into the home through the chimney when it isn't in use, resulting in the creosote smell.

If you suspect negative pressure is causing the odor, ask your chimney sweep to check the flue's seal for tightness to prevent the air from being sucked into the house. S/he should also be able to give you suggestions on ways to allow air to come into the home and prevent negative pressure.

Preparing for Fall? Check Out the Farmer's Markets!

2009-09-30T07:50:00.000-07:00

We're now approaching the end of the season of the farmer's market. The autumnal fresh produce is on its way. In the colder Northern states, this is the time of year when people tend to seek out comfort food. Apples and apple cider, blackberries and blueberries, winter squash, carrots and parsnips, broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes, cabbage... these are just some of the many fall fruits and vegetables that go wonderfully in warm, comforting meals and desserts.

One thing Ms. Scudere enjoys lately when she shops for fall foods is kielbasa, cut into pieces and cooked with onions. She adds some chopped up cabbage and about a cup or 1½ cup apple juice, plus some salt and pepper. She steams these for about 10 minutes, adds some fresh apple slices, cooks for an additional 3 minutes, then serve.

Butternut or acorn squash with brown sugar and butter or roasted pork loin with mashed potatoes are some other enjoyable cold weather recipes that have the added benefit of filling the house with the wonderful aromas of home-cooked meals.

Farmer's markets are also a great place to pick up fall decorations, which brighten up any home in the fall. So why not enjoy this last bit of one of the things we love most about summer while you can!

Welcome to Our Blog!

2009-09-28T11:25:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to announce our new website blog! Our blog provides exclusive content with information of interest both to those working in the household service profession and to those who employ them. Each new blog entry will be posted on our website approximately once a week at www.housestaff.net . Our ultimate plan is for the blog to replace our monthly newsletter, and we will gradually be phasing out the newsletter. We intend to continue to provide the great informational content you’ve come to expect and enjoy.

We will continue to provide Applicants Available and Employment Opportunities e-mails to those who currently subscribe. Please note that if you wish to make sure you don’t miss any, you will need to e-mail us and let us know of any change to your e-mail address. Please also be sure our e-mail address, housestaff@columbus.rr.com, is included in your contacts to prevent spam filters from preventing our e-mails from reaching your inbox.

We hope you will enjoy our blog! If you have anything specific you would like to see us address in the blog, please drop us an e-mail. We would love to hear from you.

Sincerely yours,

Carol Scudere
Owner & Director
Professional Domestic Services & Institute

Professional Domestic: Growing and Changing to Serve Its Students!

2009-08-31T08:47:00.000-07:00

Did you know that over the years we have invested millions of dollars in the continual improvement and development of Professional Domestic Institute? We have purchased new appliances. . . upgraded equipment. . . renovated rooms. . . added new carpeting and floors. . . and constantly maintain a varied and complete inventory of supplies and chemicals in order to ensure our students have the best possible training. This is to say nothing of the equipment we have purchased. We are continually updating our selection of books, CDs, and DVDs so your training will always be current and relevant.

All these investments and student training have resulted in a beautiful 18-room Tudor Home that sits on 2 1/2 acres of formally landscaped grounds.

If you would like to see Carriage Hill Manor, the primary home where our students hone their craft, we invite you to take the virtual tour by clicking here.

Don't Forget to Care For Yourself

2009-08-31T07:52:00.000-07:00

The very qualities that make many people such great candidates for a career in household service-joy in giving to others and a seemingly bottomless capacity to do so-are the very qualities that set up a household employee for self-neglect.

Those whose lives are devoted to service to others quite often don't bother thinking of their own needs. As a result, household employees are often vulnerable to illness, both emotional and physical.

It doesn't have to be this way, nor should it be if you truly want to provide the best service to your employer. Think of it this way: when you are suffering from less-than-optimal health, either emotionally or physically, you aren't able to give your best service.

Leave behind bad habits.
One area to examine in your life is bad health habits. Do you smoke? Drink more than you should? Fail to get enough sleep? Drink too much caffeine? All of these can contribute to poor health. The health hazards to some of these are obvious-smoking, of course, leads to a host of health problems. But drinking too much alcohol and/or caffeine are poor ways to deal with stress or lack of sleep. Relying on such crutches may result in an inability to handle these problems in constructive, healthy ways. And such an inability can further weaken your health.

Nutrition.
Many people believe that nutrition is important only if you are trying to lose weight. But the reality is that no one's body can work optimally if you have poor nutritional habits. Do you get enough vitamins and antioxidants? How about important nutrients like calcium, iron, potassium? What about fiber and protein? Do you consume too much fat, salt, and/or empty calories? Do you drink enough water? All of these are questions to ask yourself as you decide how to best improve your nutrition. Many reputable books and magazines are devoted to the topic of making healthy food choices and providing healthy recipes to help you simplify the task.

Regular check-ups.
Regular visits to the doctor, optometrist, and dentist are essential. These help you catch potential health problems before they become major crises. Such visits are also a good time to get answers to any questions you may have about your health. In the case of the optometrist, in addition to receiving tests to ensure your eyes are healthy (and not at risk of problems such as cataracts and glaucoma), you will be able to ensure your lens prescription(s) are kept up to date.

Exercise.
You may believe you get plenty of physical activity on the job, and this may indeed be the case, especially if you do a lot of housekeeping or caretaking work. However, there is one very important reason you should strive to include non-job related exercise in every day: it is a great source of stress relief. Even a 30-minute walk can work wonders to clear your mind and help you leave behind the troubles of the day.

Cultivate hobbies.
Enjoying hobbies is one of the best ways you can care for your emotional health. Do you enjoy reading, gardening, crafting, playing board games, having dinner parties, woodworking, etc.? Be sure you carve out regular time to do what you enjoy. Sometimes it can be difficult to set aside your "to-do" list at home and just have fun for a while, but it is extremely important. Taking even a little time for yourself will help ensure that you continue to find joy in caring for others!