In the seasonal job market of the Hamptons, there's nothing more important than retaining employees. So, we asked Aleksandra Kardwell, author of How to Find, Hire and Keep the Right Domestic Professionals, how to hold on to valuable workers.
What are the biggest hiring mistakes people make?
ALEKSANDRA KARDWELL: One of the main hiring mistakes people make is not properly defining what and who is needed for the job at hand. This is probably the leading cause of frustration, unnecessary expense, and failed employer-employee matches. Taking into account household culture is a big part of this. You want someone who has not only the right experience and skills, but also a personality and worldview that fits well with your household.
What is the best piece of advice you've been given regarding hiring?
AK: By being clear on a position’s requirements and the type of person you want, you'll massively increase your chances of finding a great person who will stay with you for years to come.
What are some tips to keeping great employees for the long term?
AK: Some of the key things you can do to keep great employees are providing market-competitive compensation, which includes annual salary increases, maintaining a healthy household culture and showing appreciation for work well done.
What quality should every hiring manager have or aspire to have?
AK: A good hiring manager should aim to be objective and methodical. Following a formal hiring process definitely helps to tilt the odds of hiring success in a manager's favor.
Is there such a thing as the perfect resume?
AK: Resumes should really be considered marketing pieces for job applicants. While resumes do provide important information, they must be taken with a grain of salt and verified.
Photography by: Photography courtesy Aleksandra Kardwell
