Domestic Helper: To find a good employer write a good application
Updated: Aug 2, 2020
Posting an online application is one of the easiest ways to for a domestic helper to put herself out there. Use your online post to make a good impression and to help you find a good employer. Here is a guide on how to write a good online application on job platforms like HelperChoice.
When I got pregnant my husband and I decided to hire a domestic helper. The husband read over 300 applications on HelpersChoice. There are a lot of applications out there and most of them are badly written. That is good news because it will be easier for you to stand out. Just follow eight steps when you write your application.
So let's start with an example of a good online application. You can use it to write your own application but please, please, please do not copy it word of word. If an employer finds this article and notices that you just copied and pasted it, it will not make a good impression.
How a good application is structured:
#1 Your Picture
#2 Header
#3 Greeting and your name
#4 About yourself
#5 Re-assure that you are a good choice
#6 Express hope and gratefulness
#7 Personalize
#8 Spelling and Structure
Below the example you will find the guide to help you write your own application. I based this example on a good application I found on HelpersChoice. I changed the picture and some details, corrected spelling and wordings.
Application Example
Responsible, dependable, hardworking helper
Hello.
My name is Josie from the Philippines. I am working in Hong Kong as domestic helper and about to finish my 2-year-contract in November 2020.
I am currently working for a local family, and taking good care of their 2 kids and the grandmother. I am in charge of doing household chores, buying groceries, going to the market, cooking and sometimes helping the kids with their homework and taking the grandmother to the doctor.
Aside from that, I also worked in Singapore for almost 6 years as a caregiver and nanny for a British and then later Taiwanese family.
I love being around kids and like planning fun activities and help them in their studies such as reading, writing, and reviewing their lessons. I enjoy cooking, too and am willing to learn new recipes.
I am a simple, happy person who is responsible, dependable, hardworking.
I hope you will consider me as one of your top choices. Thank you
#1 Your Picture
Probably the most important thing on your application. The simpler the better.
Theme: Teacher or going to church
Background : clean, single neutral colour is best. Pick any kind of wall or a quiet calm looking place with no people.
Pose: Facing to the front so your face is visible. Smiling makes you look friendly. Picture should show your face and a bit of your upper body.
Hair and makeup: Hair just needs to look clean and tidy. Make up should be as natural as possible. Avoid bold lipstick, rouge, eye-shade etc.
Clothes: should be different colour from background but it should also be clean and neutral. Smart casual like T-shirt or blouse in a single, neutral colour looks best. Simple or no jewelry.
Great application pics
Not so great application pics
#2 Header
Describe yourself with 3-4 characteristics. Think what an employer might be looking for.
Example:
Responsible, dependable, hardworking helper
Hard-working, tidy, loyal domestic helper
Experienced, dedicated, Cantonese-speaking helper from the Philippines
#3 Greeting and your name
Example:
Hello. My name is Josie from the Philippines.
Hello there. I am Maricell and I am looking for a fair and kind employer.
Good day. My name is Sally.
#4 About yourself
Time to write about yourself. Think about questions an employer would as you and write that information into your application.
Where are you at them moment? I am working in Hong Kong as domestic helper...
What is your status? Broken contract, completed contract, new hire. ...and about to finish my 2-year-contract in November 2020.
What are your duties with your current/ last employer? I am currently working for a local family, and taking good care of their 2 kids and the grandmother. I am in charge of doing household chores, buying groceries, going to the market, cooking and sometimes helping the kids with their homework and taking the grandmother to the doctor. ! One note about the word 'marketing'. When you say you do marketing most English-speaking employers will think you come up with advertisements and promotions. Just say "buying groceries" and/or "going to the market".
Any past relevant job experiences? Aside from that, I also worked in Singapore for almost 6 years as a caregiver and nanny for a British and then later Taiwanese family.
What are you good at in your job? What do you enjoy? I love being around kids and like planning fun activities and help them in their studies such as reading, writing, and reviewing their lessons. I enjoy cooking, too and am willing to learn new recipes.
#5 Re-assure that you are a good choice
Add one sentence which shows why an employer will be comfortable to have you around in their home. You can use same words as in your header.
Example:
I am a simple, happy person who is responsible, dependable, hardworking.
I am an uncomplicated person who is dedicated, trustworthy, and diligent
I am an easygoing person who takes her job seriously.
#6 Express hope and gratefulness
Example:
I hope you will consider me as one of your top choices. Thank you
I'm looking forward to be part of your household. Thank you.
I hope I can prove myself in an interview. Thank you for your consideration.
#7 Personalize
Make sure to personalize the application. Make it yours.
#8 Spelling and Structure
Read over your application and correct the spelling and punctuation mistakes. Ask a friend to go over what you have written. 2 pair of eyes see more than one.
Break the text apart in paragraphs so your application is easier to read.
That's it! 8 steps to help you find an employer who hopefully will be a good fit. Let me know in the comments if this was in any way helpful. Comment if you have any questions.
Good luck!