Housemaids can be employed without or with accommodation. Some people prefer to hire maids with accommodation so that they do not have strict schedules and maids with accommodation can become part of the family and enjoy comfortable accommodation. In larger homes with many employees, the maid may be under the supervision of a housekeeper; in smaller families, the maid works independently.
Professional qualifications
Colloquially, it is also called domestic servant or housekeeper. Maid generally refers to a person who performs household chores for one or more families. Housemaids can be either women or men, although traditionally it is an occupation performed almost exclusively by women. Housekeepers can perform a variety of tasks, from cleaning the house to maintaining the garden to preparing meals and serving the table. There are no specific educational requirements to work as a housekeeper, but previous housekeeping experience with other families with references would be beneficial.
Maid requirements and skills
- Proven experience in cleaning
- Good knowledge of various cleaning methods
- Ability to work with minimal supervision
- Excellent organizational, time management, problem solving and multitasking skills
- Good physical condition
- Friendliness and empathy
Housekeeper Duties
Do all cleaning inside and outside the house. Wash and iron linens according to the owner’s instructions. Change linens and cover beds daily and tidy bedrooms and living quarters.
The maid also takes care of the plants in the house or on the terrace and in some cases even the pets.
The housekeeper often also acts as a nanny, meaning that she takes care of the children and even accompanies them to school or other activities in the afternoon, or is a caregiver if there are elderly people in the family who need help.
In some cases, the housekeeper may also prepare meals for the family, following the instructions and preferences of the hosts, and do shopping, going to stores or supermarkets.
Maid wages
Usually housekeepers are paid per hour, and the amount depends on experience and the country or city you work in, you can start between $5/hour and $12/13/hour.