29 Apr How to Become a House Manager – Complete Guide

A House Manager is the right-hand person of a house owner, who handles all the intricate details of the household and caters to the needs of the house. You’ll require more than just guts to succeed as a fairly successful house manager. Here are eight steps to becoming a house manager!

Study the Job Requirements

Before embarking on a career as a house manager, it is crucial to study the job requirements to ensure that you have the necessary skills and experience. Understanding the expectations of the role will help you prepare for the demands of the job and increase your chances of success. Start by researching the job duties and responsibilities and any specific qualifications or certifications that may be required. Look for job postings or speak with professionals in the field to gain insight into the job requirements. This information will help you determine if you are a good fit for the role and guide you in building the skills and experience necessary for success.

If you’re in a dilemma, consider the pros and cons of the job. This knowledge can help you decide whether the job is the right fit for you. It’s always best to talk with someone with experience in the field to grasp the intensity of the job. They can give you a better idea of what to expect from the position. Also, you can prepare for future responsibilities by being familiar with the job requirements.

Consider an Education

House manager is a competitive position, and you need to do all you can to stand out from the pool of candidates. Thus, obtaining a degree or some form of formal education is essential. Although an education or a degree is not compulsory, having a relevant educational background will give you an upper hand while securing the job. A good educational foundation will serve as a solid stepping stone for your career in the field. It proves that you’re capable of undertaking the responsibilities that come with the job.

You can consider getting a bachelor’s degree in hospitality, property management, business administration, finances, or any other related field. Pursuing an education will teach you the basics of budgeting and house management. Along with formal education, you can opt for additional courses such as real estate, accounting, and event planning to enhance your resume and increase your odds of getting hired. They give you a deeper understanding of the industry’s workings and how you can get a head start. You can find such additional courses both online and offline. So, stop making excuses and finish the course you’ve procrastinated on today!

Gain the Necessary Skills and Certification

After you’ve got a solid educational foundation, it’s time to hone your skills. House management requires you to wear many hats, from keeping the household nice and tidy to handling the finances. Along with managerial skills, a house manager must possess administrative skills. You need to be the face of the house and act as a backbone for the smooth functioning of tasks. The candidate for the position should be a multitasking maniac with excellent time management, communication, and leadership skills who can delegate tasks and lead other house staff.  

Remember that the manager’s duties may vary according to the household. Thus, you should prepare for any challenges and adversities you may face. Nevertheless, adapting and learning will prove very helpful in this scenario. Aside from non-technical soft skills, one should know their way around computers and financing software. It helps you prove to your employer that you can be more than useful in budgeting and finances. You can keep track of events with technical skills and manage the house staff accordingly. Also, you can get a few certifications since they can vouch for your skills and expertise. 

Seek Internship and Experience

Like any other profession, the more experience you acquire, the better opportunities you secure. The best way to accumulate experience is by participating in internships and getting entry-level jobs. You can grasp the real-time pressure of the professional atmosphere in the industry by applying for field-related internships in real estate. You may not earn much or at all during internships, but you will learn a lot. By learning the ropes of staff management, event handling, function preparation, budgeting, and finances, you won’t have difficulty adjusting to the professional environment. 

Interning in a reputable household management company or working at an entry-level position in real estate can provide you valuable insight into the field. Furthermore, getting your toes wet in the internship pool gives you a sense of professionalism. One can acquire experience through volunteering in community associations and non-profit organizations focused on real estate and household management. It gives you a platform to prove yourself a better member of society. It is also an opportunity to get to know the big-wigs of your field. So, don’t miss out on the opportunity to build connections too!

Build a Strong Network

Knowing more people in the industry increases your chances of landing your dream job as a house manager in a household that aligns with your interests. Make sure to cultivate your relationship with others in the industry by attending industry meetings, seminars, webinars, and conferences. Securing a good job is all about what strings you can pull with your network of connections. What you know is important, but who you know can make all the difference. The people you know can vouch for your credibility and give your resume a tiny nudge to tip the scales in your favor.

Building a network is relatively easy, but maintaining the connection intact is tough. Email, stay in touch, and occasionally send a postcard to the people in your network during Christmas and Thanksgiving. Be a social butterfly and spread your wings to make some contacts. You can also go through LinkedIn and Facebook to connect with more people in your industry. Don’t hesitate to put yourself out there and tell people you’re looking for a job. Word of mouth is a powerful tool to secure your dream job!

Brush up Your Resume and Prepare for an Interview

Creating a professional resume is one of the essential steps in becoming a house manager. A professional-looking CV doesn’t necessarily mean a rigid, bleak resume filled with complicated jargon. A resume should be eye-catching but should also be easy to follow. You don’t want your resume to be lost in the pile of generic templates. So, spend time with your computer and develop a well-designed, easy-to-read, professional CV. Tailoring your resume according to the job is always a good choice. Also, don’t forget to highlight your skills and elegantly boast about your achievements.

Now that you’ve made a positive first impression through your resume it’s time to gear up for your interview. Do your homework about the house or the household management company you’re applying for. Ensure that the household you’re applying for shares your principles and values to avoid future miscommunication. Prepare a few questionnaires and ask your friend to take a mock interview or look at yourself in the mirror. Be confident in your skills and show that you’re genuinely interested in the position. An interview is a two-way street, so ask your queries, but be humble and have a positive attitude. 

Sign a Legally Binding Contract

After the interview, if everything goes as planned and you’re offered the job as the house manager of the establishment, sign a contract. You must sign a legally binding contract outlining the terms and conditions of your employment. Take your time and carefully read all the terms before putting your pen to the contract.

Signing a contract ensures that you and your employer are on the same page. Feel free to speak up and negotiate with your boss if you don’t agree with some of the conditions. However, once you sign it, you must comply with it as it is a legally binding document. So, don’t overlook its importance.

If you have any doubts or concerns regarding the contract, seek legal advice. It may use legal jargon, confusing many people, so contact your lawyer before committing. Remember to keep a copy of the agreement to prevent future legal disputes. 

Be Open to Constructive Criticism

You’ve finally secured a job as a house manager. The final step is maintaining a strong and lasting relationship with your client/employer. As a house manager, it’s your responsibility to keep your clients happy with their households. Show them you care about their house as if it’s yours. Remember, you’re in the hospitality industry, and your client’s comfort is most important. Go above and beyond to execute your tasks, and don’t leave any room for complaints.

Nevertheless, it’s okay to make mistakes sometimes but own up to your blunders. Act professionally and take accountability for your actions. Be open-minded embrace your feedback and learn from your mistakes.  Becoming a house manager is difficult, but you can succeed with dedication, hard work, and a willingness to learn. So, follow these steps and hone your skills to excel as a house manager, becoming an invaluable asset to any household.