Getting house sitting jobs seems to be an ideal employment plan for some. The prospect of living rent free in beautiful houses at various locations around the world seems like a dream job. Like any other job, however, building a reputation is important, and gaining regular work is not easy. You'll need to build up strong references and make a good first impression on any potential clients, but getting jobs may still largely be a matter of luck.
There are many Internet sites that advertise house sitting jobs, and many charge a fee for their services. Like many Internet services, some are reputable, and others are not. Before sending any money, check on a related discussion board to see whether the company you are considering is reputable. There is never a guarantee that a company won’t take your money and then forget all about you.
The Internet is one of the most useful tools for finding out information about jobs. Most towns have community web sites that advertise jobs, so by checking the website of the country or town you are considering, you may be able to find some house sitting opportunities. There may also be information on reputable agencies that can help you find jobs.
The next step is building a reference base for yourself. Written references regarding character are a good way of introducing yourself to any possible employers. It's also a good idea to show that you have passed a criminal check and have proof of no criminal record. This will often allay any fears that a possible employer has.
If you are considering house sitting in a different country, begin to advertise. You can easily find the website for the local newspaper of the town or city you wish to work in. Placing ads saying that you are available for jobs may help you find positions.
You should also state in your advertisement whether or not you charge any fees. If you are just beginning to house sit, you should consider taking jobs for free until you build up a few references. Many employers do not expect any additional fees to be charged, but there may be extra tasks involved, such as pet care or garden maintenance. In this case, the job can be seen as a service, and a small fee can be involved.
If you manage to receive an interview for a possible job, remember that this is a time where first impressions count. Try and present yourself conservatively and confidently. Answer any questions as honestly as you can. Do not be put off by strange questions; these people are putting their full trust in you with one of their most precious possessions.
The house sitting business involves a great deal of luck. You are competing against a wide variety of people for jobs, and retired people and travelers will be your biggest competition. When you meet people, make sure you tell them you are looking to house sit, since word of mouth is a big factor in finding jobs. People go on holiday all the time, and it is in these situations that a chance remark might bring work.