Frequently Asked Questions
- Are the DCA candidates bonded and insured?
- How do you find your candidates?
- What is the average age of your Candidates?
- What is the difference between a searching fee and a membership fee?
- Can you start a search without the searching fee?
- Where do you place?
- I have interviewed someone I really like, why can't I get their information to contact them?
- Do you share any private information?
- I'm interested in hiring someone; do I need to come into the agency?
- How long will it take to find the right candidate for me?
- After I pay the searching fee, what guarantee do I have that the agency will find me a suitable match?
- What if I want to start a search for more than one domestic employee?
- Is a domestic employee considered to be an independent contractor or an employee?
- Do I have to pay taxes as an employer?
- After a successful placement when do I pay?
- I am an experienced candidate and offer a service listed but I don't live in NM, where else do you interview?
- Where is the Deborah Calkin Agency located?
- Can I still send in my resume with out coming in for an interview?
- How long does an interview usually take?
- I don't have any professional experience in a position I want to apply for; can I still apply?
- I want to apply for a childcare position; can I bring my child with me to work?
- What information do you share with your clients?
- Can I apply for more than one position?
- Are applicants considered employees of the Deborah Calkin Agency?
- Do you screen the clients as well?
Are the DCA candidates bonded and insured?
Since the DCA does not act as the employer, WE do not insure and bond our domestic applicants although many are independently insured and bonded.
How do you find your candidates?
Our most effective search tool is by word of mouth. Most of our candidates have contacted us or have been referred to us. Our database is filled with only the most experienced, professional, and highly recommended candidates from all over the world. We interview new candidates on a daily basis.
What is the average age of your Candidates?
We have a wide range of ages, from mid-twenties to forties and up.
What is the difference between a searching fee and a membership fee?
A searching fee is for those hiring domestic employees; whereas a membership fee is for those who are looking for "on-call" or "as-needed" Sitters.
Can you start a search without the searching fee?
No, the searching fee helps to cover the cost of DCA staff hours for research, reference calls, interviews with applicants, and the applicants criminal background check. It is advised to send payment for the searching fee along with the client questionnaire form so we can begin the search immediately.
Where do you place?
We place locally and internationally.
I have interviewed someone I really like, why can't I get their information to contact them?
All communication before hire must go through the Deborah Calkin Agency. No contact information is to be exchanged in an interview.
Do you share any private information?
No, we do not share or rent out any person information collected. We highly respect our dealings with clients and applicants confidentially.
I'm interested in hiring someone; do I need to come into the agency?
No. We just need you to fill out a request form and send it back to us. If an on-site consultation is needed, we will make arrangements to come to your home. Please contact the agency for on-site consultation information and fees.
How long will it take to find the right candidate for me?
The amount of time it takes to find a good match varies for each request, but we usually make placements within 1-3 weeks.
After I pay the searching fee, what guarantee do I have that the agency will find me a suitable match?
We can not “guarantee” our clients that we will find a perfect match, however, we can advise our clients to offer a competitive salary which helps us make the best long-term placements. Offering a competitive salary will allow our clients to chose from the best of our candidates, and these positions are filled very quickly and have a low turn over rate.
What if I want to start a search for more than one domestic employee?
The DCA has staffed homes for multiple domestic positions and the searching fee remains the same for each individual search. ($250/per position)
Is a domestic employee considered to be an independent contractor or an employee?
Domestic Employees are NOT independent contractors, they are considered to be household employees.
Do I have to pay taxes as an employer?
Yes, please look at our “Helpful Links” page under “New Mexico Services” for more information.
After a successful placement when do I pay?
All payments must be paid in full before the candidate's starting work date; this is for every service offered.
I am an experienced candidate and offer a service listed but I don't live in NM, where else do you interview?
We do conduct interviews outside of NM for open positions only.
Where is the Deborah Calkin Agency located?
Our main office is in Santa Fe at 814 Camino del Monte Rey suite 110 Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505.
Can I still send in my resume with out coming in for an interview?
Yes, but your file will be incomplete until you can come in for an interview. We can only send those who have already been interviewed by our staff to job interviews.
How long does an interview usually take?
Most interviews last about 45 minutes.
I don't have any professional experience in a position I want to apply for; can I still apply?
It depends on the position, but feel free to call us and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
I want to apply for a childcare position; can I bring my child with me to work?
No. Our families want to know their children are your first priority.
What information do you share with your clients?
We send an applicant's resume and basic information to clients who have scheduled an interview with them. After we place an applicant with a client, we send them hard copies of all the documentation the applicant provided us in the interview, as well as their DMV and criminal records findings.
Can I apply for more than one position?
Yes, but make sure you have verifiable experience in each position if it is required.
Are applicants considered employees of the Deborah Calkin Agency?
No. We are a placement agency that helps employers find the best-qualified domestic employees.
Do you screen the clients as well?
Yes. To ensure the safety of our applicants, all clients must fill out an in depth questionnaire form, as well as having good communication with our staff before we send out an applicant to their home for an interview.
