When it comes to hiring household staff, it often goes beyond qualifications and a candidate’s cover letter and resume. As experts in household staff recruitment, at My Household Managed we often notice that the real difference in hiring the best staff for your needs comes down to so much more. In this essential-reading blog, we’ll uncover exactly how to work out which candidate you should hire after interviewing for nanny, house manager or other household employment positions.

What Should I Look For When Interviewing Candidates?

Beyond the routine duties of childcare and household upkeep, modern families seek professionals who seamlessly integrate into their lifestyle, fostering a sense of harmony within the home. The hiring process for household staff requires careful consideration of values and lifestyle. It's no longer just about finding a nanny or a housekeeper in Chicago; it's about identifying individuals whose values align with those of the family, contributing to a positive and cohesive living environment.

1. Skill Proficiency and Professionalism:

While expertise in childcare or housekeeping is fundamental, a successful household staff member in Chicago must also exhibit a high degree of professionalism. This includes effective communication, reliability, and a commitment to excellence in their respective roles. Consider how the candidate presents themselves at interview and expect that sometimes it is better to hire for personality and train for skill, rather than hire based on skill and neglect to consider whether they are a “good fit” for your family.

2. Compatibility with Family Values:

High-net-worth families often have distinct values that shape their lifestyle. Whether it's a commitment to education, cultural practices, or ethical considerations, finding household staff members who resonate with these values creates a foundation for long-term compatibility. Anything that is essential to your day-to-day life needs to be compatible with your employee so be sure to ask at interview.

3. Adaptability to Modern Lifestyles:

The demands on modern families extend beyond traditional 9-to-5 schedules. Nannies and housekeepers must be adaptable to evolving schedules, remote work scenarios, and the integration of technology into household management. At interview, be sure to ask about real-life scenarios and how the candidate might respond to them.

4. Promoting a Positive Living Environment:

Beyond their primary roles, household staff should contribute positively to the overall atmosphere of the home. This includes fostering a sense of warmth, empathy, and respect, enhancing the quality of life for both the family and the staff. Ask about how they enjoy spending their free time or what they think they could bring to your family environment to see if a candidate would be a positive addition to your family.

At My Household Managed, we understand that as employers you want to get to know your potential employees as best as possible at interview so that you can make an informed choice. Here are 5 of our top questions to ask at interview to get impressive, but honest answers from your candidates.

What Shouldn’t I Ask at Interview?

Whilst it is important to ask your candidates questions to uncover more about them, there are some topics that are off limits. In fact, in the US, it is illegal for an employer to discriminate against a job applicant because of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, national origin, or disability. The laws vary by state and federal law as well as the type of employer and the number of employees a company has. Read more about things you aren’t allowed to ask at interview here.

How Can a Household Recruitment Agency Help Us Hire a Nanny or Housekeeper?

For high-net-worth families or individuals in Chicago, where the demand for top-tier household staff is high, partnering with a reputable household employment agency becomes a strategic move. Agencies specializing in hiring household staff in Chicago, like ours, understand the unique dynamics of the local market and streamline the hiring process for families. Read more about the benefits of using a nanny employment agency or household employment agency.

What’s the MHM Difference?

• Personalized

  My Household Managed understands that your household staffing needs are as unique as you are. We take a personalized approach to domestic staffing in order to help you achieve your desired lifestyle. After you submit your family registration form, we will set up a consultation call to learn more about your needs. We work with you to create a custom job description and tailor our search to your family’s unique requirements and preferences.

• Screened

  Rooted in hospitality with over 13 years of industry experience, we know what to look for in the ideal candidate. Job-seekers must meet our agency’s high standard of qualifications in order to be considered a part of our elite candidate pool. Candidates interested in your opportunity are thoroughly screened, interviewed for your unique role, and references are contacted. We also conduct background checks, social media checks, and personality tests.

• Connected

  We have the tools, expertise, and connections to find you the household employee you deserve. Using our 1:1 matchmaking system we hand-select the most premium household employees that are interested in and qualified for your role. We’ll share their profile with you in our matchmaking portal and support you through the process of scheduling in-person interviews, negotiating offer letters, and all of the steps before your new employee’s first day.

You’ve got enough on your plate in your day-to-day life — let us make your life easier by handling your unique household staffing needs.

If you are a family looking for staff for your private household or for any other home service, register with My Household Managed.

If you are looking to work within a private household, apply at My Household Managed.