Starting a new position in private service, whether as a nanny, executive assistant, housekeeper, or estate manager, is an exciting opportunity, but it also comes with high expectations. In luxury households and high-net-worth environments, attention to detail, discretion, and proactiveness are essential from day one.

Your first week is your chance to demonstrate professionalism, earn trust, and set the tone for a successful working relationship. Here’s how to make a great first impression and ensure long-term success in your new household staff role.

1. Learn the Household’s Unique Routines & Expectations

Every household is different. Take the time to observe and ask thoughtful questions about daily routines, family preferences, and house rules.

✔ For Nannies: Understand the children's schedules, dietary needs, screen time rules, and preferred parenting styles.
✔ For Executive Assistants: Get to know your principal’s work habits, preferred communication style, and priorities.
✔ For Housekeepers: Learn how to properly care for high-end furnishings, laundry preferences, and organization systems.
✔ For House Managers & Estate Managers: Review vendor schedules, household staff coordination, security protocols, and ask if the household already has an existing household manual.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep a detailed notes document during your first week so you can refer back to important details later.

2. Master Communication & Discretion

Private service professionals are trusted with confidential information and expected to be excellent communicators. Make sure you:

✔ Clarify expectations with your employer about how they prefer to be updated (daily check-ins, emails, or text messages).
✔ Practice discretion—never discuss private household matters with outsiders.
✔ Listen more than you speak in the first week—this helps you understand the household’s culture and dynamics.

💡 For Executive Assistants: If your principal has a fast-paced schedule, anticipate their needs by staying one step ahead with reminders and calendar updates.

3. Be Proactive & Show Initiative

In private service, waiting to be told what to do isn’t enough… employers value staff who anticipate needs and take action.

✔ If you finish a task early, ask what else you can do.
✔ Notice something that needs fixing or improving? Offer solutions instead of just pointing out problems.
✔ Keep an organized daily checklist of what you’ve done and what’s pending.

💡 Example: If you’re an executive assistant, confirm travel reservations in advance and provide your principal with all necessary details. If you’re a housekeeper, adjust to changing family schedules without needing to be told.

4. Demonstrate Professionalism & Adaptability

High-profile families and executives expect punctuality, flexibility, and reliability in their household staff.

✔ Always arrive on time (or early).
The night before your first day, properly plan your commute to ensure you arrive on time. Account for possible traffic delays, parking issues, and building access procedures.

If you need a parking permit from the family, allocate extra time to pick it up or ask for one in advance to keep in your car.
If you’re working in a secured building, factor in time to be buzzed in, checked by security, or greeted by a doorman.
High-rise buildings with elevators can cause minor delays, so plan ahead.

Families will need extra time during your first week to help you get settled in, so punctuality is essential, especially early on.

✔ Dress appropriately for the household’s level of formality and be prepared for changes in weather or for any unexpected activities or outings.
✔ Be adaptable—your role may evolve, and being open to change will set you apart.

💡 For Nannies & Household Managers: If a family’s needs shift, be willing to adjust while maintaining clear communication on boundaries and workload.

5. Prioritize Confidentiality & Trustworthiness

The foundation of any long-term private service position is trust. Your employer needs to feel confident that their home, family, and sensitive matters are in capable and discreet hands.

✔ Respect Privacy at All Times
Some families require strict non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), but even if they don’t, you should never post images of the children, home, or any private details on social media. Discretion is key in private service, and maintaining a low profile online helps build trust with your employer

✔ Never discuss the household’s private affairs, even with friends or other staff.
✔ Keep all financial, travel, and scheduling details private.

💡 Example: Whether you’re a personal assistant managing confidential emails or a nanny overhearing family dinner conversation, treat all information with the utmost discretion.

6. Ask Thoughtful Questions & Accept Feedback Gracefully

During your first week, it’s expected that you won’t know everything yet. Employers will appreciate thoughtful questions that show you are listening and eager to learn.

✔ Ask clarifying questions about routines, preferences, and expectations.
✔ If given feedback, accept it professionally and adjust accordingly.
✔ Take notes and follow up on key details to show initiative.

💡 Pro Tip: Instead of waiting until your annual review, ask “How am I doing?” after your first week. This shows your employer that you are committed to improvement.

7. Set Yourself Up for Long-Term Success

Your first impression matters, but long-term success depends on consistency, professionalism, and relationship-building.

✔ Keep communication open with your employer.
✔ Go the extra mile without being asked.
✔ Continue refining your skills—whether it’s formal service training, smart home technology, or high-end housekeeping techniques.

💡 Example: If you’re an estate manager, look for opportunities to streamline operations. If you’re a nanny, find creative ways to engage the children while maintaining their routines.

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 a nanny, house manager, personal assistant, or other domestic staff, submit an application with My Household Managed.

If you are a professional household employee looking for a job, apply at My Household Managed.