What Skills, Qualities and Experience Are Families Looking For in a House Manager?
You may be wondering “what can I do to get a job as a house manager” or “how can I prepare my resume and cover letter to interview for a household manager role?” If this is the case, first, be sure to read our blog: “What Is a House Manager?” and then view our Services page, to determine which job title matches your experience.
Once you’ve determined that House Manager is the role for you, read our expert advice on what skills, qualities and experience will serve you best as you look to start your next role as a house manager.
Are All House Manager Positions the Same?
No. Despite what you may think, house manager responsibilities and duties can vary between homes and therefore, so can the skills, qualities and experience needed. For instance, there is a big difference between a house manager that works in a home to oversee children, and one that works in a large, fully staffed home. At My Household Managed, we always recommend you read the job description fully to see if you would be a good fit for what a specific family or individual requires.
Whilst a household manager position will vary depending on the household, typically a high-level, qualified house manager will work in a home that is staffed with other household employees, including a housekeeper, nanny, or private chef. A true “house manager” will assist with personal-assistant type duties, booking travel, managing calendars, creating systems of organization, hiring and training household staff, researching contractors and vendors and hiring them for household projects.
What Kind of Experience Do I Need to Work as a House Manager?
Generally if you are considering house manager roles, you will already be working in the domestic staffing industry or it will be expected that you have experience working in a private home. Oftentimes, a house manager is a former nanny that has been promoted - perhaps when childcare responsibilities change, or if a nanny is looking for a promotion/career change.
A house manager may be required to perform more high-level duties when they are not responsible for childcare. Some traditional households that include younger children may create nanny/house manager hybrid roles. In this case, employees almost act as a third parent, where the house manager works full-time in a home with school-aged children. The household manager/nanny might be required to transport children to and from school and perform household duties, fold laundry, grocery shop,, tidy up, and run errands while the children are not present.
For more ideas on what types of skills are required to work as a house manager, read our blog post about which skills are most valued when working the household staffing industry.
What Qualities Do Families Look For in a House Manager?
As with any household role, a family is looking for someone they can trust and for someone who can adapt easily to different situations and requirements. If a family has multiple properties and homes, an individual household manager will sometimes be required for each home, especially where staff are present daily at each property. These house managers would likely be overseen by an estate manager. Otherwise, a house manager may be required to travel between domestic/international properties if a family visits their seasonal homes only occasionally. Keep this in mind when reading job descriptions and consider carefully if this is the type of lifestyle you could be accommodating to.
Can You Become a House Manager If You’re a PA?
There’s no reason why the right candidate couldn’t become a House Manager if they have experience working as a personal or executive assistant. Keep in mind that is necessary to have previous experience working in a private home, as it is incredibly different to working remotely or in a corporate office. You should be able to demonstrate appropriate experience relevant to the job, especially given the personal nature of the role and that as a house manager, your office is someone’s home.
Our top tip if you want to become a house manager (after working as a PA) is to make it clear on your resume what your past experience entails and demonstrate how you could be the perfect candidate in your cover letter. For more advice on what to include in your cover letter, follow our simple steps to writing a great letter for your application.
Are you looking to take the next step in your household staffing career?
My Household Managed takes a consultative and personalized approach to household staffing.
We hire the best domestic staff qualified to fit each home’s unique needs, saving you time and providing peace of mind.
Let us help you find the best nanny, house manager, housekeeper or other domestic employee position you may be searching for and submit an application with My Household Managed.