If you have a scheduled interview with a MHM client family or you are interviewing with families on your own, you will likely conduct your first meeting over Zoom, Skype, or another video conferencing service. In this blog, we’ll discuss zoom interview etiquette, first round interview advice, and what it takes to land the job.

Advice for A First Round Interview

At this point, the family will be meeting with multiple candidates to determine who passes their initial screening. Remember that the family is looking for personality fit, experience, and professionalism. Sometimes a family can be “sold” on a candidate’s ambition or attitude even if you do not have as much experience as another candidate. Show the family through your words and actions how ready and excited you are to step into this role. If you can make it through this stage the next step will be being invited into their home to meet their children and other key members of the household.

Do Your Research

While your knowledge of the family is likely extremely limited at this point, pay attention to the key factors describing the family in the job description, and try to get a sense of what their day to day might look like and anticipate any needs they could have. 

• For example, If both parents are doctors, they might need someone that is willing to work late nights, or have a flexible schedule.

• Does the family live in the city, or in the suburbs?

• Are you familiar with their neighborhood?

• Does the family have younger children, or older children? 

Show your enthusiasm by mentioning specific details about the job and why you are a good fit for this role, in order to assure them of your qualifications and interest. Emphasize how their specific role aligns with your experience, “must-haves” you are seeking for your next job, and values.

Speak to Your Experience

Emphasize qualities about your background that make you a great fit, and ease any fears about potential factors that could cause the family to think you might not be the perfect fit.

Address the following:

Address Your Must-Haves

If this is a position close to your home, in a pay range you are comfortable with, and meets your requirements let the family know! Use this meeting as a chance to reassure the family that it meets your “must-haves” or minimum standards, so they know you will not later turn down the job on the basis of something silly, like a long commute, after they moved along with you in the process.

Highlight Your Values and Personality

Prepare a few points to address that will speak to your strengths and how they relate to the job requirements. In general, the qualities that families are looking for the most in their domestic staff include: discretion, the ability to “read a room”, creativity, ability to multi-task, attention to detail, and the ability to be proactive or anticipate problems or needs before they arise.

Here are a few examples of personality traits or skills and how you can let these shine during conversation in your interview:

Zoom Interview Etiquette

When preparing for your interview with potential employers, treat it as you would any in-person meeting for a professional position.

Be Mindful of The Following:

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, babysitter or other home service, submit an application with My Household Managed.

If you are a professional nanny, house manager, or other household employee, check out our job board and apply at My Household Managed.

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