Are you tired of the silence that follows your job applications as a nanny, house manager, or personal assistant? The lack of feedback can leave you feeling frustrated and uncertain about where you stand. But fear not! In this article, we’ll look into why you might not be receiving the feedback you deserve, equip you with strategies to break the silence and most importantly, how you can use valuable feedback to propel your career as a domestic employee forward.

Why Do I Need to Ask for Feedback If I Didn’t Get The Household Position?

You’ve spent hours filling in application forms, meeting with agencies and perhaps even interviewing for your perfect position….but you don’t make it to final-round interviews or get hired at the last stage. If you’ve made it that far through the process, believe it or not - we are often surprised you don’t get the role either! This is why it is so important to ask for feedback when you are unsuccessful at interview. It could be as simple as a poor chemistry match, or perhaps there was just someone else who connected better on the day - but by receiving clear, concise and constructive feedback, you can put your mind at ease about the reasons why you were unsuccessful on this occasion and use it to help you get the next role.

What Kind of Feedback Should I Expect in the Context of a Private Household Role?

No matter what type of role you’re applying to, be it a house manager, nanny or other household role, be sure to ask for constructive, actionable feedback.

Actionable feedback is specific and clear. It provides guidance on how to enhance your performance and enables you to identify tangible steps for improvement, empowering you to take action. By focusing on actionable feedback, you can overcome limitations, refine your skills, and position yourself as a highly competent candidate in the private household industry.

Constructive criticism is an integral part of career advancement in domestic staffing. It helps you build resilience, adapt to new challenges, and embrace continuous improvement. By viewing feedback as an opportunity for growth rather than a personal attack, you can develop a growth mindset and continue to progress in your career.

How is Constructive Feedback Helpful as a Nanny or House Manager?

Constructive feedback is a powerful tool for personal and professional development. It provides valuable insights into your performance, highlights areas for improvement, and helps you refine your skills. By embracing feedback, you can accelerate your growth and enhance your capabilities as a domestic staff professional. Importantly, even if you are successful at interview - you should ask for feedback at various points throughout your career to ensure you continue to develop your skills and retain your status as a highly-employable member of staff.

Will All Potential Employers Give Me Feedback?

Whilst most potential employers will be happy to feedback to an agency, who in turn can discuss the comments with you, there are some cases where you may be met with silence. Why? Well, for a number of reasons.

High Volume of Applications
Providing personalized feedback to each candidate when there is such a high volume of applications becomes an arduous task. The sheer volume of applications can create a barrier to timely and comprehensive feedback. If you’ve been told to expect feedback, don’t be afraid to follow up with the agency/employer.
Fear of Confrontation or Legal Repercussions
Privacy concerns and the risk of potential discrimination claims can make employers hesitant to provide detailed feedback. Balancing legal obligations with the desire to offer constructive feedback presents a challenge in the domestic staffing industry
Time Constraints
The process of recruitment itself is demanding, requiring careful screening, interviewing, and decision-making. Allocating additional time to provide individualized feedback to each candidate can be difficult, especially when employers have other pressing responsibilities to attend to. While it may not justify the silence, understanding the time constraints faced by employers can help you navigate the feedback void with empathy and seek alternative ways to enhance your skills and qualifications.

Whilst it is frustrating for you as an applicant, by understanding these underlying factors, you can better comprehend the silence and develop effective coping strategies. We always recommend working closely with an agency like MHM to help you in the applicant process, and in this case, the agency may be more likely to receive feedback from a potential employer than an applicant may be.

Strategies for Encouraging Agency Feedback

By working with an agency like My Household Managed, you are already likely to have been given some feedback on your application prior to being put forward for an interview from the agency themselves. If you are later unsuccessful at interview, a good agency will naturally work with their client (and candidates) to ensure that they are putting the best candidates forward and therefore you may be more likely to receive feedback from your domestic staffing interview. Here are some of the strategies we encourage our candidates to use in order to gain clear, actionable feedback.

Tailor your application: Maximize the chances of receiving feedback in the domestic employment industry
Tailor your application to the specific requirements of each private household position. Take the time to thoroughly research the household, understand their needs and preferences, and align your application accordingly. By demonstrating a genuine interest and understanding of the role, you can capture the attention of employers and increase the chances of receiving valuable feedback.
Proactively follow-up: Initiate a dialogue with employers post-rejection for private household positions

Instead of passively accepting rejection, consider taking a proactive approach by initiating a dialogue with employers. Send a courteous follow-up email expressing your gratitude for the opportunity to apply and politely requesting feedback. This proactive engagement demonstrates your professionalism and genuine commitment to self-improvement. While not all employers may respond, some may appreciate your initiative and provide valuable insights.

3. Networking and mentorship: Leverage connections for valuable insights in the domestic staffing field

Networking and mentorship play a crucial role in career development, including domestic staffing. Build connections within the industry and seek out mentors who can offer guidance and feedback. Engaging with professionals who have experience in private household employment can provide you with a different perspective and access to valuable insights. Networking events, online forums, and professional associations are excellent platforms to connect with individuals who can offer constructive feedback and mentorship opportunities in your search for your ideal domestic staff role.

What If I Don’t Receive Feedback?

Firstly, try not to worry. As we mentioned above, not all employers will be in a position to give feedback to each applicant. However, if you don’t receive feedback from the employer or agency, be sure to follow our tips on how you can create and find your own feedback so that hopefully, at the next interview, you are successful in landing your dream job.

> Self-reflection and self-assessment: Analyzing strengths and areas for improvement in private household roles

In the absence of employer feedback, it is essential to engage in some serious self-reflection and self-assessment. Take the time to analyze your skills, strengths, and areas for improvement. Assess your performance in previous roles, identify patterns, and reflect on how you can enhance your abilities in the context of domestic staffing. Self-awareness is a powerful tool for personal growth and can guide you in seeking targeted feedback and opportunities for development.

> Seek alternative feedback sources: Utilizing mentors, coaches, and professional networks in domestic staffing

While employers' feedback is valuable, it is not the only source of guidance and improvement. Seek alternative feedback sources, such as mentors, coaches, or professionals in the domestic staffing field. These individuals can provide objective insights, offer constructive criticism, and share their expertise to help you refine your skills and excel in your job search. Embrace the power of a supportive network to supplement the feedback you receive from employers.

> Embrace continuous learning: Leveraging online resources and courses for career development in private households

Continuous learning is vital for professional growth in any field, including domestic staffing. Take advantage of online resources, courses, and workshops that focus on relevant skills and knowledge for private household roles. Upskilling yourself not only enhances your qualifications but also showcases your commitment to self-improvement. Embrace the opportunities provided by online platforms and educational resources to broaden your expertise and stay competitive in the job market.

What Next?

Navigating the silence of employer feedback can be challenging for domestic staff job seekers. However, by understanding the reasons behind feedback silence and the impact it can have, you can reclaim your confidence and approach the job search process with a proactive mindset.

Approach each application and interview with confidence, knowing that feedback, whether received or not, does not define your worth or potential.

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.