.png)
I often compare the interview process for a role with a high-profile, high-net-worth (HNW) or ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) family, to peeling an onion. Each layer of the "onion" represents the individuals you'll be interacting with—from the child at the very core to the hiring managers and principals. Understanding each person's roles and perspectives is key to successfully navigating these complex interviews.
Before delving in, I want to clarify some terms:
Principals - Parents
Hiring Managers—This could be a consultant, an Estate or House manager, a Personal or Executive Assistant, the Head of the Security Team, a Family Office team member, or anyone appointed by the Principals to do their initial vetting.
The Center: The Child
At the heart of every nanny role is the child. Understanding the child's needs, routines, and schedules is crucial. This layer focuses on your expertise in child development, care routines, and the ability to create a nurturing environment. Expect detailed questions about how you would approach day-to-day caregiving, discipline, developmental milestones, and fostering emotional well-being.
Here are some examples of child-centered interview questions:
"How do you engage a child with learning activities?"
"How would you handle sleep training for an infant?"
"What's your philosophy on setting boundaries and discipline?"
During these interviews, most likely with someone from the Nanny Team, you will also be able to ask your most child-centric questions, most likely related to routine, childcare philosophies, medical conditions, etc. I urge you to ask these questions even if you have already been given this information.
Peeling the Layers of an Interview
The Outer Layer: The Hiring Managers
Next, in peeling the layers of an interview, we have the hiring managers, typically estate managers or assistants, who oversee the household's operations. They are key decision-makers in the hiring process. Interviews with them will likely focus on your ability to integrate into the larger household team, manage your duties, and adapt to a structured environment. Be prepared to discuss logistics, such as travel, flexibility, and your experience working in a high-net-worth household.
Some questions hiring managers might ask include:
"How do you coordinate with other household staff members?"
"Are you comfortable with travel, and how would you manage the children's schedules while abroad?"
"Can you adapt to a fast-paced environment with last-minute changes?"
This will also be your opportunity to ask precise questions regarding logistics. Remember that although the Hiring Managers are your first interview, their opinions carry a lot of weight throughout the process.
The Principals: The Parents
The principals (the parents) are a "moving part" layer, and while it may seem surprising, they might not be as deeply involved in their children's daily schedules as you might expect. Sometimes, the Principals are the outer layer, but often, the center layer between the Hiring Managers and the Nanny Team. They are focused on the bigger picture—ensuring their children are well-cared-for, safe, and happy. When interviewing with the principals, your goal is to gauge how much they know without making them feel disconnected or inadequate. Once you know their involvement, you can tailor your questions. This requires quick thinking and adaptability skills.
Remember that discussing financial aspects with the principals is inappropriate unless they specifically mention the matter. Instead, focus on aligning with their values and goals for their children's well-being.
Questions you could ask the principals:
"What do you value most in your child's caregiver?"
"What are the qualities you look for in a nanny?"
"How do you envision a nanny supporting your child's growth and development?"
Salary and benefits should be discussed with the hiring managers.
Tailoring Your Approach
When preparing for these interviews, it's crucial to know exactly who you're speaking with and tailor your approach accordingly. With the Nanny team, your focus should be on the child's care and your expertise in child development. With the hiring managers, emphasize your professionalism, teamwork, and ability to manage complex schedules. With the principals, tread lightly, focusing on their overall vision for their children without stepping into areas that might make them uncomfortable.
Understanding the nuances of each layer ensures that you present yourself as the most capable, adaptable, and respectful candidate for the role. If you can navigate these interviews with finesse, you'll be one step closer to landing your ideal nanny position.
Please note that the " onion may have many more layers." It will be up to you to ensure you know how to navigate each step of the process.
Want to learn more about mastering interviews for high-profile nanny roles? Join me in the Nanny MBA or the Pro Nanny Path Academy, where I share in-depth strategies and best practices to help you stand out in these competitive environments.
Join my Facebook Group, where we discuss everything related to working with High-Profile, High-Net-Worth, and Ultra-High-Net-Worth clients.
Nannies change lives—not just for a moment, but for a lifetime.
Thanks for stopping by my site! If you liked this blog post, here's how to get lots more free content from me.
Be sure to read my blog on The Realities of Working with high-Net-Worth Families.
Join my mailing list here to get infrequent Newsletters from me.
Book a consultation with me here.
Ciao xo
Candi