Are you an experienced professional who’s worked in the domestic staffing industry and are looking to transition into work for an ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) family or individual?
A great resume and strong list of recommendations or referrals are important, but securing an UHNW role will take more.
UHNW homes are unique, in that the privacy, security, and lifestyle is often different than a traditional domestic home.
Here’s what to expect when it comes to interviewing for an UHNW position.
UHNW Expectations
UHNW employers expect a high level of expertise from their domestic staff. Before you have an interview, chances are, your resume and cover letter have been reviewed in detail by the employer, their estate manager or household manager, and the domestic staffing industry they’re working with, like Household Staffing.
UHNW employers are often looking for these key things:
- Experience in other UHNW households or family offices
- Longevity in previous roles with very little short-term positions
- Clean employment history and online presence
- A detailed description of previous job duties and responsibilities
- Education, training, certifications related to your career
The Interview
Once you secure an interview, you may find that the process may be more detailed than your standard domestic staffing interview. The interview will certainly discuss your prior experience, but you may notice that there will be more discussion about personality fit, your commitment to security and discretion, how you would solve different scenarios or problems, and even emotional intelligence.
Sometimes, the principal will also include other household staff – such as a property or estate manager or executive assistant – in the interview. Because many UHNW employers have a team of staff around them, it is important to ensure your personality and experience aligns with everyone else in the home.
Employers – and their staff – will be listening for your answers, but they will also be looking at how you compose yourself, if you make good eye contact and have good body language, and if you speak clearly.
Prospective employers will also take notice of how you speak about your previous jobs and employers and will also be paying attention to your listening and responding skills.
References & Verification
If the prospective UHNW employer decides to move forward with you, checking references is the next step. This process is vital to the hiring process.
When you’re making your list of references, be sure to include any UHNW households that you’ve worked with in the past – especially a principal or estate manager who worked closely with you.
New employers are looking for strong examples of your integrity, trustworthiness, reliability, and attention to details. They should be able to discuss your strengths and weaknesses and provide real-life scenarios of your work with them.
Next, you’ll undergo background and security checks. Working in any home – especially an UHNW home – is highly personal. Not only are employees working closely with family, but staff are also privy to personal or sensitive information or valuables at times.
This requires extensive background checks – including checking for criminal records, driving records, NDA compliance history, and more. Our team at Household Staffing is well-versed in getting the required background checks needed for UHNW employers.
The Trial Period
Once background checks are completed and clear and the employer wants to move ahead, a trial period will take place. This is part of the hiring process with Household Staffing and is usually a 5-day paid trial.
The trial provides the employer a good glimpse into how you will blend into their daily operations and also gives you the opportunity to see what the role will entail. You may work alongside current staff or under supervision.
Securing the Role
If the trial goes well, the employer or their head of staff will have a final discussion with you about the role. This is where you can ask any final questions and you can discuss getting a work agreement in place, schedules, benefits, wags, and sign an NDA if required.
Ready to Start Your UHNW Role?
The hiring process for a UHNW household can be detailed and multi-layered. It requires professionalism and ultimately, compatibility. At Household Staffing, we are skilled in pairing homes and candidates with roles that fit well for both parties.
Our personalized approach and commitment to learning about each client’s unique household needs ensures finding the right match the first time. We look forward to helping you find your dream job, so apply with us today to get started!
