Non-disclosure agreements (NDA) are very common in the household staffing industry.
Whether you’re a personal assistant to a private business professional, an estate manager overseeing multiple properties nationwide, a high-profile celebrity nanny, or part of a team of staff for a high-net-worth family, NDAs are generally used to protect a family or family office’s privacy.
If you leave that specific role, there may be questions surrounding how your NDA may impact your future job search, opportunities, or ability to provide references.
Here, we’ll break down some important things to keep in mind when it comes to signing an NDA and how it impacts future employment.
What to Know
The Parameters of an NDA
If you sign an NDA with an employer, it doesn’t usually prevent you from providing references to future employers.
However, it will likely stop you from revealing any confidential information like protected client identities, financials, proprietary processes, and private business or family situations/matters.
You should still be able to confirm your role, dates of employment, and job duties, and provide references who can vouch for your work ethic, experience, and job performance.
You may only be able to list first names and when it comes to sharing contact information, this may only be done during the final interview stage.
References should not disclose any confidential family information, but instead, should only speak about your professionalism and career experience.
Know What Your NDA Includes
Before signing an NDA, read it carefully. Understand what is listed as confidential, look closely at any time limits that are included in the contract, and clarify if the employer is okay with being used as a reference. It’s also a good idea to ask if your position can be listed on a resume or in a work portfolio, either in print or online.
If you’re unsure of any of the language included in the NDA, have an attorney review the document. If you accept the role and sign the NDA, understand that you may not be able to share photos, project details, or other specific career accomplishments – especially if these are for high-profile clientele.
When applying for future roles, work hard to describe your experience in broad, non-identifying terms that still showcase your leadership qualities and initiative.
The Benefits of an NDA
An NDA not only protects your employer’s privacy, but it also can strengthen your reputation in the household staffing industry.
Domestic employers appreciate experienced candidates that are professional and maintain a high level of discretion. It also shows that you value confidentiality, you’re willing to stay within boundaries, and use sound judgement.
All of these in turn are positives for you and can ultimately improve your long-term career options in the world of luxury domestic staffing.
Future Job Search Tips
If you’ve signed an NDA in your previous role and are searching for a new position, update your resume to include general descriptions of your duties. Emphasize skills or responsibilities that translate well to other household roles.
In addition, consider asking your former employer for a letter of recommendation or copies of performance reviews to include in your work portfolio.
NDAs are truly less about restriction, but more about protection and in most cases, it shouldn’t hinder you from building a career that you love.
Why Household Staffing
As an agency with more than three decades of expertise in the domestic staffing industry, our team is well-versed in helping candidates navigate confidential placements.
Our experienced recruiters understand the limitations and benefits that come with signing non-disclosure agreements and working with candidates to find ideal employment matches.
Create your candidate profile with us today and find a career you’ll love.
