Search & selection
How to Interview Private Household Staff
A good interview is a two-way conversation about the work, the standards and the relationship.
Ask for real examples
Use the same core, role-relevant questions for each candidate. Ask how they managed a last-minute change, prioritized competing tasks or resolved a misunderstanding with a colleague. For specialist positions, explore the technical work directly: care of delicate surfaces, menu planning or maintenance coordination, for example. Look for clear explanations of what they did and learned rather than polished answers alone.
Discuss privacy without requesting secrets
Ask how the candidate handles confidential information and professional boundaries. Do not invite them to identify previous principals or disclose private household details. Explain your own expectations around guests, photographs, social media and communication. Keep questions focused on the role and avoid personal topics that may be inappropriate or unlawful in hiring.
Turn impressions into an informed decision
Give candidates space to ask about schedules, duties, management and the household’s expectations. If a trial is appropriate, agree its tasks, supervision, pay and duration in advance and follow applicable employment requirements. Verify references and relevant credentials; background checks require appropriate consent and legal compliance. Combine these findings with the interview rather than relying on a single favorable impression.