What if there was a way to get an honest but impressive answer in an interview? At My Household Managed, we’ve put together a list of 5 unique questions to ask domestic staff so that you can get to the heart of what matters to them in their job search, without the fluff or practiced answers.
As professionals with a lot of experience, we know how important it is to hire the right private service professional the first time to avoid making mistakes that cost a lot of money. These five questions can help you find the best candidates for the job, whether you are a family or high-net-worth individual looking to hire a housekeeper, or if you work for a family office and need to hire more staff. If you are a private household worker looking for a new job and want to know what kinds of questions you might be asked, read our list of suggested questions. It includes examples of what to say and what not to say during an interview for your dream domestic staff job.
Landing a job as a house manager is no easy feat. There are a lot of qualified people vying for a small number of positions, so the competition is tough. That’s why it’s absolutely essential to come prepared to your house manager interview. To get ahead of the other people, you need to show off your skills, experience, and personality.
This comprehensive guide will provide you with the tools, tips and inside information you need to ace your upcoming interview. We’ll cover the most commonly asked house manager interview questions, with example responses. You’ll learn insider secrets directly from hiring managers on how to impress them and convince them you’re the right person for the job.
Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Before diving into the interview questions, it’s important to have a solid grasp of exactly what the house manager role entails. As a house manager, you are essentially responsible for overseeing the smooth operation of a private luxury residence This can include duties such as
- Managing other household staff members
- Coordinating with vendors, contractors, and other service providers
- Planning events and managing special projects
- Overseeing maintenance, repairs, renovations
- Managing household budgets and expenses
- Ensuring security and privacy protocols are followed
- Anticipating needs of family members and guests
It’s a multifaceted job that requires exemplary organizational skills attention to detail, calm under pressure, and top-notch hospitality skills. You are expected to handle any issue swiftly while maintaining discretion and professionalism.
Expect the Unexpected
House manager interview questions often include behavioral and situational questions to assess how you would handle hypothetical scenarios on the job. This gives hiring managers insight into your critical thinking, problem-solving abilities and professionalism
Be ready to talk through your approach to situations like:
- A household emergency or crisis
- Conflicts between staff members
- A dissatisfied family member or guest
- An underperforming employee
- A major event or renovation project
- Strict dietary/health requirements
- Managing the property in your absence
Having clear examples of how you’ve successfully navigated similar challenges can set you apart.
Stand Out with Specifics
While some interview questions will be broader, others will dig into the specifics of the role. Be as detailed as possible when responding. Talk through exactly how you would perform essential house manager duties like:
- Conducting inventory and ordering supplies
- Staff scheduling and payroll
- Managing budgets/expenses
- Vetting new hires
- Coordinating travel
- Implementing security and privacy protocols
- Overseeing maintenance and repairs
Don’t just state you can do it; provide real examples that prove you have the hard and soft skills to excel.
Show Off Your Service Mentality
At its core, a house manager role is about providing exceptional service. So hiring managers will be evaluating your customer service skills and how you interact with others. Be prepared to share examples that demonstrate:
- Your communication style and ability to resolve conflicts diplomatically
- How you cater to individual needs and preferences
- Your passion for hospitality and making others comfortable
- How you foster positive relationships with staff, vendors, guests, etc.
Convey your people skills and sincere desire to provide an unparalleled level of service.
Questions to Expect
Now let’s dive into some of the most common questions that come up in a house manager interview:
1. Why are you interested in becoming a house manager?
This question allows you to explain your motivations and passion for the role. Share why you’re drawn to the hospitality industry and the chance to deliver exceptional residential services. Convey your commitment to providing a smooth, enjoyable living environment for clients.
2. What do you think are the most important skills for a successful house manager?
Point to must-have abilities like:
- Organization and time management
- Problem-solving and quick thinking
- Leadership and team management
- Interpersonal communication
- Budgeting/financial management
- Discretion and respect for privacy
Then give examples of times when you demonstrated these skills in past roles.
3. What experience do you have managing teams?
Since overseeing household staff is a major duty, they’ll want to know your management experience. Talk through specifics like vetting new hires, setting expectations, delegating tasks, overseeing work, resolving conflicts, etc. Share examples that showcase your leadership abilities.
4. How would you handle an emergency situation like a fire or medical issue?
Emergencies can happen, so they want to know you can keep a cool head. Walk through how you’d immediately address any safety issues, notify emergency responders, communicate with clients, document details, etc. Emphasize calm, quick action.
5. Imagine you’re overseeing a dinner event. What steps would you take to ensure everything runs smoothly?
This evaluates your planning and execution abilities. Discuss factors you’d coordinate like the menu, staffing, setup, decor, entertainment, contingencies for issues, etc. Highlight your thoroughness.
6. How would you handle a staff member not completing their duties properly?
Managing performance problems is inevitable, so demonstrate your approach to constructive feedback, additional training, follow-ups, and disciplinary action if needed. Stress the importance of clear communication and empathy.
7. What methods do you use for keeping organized and prioritizing your workload?
Share your personal systems, tools, and methods for staying on top of many responsibilities. Emphasize that time management, planning, delegation, and productivity are strengths of yours.
8. What experience do you have managing household budgets and expenses?
Since overseeing budgets is a big part of the role, discuss your experience tracking expenditures, keeping costs low, and adhering to budgets without sacrificing quality. Share examples that highlight your financial management skills.
9. How would you go about learning the needs and preferences of a new client family?
Show that you understand the importance of tailored service. Discuss proactively getting to know new clients through meetings, surveys, communicating with past staff, etc. Share how you’d provide personalized care based on their unique needs and styles.
10. Why should we hire you as our next house manager?
Finally, your chance to summarize why you’re the best fit! Refer back to the top skills needed and provide examples of how you exemplify them. Convey your passion for hospitality and commitment to extraordinary service.
Master the Logistics
Preparing for the interview logistics is just as crucial as practicing your responses. You want to project professionalism from the moment you interact with the potential employer. Be sure to:
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- Dress appropriately in business formal attire
- Bring extra copies of your resume and references
- Have good questions to ask about the role, household, etc.
- Make eye contact, have a firm handshake, and smile
- Use polite manners and avoid slang or profanity
- Send a prompt thank you note after the interview
The more thoroughly you prepare, the more confident and compelling you’ll come across. By following this guide, you’ll have all the tools you need to put your best foot forward. Be sure to practice your responses out loud until you can deliver them smoothly and convincingly.
Landing the ideal house manager position is within your reach. Just utilize this advice to have an impactful interview that will leave them eager to have you oversee their private residence. Best of luck! You’ve got this.
How to Really Find Out the Strengths and Weaknesses of a Candidate
This is why we don’t like to ask this basic question at My Household Managed: “Tell me about yourself. What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
If you’re the hiring manager, you can expect the candidate to give you dull answers about the job, since they won’t know much about it. If you’re a candidate, you know how to avoid answering the question directly so that you look your best. This way, you don’t have to change your answer for each application.
Instead, this guide will show you how to get to the heart of the matter and find out about the private service worker’s real personality and experience. We know that your time is valuable, so
Front of House Manager Interview Questions
FAQ
How do I pass a property manager interview?
What makes you a good fit for this position property manager?
What are your weaknesses as a property manager?
What type of questions are asked in a manager interview?
What questions do you ask a front of house manager?
Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various front of house manager interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions. What experience do you have managing a front of house staff?
How do you answer a property manager interview question?
Think of your answers ahead of time so you can provide a polished and professional response to hiring managers on the day of the interview. Here are some property manager interview questions with sample answers: 1. Explain how you might communicate emergencies or updates to tenants.
What do Interviewers look for in a house manager?
Learn what skills and qualities interviewers are looking for from a house manager, what questions you can expect, and how you should go about answering them. House managers are responsible for the overall operation of a household. They hire and supervise staff, manage the budget, and make sure the home is run in an efficient and organized manner.
How do I get a house manager job?
As the head of the household, the house manager is also responsible for the safety and well-being of the family and their guests. If you’re looking for a house manager job, you’ll likely need to go through a job interview. During the interview, you’ll be asked a variety of questions about your experience, skills, and qualifications.
