If you want access to great childcare and nanny jobs or governess positions, you need to be ready to give a great interview. We spoke to our nanny, governess and tutor recruitment managers and compiled these 10 tips to give you the best possible chance of success.
Before the Interview
Tip 1
Dress Appropriately and Look Presentable
For an interview with a potential employer, dress as you would on your first day in the role. This applies equally to live interviews and video calls. If you are applying to work with a UHNW family, be aware that you will be seen as an extension — even an ambassador — of that family during travel and in public. Always present yourself with fresh, ironed clothes (no logos, slogans or visible wear), clean appearance and a professional manner. Use the interview itself as a demonstration of your standards.
Tip 2
Prepare a Professional Supporting Folder
One of the clearest signals of organisational ability is arriving with a well-prepared folder. Include printed copies of your qualifications, relevant references, examples of activities or lesson plans from previous roles, and any photos of work with charges (with appropriate permissions). For video interviews, have the same documents visible and accessible. Bring a notepad and pen — or have one ready on screen — to take notes and show you are taking the meeting seriously.
Tip 3
Prepare Your Answers to Predictable Questions
Certain questions are almost guaranteed: “What relevant experience do you have?”, “What qualifications make you suitable?”, “Describe a challenging situation with a child and how you handled it.” Prepare clear, concise answers focused on outcomes — not just what you did, but what you achieved. Have specific examples ready. Vague answers about “loving children” do not differentiate strong candidates from weak ones at this level.
Tip 4
Know Your Own Requirements Before You Walk In
It is far easier to negotiate effectively when you have already decided your own position. Think through salary expectations, preferred schedule, accommodation requirements, holiday entitlement and any deal-breakers — before the interview, not during it. As a general rule, hold your requirements until the employer has indicated genuine interest. Raising salary at the start of a first meeting often signals the wrong priorities. Raise it at the point where they are clearly interested in you.
During the Interview
Tip 5 — Arrive on Time (or Early)
Lateness for a first meeting is, in most UHNW households, an automatic disqualifier. Aim to arrive 20–30 minutes early and wait nearby. For video interviews, test your connection and platform the day before. “The traffic was bad” is not an acceptable explanation for a family accustomed to professional household staff.
Tip 6 — Smile and Show Warmth
Families are not just hiring a qualified professional — they are inviting someone into their home and their children’s lives. Genuine warmth, positivity and enthusiasm are assessed as seriously as credentials. A candidate who is technically excellent but cold in interview will almost always lose to one who is warm and engaged. This matters on video calls too — it is visible and audible.
Tip 7 — Use People’s Names
Using someone’s name once or twice during an interview — not excessively — signals attentiveness and good social intelligence. Write names down as soon as you hear them if you need to. This is a small detail that consistently distinguishes polished, professional candidates from those who simply answer questions.
Tip 8 — Maintain a Professional Register
Speak clearly and precisely. If the family’s first language is not English, speak at a measured pace. Keep your language formal — avoid slang entirely. Some candidates relax into informal language mid-interview as the conversation flows naturally; this can undo an otherwise strong impression quickly. Stay professional throughout, including in any small talk.
After the Interview
Tip 9
Ask Thoughtful Questions
Ending an interview without questions signals either disinterest or lack of preparation — neither is a good signal. Prepare two or three questions that demonstrate genuine engagement with the role and the children. Good examples: “How do you see the educational priorities for the children developing over the next year?”, “Are there specific routines or household protocols I should understand from the outset?” Avoid asking about salary or holiday entitlement at this stage unless the employer raises it.
Tip 10
Send a Concise Follow-Up Message
A short, polished follow-up email within 24 hours of the interview is a simple and highly effective step that many candidates skip. Thank the family (or agency) for their time, confirm your interest in the role, and offer to provide any further information they need. Keep it brief — three sentences is sufficient. This keeps you visible, demonstrates professionalism and often tips a close decision in your favour.
Ready to find your next role?
EED places experienced nannies, governesses and tutors with UHNW families in London, Dubai and internationally. Register as a candidate and we will be in touch when a suitable position becomes available.
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