When I think back to my very first governess interview, I realise just how unprepared I was. Coming from a teaching background, I expected something structured and familiar. Instead, the entire interview was with the family’s PA. I didn’t actually meet or speak to the parents. They didn’t even offer a quick Skype call. Within weeks, I was leaving the UK to work in a country I knew almost nothing about, without speaking a word of the language. Looking back now, I can see how naive I was and there are definitely things I would do very differently with the experience I have today. In this post, I’ll share what a typical governess interview process really involves, and how you can prepare to make a confident and informed start.
1. Why Interviews for Governess Roles Are Different
If you’re used to school interviews, panel questions, safeguarding scenarios and trial lessons, you might be surprised by just how different the governess interview process can be. In private households, especially with high-net-worth families, the focus shifts from formal qualifications to your personality, presence, and ability to build trust.
These roles are incredibly personal. You’re entering a family’s home, often living with them, and playing a key role in their child’s daily life.
You’re not applying to a school; you’re being considered by a high-net-worth family, where discretion, compatibility, and emotional intelligence matter as much as your CV.
If you’re new to this world, it can feel a little unfamiliar at first. I’ve written another blog post that gives a great introduction to working with high net worth families in a governess or VIP nanny role that offers some insights into their lifestyle.
👉 Read it here: Working for High Net Worth Families – Governess or VIP Nanny?
In my own early interviews, I was caught off guard by how fluid and personal the process felt. One time, I spent nearly the whole interview discussing the family’s values and routine expectations, nothing like the structured, question-led interviews I’d had in schools. And of course, as I mentioned earlier, I once accepted a position without ever meeting the child or parents beforehand. A mistake I wouldn’t make again!
To make a great impression, start by understanding how the governess interview process differs from classroom roles.
2. What to Expect in the Governess Interview Process
Every governess interview is different. But there are some common stages and themes you can expect. Being aware of these in advance will help you feel far more confident and prepared.
Unlike school interviews, the governess process often blends formal and informal elements.
When I first transitioned from teaching into private childcare, I started working with an agency that specialises in governess placements. In fact, well-established agencies arranged most of my governess and VIP nanny roles. They’ve played a crucial role in my career. Agencies have helped me find the right families. They’ve guided me through everything, from the first enquiry to the trial stage.
I always recommend using a reputable agency, especially if you’re new to the industry. Agencies provide support, guidance, and help you avoid common interview pitfalls. While I secured my current role independently, that’s only because I now have the experience and confidence to navigate the process myself.
Choosing the Right Agency for Governess Roles
Choose an agency that specialises in governess or VIP nanny roles, not just general childcare. These agencies understand the unique demands of high-profile families. They can match you with roles that suit your skills and personality.
The first step is usually simple. Send a professional CV along with a short introductory email expressing your interest in a specific role or asking about current opportunities. A good agency will usually call to learn more about you before recommending you for a role.
Don’t be surprised if, after sending your CV, the agency asks you to transfer all your information into their preferred format. While you may already have your CV laid out a certain way, most agencies present candidates to families using standardised templates. This helps them showcase key information clearly and consistently. That doesn’t reflect the quality of your CV. This step forms part of their process, and taking the time to do it properly really pays off.
Tip: Keep an up-to-date Word or editable version of your CV on hand. It’ll save you time when applying through multiple agencies.
What Happens After You Register With an Agency
Your initial interview with the agency will include reviewing all of your documents. These include: your CV, references, DBS or international police check, First Aid certificate and any relevant qualifications. After this, the next step is matching.
Specialist agencies often work with several families at any given time. They’ll match you to roles based on your experience, personality, language skills, and preferences.
Your details won’t be passed on to every family on their books. If you have joined a good agency, they will be selective and also honest with you. They will only suggest candidates that they think are a good fit for that family as they will often know the family well. This is why it’s important to be honest during your initial interview about the kind of role you’re looking for.
If for example, you suffer from sea sickness, applying for a position with a family who spend a large proportion of their year on board their luxury yacht, will not be a wise decision. You will need to make sure that your travel expectations, accommodation preferences, working hours, and the age group you’re most confident with are clear from the start. If there are areas you can be flexible with, then let them know about these too as flexibility in these roles is necessary and expected.
Getting matched with the right role from the beginning can shape your entire experience, especially when you’re just starting out and new to the industry. It also increases the chances of a long-term, successful placement for both the governess and the family.
Interviewing with the Family or Household Staff
Once the agency has put you forward for a role, you’ll usually be invited to interview with the family or someone representing them. My very first governess interview was with the family’s PA. The role was an overseas one and so they flew their PA over to London to interview me. It is quite common practice at this stage for a family PA or House Manager to do the initial interview with you and maybe a few other candidates. They will then report back to the parents with their recommendations.
They will then give feed back to the parents.
Since COVID, it’s also become increasingly common for these first interviews to happen over Zoom or another video platform, especially for international roles. It’s a convenient way for families and their teams to meet candidates before arranging in-person trials or travel.
Each family handles things a little differently, but the goal is always the same: to see if you’re the right fit for their child and lifestyle.
What to expect
You can expect questions about your approach to routines, discipline, educational values, and how you structure learning and play. Some families will want to know how you support emotional development, manage screen time, or encourage independence. Others might focus on your experience with particular age groups or ask how you’d handle specific situations. It’s also common for them to ask about your values and how you see your role within their household dynamic.
This stage of the process is just as much about personality and communication style as it is about experience, so be prepared, but also be yourself.
What Families Look for in a Governess
Every family is different, but most look for similar core qualities when hiring a governess. These go beyond your CV or qualifications. It’s about how you carry yourself and how well you fit into their world.
Calm, Confident Presence
Families want someone who brings calm into the home. Stress and uncertainty don’t go unnoticed. You don’t need to be overly outgoing, but you do need to radiate confidence and control, especially during interviews or trials. These families often lead fast-paced, high-pressure lives. Their schedules can be unpredictable. They rely on their staff to bring stability and reassurance, especially where their children are concerned.
Adaptability and Discretion
Private households can be unpredictable. You might work with rotating staff, face last-minute travel changes, or need to adjust routines. Being adaptable is expected. So is discretion. High-net-worth families value privacy. Anything you see or hear in the home should stay there.
Top Tips for Making a Good Impression
Dress professionally, but stay approachable. Think polished and neat, not overly formal or stiff. Families want someone who looks capable, not corporate.
Do some homework if details are available. Learn about the family setup, routines, or any staff you may be working alongside. It shows initiative and respect for their world.
Prepare examples from your teaching or childcare experience. Use real stories to highlight your skills. These families often live extraordinary lives, but they still want someone grounded, practical, and able to connect with their children.
What Happens After a Successful Interview?
If your interview goes well, the next step is often a trial. This is a chance for both you and the family to see how things work in real life. Trial periods can vary widely. Some are just a few hours or a day; others can last several days or even stretch into an extended trial week, especially for international or rota-based roles.
During this time, you may be asked to shadow the children’s routine, lead play-based learning, or simply spend time interacting with them while parents or household staff observe. It’s your opportunity to show initiative, professionalism, and how well you connect with the child in their home environment.
While trials are a key part of the hiring process, they can also feel overwhelming if you’re not sure what’s expected, or how to prepare.
Thinking About Becoming a Governess? Start Here.
If you’re a teacher exploring the idea of working as a private governess but not sure where to begin, my free mini guide is a great first step.
It gives you an overview of what the role involves, what kind of families look for governesses, and how to start your transition with confidence even if you’re just at the research stage.
P.S. Once you’ve read the guide, you’ll also have the option to join the waitlist for my full Teacher to Governess Roadmap a step-by-step comprehensive guide for teachers ready to make the move with clarity and confidence.
