Getting to a point where you’re ready to offer a trial period is a huge step in the process of hiring a new nanny, housekeeper, house manager or other household employee in Chicago. For both employers and employees, trial periods can be an extremely beneficial step in the hiring process.

At My Household Managed, we recognize the importance of setting candidates up for success during this crucial period. In this guide, we’ll look at some of the best practices to ensure a smooth and productive trial period experience for new starters as well as highlight some of the key considerations you need to make as employers during this time.

An Employer’s Guide to Trial Periods for Nannies, Housekeepers or House Managers

Pay Fairly for Time Worked
It's essential to value candidates' time and expertise by paying them for the hours worked during the trial day at the hourly rate advertised in the job description. This demonstrates respect for their contribution and commitment. At My Household Managed, we advocate for paying candidates at the hourly rate advertised in the job description, reflecting the value of their contributions to the household.
Provide Adequate Support and Opportunities
It’s normal for a new starter to feel slightly nervous during a trial period. By allowing the candidate to shadow a current employee (if possible) or the parent they’re taking over from, it provides invaluable insight into the role and lets the candidate observe tasks firsthand. It’s also important to make sure that someone is available to answer your new employee’s questions as they may arise and provide guidance at various points throughout the day.
Set Realistic Expectations
It's important to recognize that the trial period is a learning curve for your potential hire, and they may not be operating at peak efficiency from day one. Employers should be patient and understanding, allowing plenty of time for the candidate to understand their new responsibilities and surroundings. By setting realistic expectations and providing ongoing support, employers can help ease the candidate's transition into their role.
Offer Contingent Written Agreements
When you invite your potential hire for a trial period, we also recommend providing candidates with a written offer for the position contingent upon a successful trial. In this agreement, you should outline job duties, expectations, hourly pay rate, relevant terms and conditions and anything specific to the role you are offering. By doing this, you are providing both employers and candidates with a clear understanding from the outset and also make the transition smoother following a successful trial. Find out more about what to include in a work agreement here.
Act Quickly
Understand the competitive nature of the hiring process, especially when hiring the high-calibre candidates that we work with at My Household Managed. In Chicago’s competitive job market, time is of the essence when hiring a nanny, house manager, housekeeper or other household employee. Candidates may continue to interview for and trial with other households until a written offer is made, emphasizing the need for prompt action. Employers should make decisions as swiftly as possible through the hiring process, communicating effectively with candidates and expediting the decision-making process to secure top talent. Read more about our hiring process here.
Evaluate Cultural Fit
When thinking about the future of your potential hire, also consider whether they are a cultural fit for your family. Use the trial day as an opportunity to assess the candidate's fit and chemistry match within your household environment. Observe their interactions with your children, family members and other staff members (if relevant) and gauge their alignment with the values and expectations of your household. Sometimes it is better to hire for personality and train for skill if you cannot find a candidate who is as experienced as you may like, as often good chemistry cannot be taught.
Follow Up Promptly
Following the trial period, promptly follow up with the candidate to express appreciation for their time and provide any additional information or next steps in the hiring process. Open communication reinforces your commitment to their candidacy and maintains a positive rapport. As previously mentioned, the job market in Chicago is highly-competitive for candidates who are experienced and high-calibre so following up promptly will increase your chances of not missing out on your ideal nanny, house manager or housekeeper.
Provide Feedback
After the trial day or trial period, be sure to offer constructive feedback to the candidate based on their performance whether they are successful or not. It is essential to highlight areas of strength as well as providing guidance on areas for improvement. By creating an environment for open communication from the start of any employment, it leads to a positive candidate experience and sets the foundation for a successful working relationship. Read here why communication is the #1 game-changer for successful and long-lasting working relationships in the household employment industry.
Equally, if for whatever reason a candidate is unsuccessful, try to offer feedback as to why this was the case so that they can take this into their next job opportunity.

By implementing these best practices, employers can ensure that trial days are as effective as possible in evaluating a candidate’s suitability for the role whilst also providing a positive, transparent experience. At My Household Managed, we prioritize the success and satisfaction of both candidates and employers, facilitating matches that lead to long-term success in the household employment industry.

You’ve got enough on your plate in your day-to-day life — let us make your life easier by handling your unique household staffing needs.

If you are a family looking for staff for your private household or for any other home service, register with My Household Managed.

If you are looking to work within a private household, apply at My Household Managed.