Our Process
How We Place Exceptional Household Staff
Hiring for your home is a deeply personal decision. Our process is designed to make it feel that way, considered, confidential, and led by people who understand private service from the inside.
Below is exactly how a search with Perla unfolds, from our first conversation to long after a placement is made.
A Process Built on Trust
A great placement is never rushed. It begins with understanding, of your household, your standards, and the qualities that will make someone the right fit, and it is held in confidence at every stage.
We take on a limited number of searches at a time so that each receives our full attention. You will work directly with the people leading your search, and you will never be handed a long list of names. Only the few who truly belong.
How It Works
Five steps, from first conversation to lasting placement.
- 01
Confidential Consultation
We begin with a private conversation to understand your household and the role you need to fill. We listen carefully to your priorities, your routines, and the qualities that matter most to you. Everything you share is held in strict confidence from the very first word.
- 02
Tailored Search
With a clear picture of your needs, we conduct a bespoke search across our trusted network of private-service professionals. Rather than casting widely, we identify the small group of candidates whose experience, temperament, and discretion align with your home.
- 03
Rigorous Vetting
Every candidate we consider is vetted thoroughly. We verify experience, conduct in-depth reference checks with prior principals, and assess background and suitability with care. Only those who meet our standard, and yours, move forward.
- 04
Curated Introductions
We present a short, considered shortlist of professionals we believe are genuinely right for your household. You meet only candidates worth your time, and we guide you through interviews, trials, and any practical details, supporting your decision at every turn.
- 05
Placement & Follow-Up
Once you have chosen, we manage the details of a smooth start and remain close well beyond the first day. We follow up to ensure the placement is settling well, and we stand behind every match we make for the long term.
Our Vetting Standards
Trust is earned through diligence.
Before any professional reaches your shortlist, they pass through a thorough vetting process that includes:
3%
of applicants are accepted into our network, so every professional we present has already cleared a bar few can meet.
- Verification of employment history and private-service experience
- In-depth reference checks, including direct conversations with prior principals or households where appropriate
- Background and identity checks suited to the sensitivity of the role
- Assessment of discretion, professionalism, and cultural fit for your home
- Confirmation of relevant skills, certifications, and qualifications for the position
We represent only professionals we would welcome into our own homes. If a candidate does not meet that standard, they do not move forward.
Confidentiality at Every Step
Your privacy is protected from our first conversation onward.
We never disclose the identity of the families we serve. Searches are conducted quietly, sensitive details are shared only when necessary and only with your consent, and every professional we represent is bound by clear confidentiality expectations.
Whether you are filling a single role or staffing multiple residences, you can be confident that your household remains entirely private.
Frequently Asked
Questions
- Most searches take between two and six weeks, depending on the role, your requirements, and the availability of the right candidates. Because we prioritize fit over speed, we will always be honest about realistic timing, and we move efficiently once we understand exactly what you need.
- Our fees are typically based on a percentage of the placed professional's annual compensation, agreed clearly in advance. There are no hidden costs, and we will walk you through everything during your confidential consultation so the arrangement is transparent from the start.
- Yes. We stand behind every placement. If a match does not work out within an agreed guarantee period, we will conduct a replacement search at no additional placement fee. The specific terms are confirmed in your engagement agreement.
- Confidentiality is the foundation of how we work. We never disclose the families we serve, we conduct searches discreetly, and every professional we represent is held to strict confidentiality standards. Sensitive details are shared only with your consent.
- Yes. We regularly support families with more than one home or several roles to fill, coordinating searches so the wider household runs smoothly and consistently.
- While we are based in Los Angeles, we serve families nationwide and draw on a trusted network of professionals across the country. Wherever your home is, we can help you staff it.
Begin Your Search
When you are ready, we begin quietly.
Tell us a little about your household, and we will take it from there, at your pace, and in complete confidence.
Explore the roles we place: Estate Manager, Personal Assistant, Executive Assistant, Private Chef, and Nanny. Or view all household staffing services.