All employers will have to conduct interviews with the potential helper prior to hiring them. This is done regardless of whether the helper is a transfer maid already in Singapore or is someone who is residing in a source and awaiting employment in Singapore.
Asking the right questions can help one to identify whether the helper is likely to be a good fit for the family
So, here are some useful questions you might want to raise when selecting a candidate:
Question #1. Work Experience and Background
Do ask about the helper’s previous experience, especially relating to household chores, childcare, elderly care, and or cooking. You will want to look out for whether the helper is able to provide specific details and examples as such hints at relevant experience or knowledge about how to handle your specific needs. Such will also be a good way to test whether the helper’s language is sufficiently competent to communicate with those living in your household.
Question #2 Salary Expectations
Salary is a sensitive topic but it needs to be discussed upfront. This is after all the reason why the helper is willing to work for you So, do repeat the expected salary to the helper and look at her body language to see if there is reluctance or willingness to accept the salary you are offering. Please ensure that this is a fair number based on the helper’s experience and is within the market rate. Check in with your agent on what an appropriate offer is if you are unsure of what to offer.
Question #3. Medical History
It will be helpful to check whether your helper has any allergies or whether there are tasks she might not be physically able to handle due to past injuries. Such will help to reduce the risks of accidents occurring and allows you to access whether the candidate is able to physically handle the requirements of the job.
Question #4. Dietary Restrictions
If the maid is responsible for cooking, do ask whether she has any dietary restrictions or red flags when it comes to food handling. You will preferably want to hire someone who can handle the food you consume often even if they do not share similar dietary restrictions.
Question #5. Off-Days
Beyond the mandatory off day, do ask the helper about her preferred schedule for rest days and negotiate any adjustments during the interview itself. This helps to avoid any conflict when the maid arrives in-country.
Question #6 Conflict Management
As conflict may occur from time to time, do give the maid scenarios during the interview and ask them how they will handle specific situations. This helps you to gauge their maturity and assess whether the candidate is a good fit for your home.
Question #7 Accommodation Expectations
Helpers usually have friends who are already helpers and they will compare notes. This is something that cannot be avoided. So, do discuss the accommodation you can provide them based on the living space that you have. This has to include discussions on the living conditions and the sleeping arrangements.
Question #8 Understanding of Job Scope
After you have clearly explained the tasks and responsibilities, do ask the helper to summarise the broad scope of what was discussed. This helps you to see whether the helper understands what is required before agreeing to the terms. What you want to avoid is a helper who blindly agrees and later regrets it when she arrives in Singapore as that will cause much hassle.
To Sum Up
Asking these questions can help employers like you to gather necessary information about the potential helper’s skills, experience, preferences, and compatibility with your household.
Should you have further queries about this topic or need assistance in any way regarding your maid, do feel free to reach out below, and we will do our best to help!