Do you need a domestic helper but are unsure how to start your search? Follow these helpful tips to ensure you find the right person to take care of your family's needs:
1. Ask friends, other helpers and agencies for contacts and available domestic helpers with experience. By spreading out your search, you increase your chances of finding someone good.
2. Once you've identified potential candidates, ask the helper's previous employers about their strengths and weaknesses. Consider whether these attributes or characteristics are in line with your needs. If you're happy with the employers' responses, create a shortlist for face-to-face interviews.
3. During the interview, always ask open-ended questions such as, "What would you do if...", or "What is your favourite/most challenging...". In this way you can test the candidate's spoken English, cognitive abilities and communication skills.
4. Ask about the candidate's likes and dislikes. And always find out why she left her previous employer. Try and get an idea about the candidate's personality through your questioning, ask how she occupies her time during her days off and what activities she enjoys.
5. If you're getting help from an agency, always ensure they offer a guarantee - that way you're covered if your new helper doesn't work out. 121 Personnel Services
