Don’t interview a helper and expect them to automatically know what you need done in your home. Have a plan in mind. Where do you want the helper to lean? Do you want her to organize the kitchen, pick up the children’s playroom, make the beds, clean toilets? If you don’t have a clear set of goals in mind, you won’t get the best work out of a helper. Be sure to indicate your goals to your candidates.

Then make sure the candidate can handle each of the tasks. If you have a problem area in your house, like a streaky refrigerator door or a soap scum in the shower, ask how they would handle it.

Below are some sample questions.

Motivation Related Questions

1. Why do you want to work in Hong Kong?
2. Why do you want to work as a domestic helper?
3. Why do you want to transfer?
4. Do you need to support your family financially?
5. Do you need to remit money back home monthly? (If yes, it could mean she needs money and may therefore be more motivated and focused to work)

Skills and Experience

1. What can you cook? Can you tell us how to prepare it?
2. Can you tell me how to operate the washing machines/cooker/vacuum machine and etc?
3. What could you do if you think my child need to be scolded and punished?

(a) For Experienced Maid

•  What do you do in your previous employer’s house?
• How many people are there in your previous employer’s house and who are they?
• What will you do if my child crys non-stop and I am not around?
• How to make baby sleep at night?

(b)For New Maid

• Do you need to do housework at home?
• Do you have children at home?
• Do you like kid and are you willing to learn how to take care of kid?

Expectation and Requirements

1. I have one baby who is 4 months old and she will wake up once at midnight and you will need to feed her.
2. Currently I have 5 people in the house and four months later, we are going to have one more kid. Will the duty be too heavy for you?
3. I need you to wake up at six in the morning to prepare breakfast for my kid? Is 6am too early for you?
4. Do you have sibling? Where are they? (Sometimes, if their parents fall sick and she is the only child, she may need to return home to take care of parents)
5. Do you have boy friend, when do you plan to get married? (if within 2 years, then the maid may need to go back for marriage)
6. What are you most concerned/worried about back home ?

Employee-Employer Relationship

1. What would you do if you are not happy with us?
2. What do you expect from us?
3. What would you do if you think you have too many things to handle?
4. What is your definition of a good employer?
5. Will you share with us any unhappiness or difficulty that you face?

Use of Mobile Phone

Usage of Mobile phone creates many conflicts in many helper-employer relationship and you better have an agreement with the helper on this before signing the deal)

1. We understand you need to use the mobile phone to communicate with family members, friends or others. When do you think is an appropriate time for you to use it? When do you think it is inappropriate for you to use?

General Questions

1. Can you describe your daily work activity like what time you wake up and what you do?
2. What do you think a good domestic helper should possess?
3. What is your strength as a good domestic helper?
4. For transfer maid, you may ask why she wants to leaves her current employer?
5. Do you practice any religion?
6. Do you have any medical conditions? Do you take any medications?