If you’ve never hired a domestic helper before, it can be a daunting task. After all, you’re inviting a complete stranger into the most intimate areas of your home. So, whether they are a live-in maid or come to your residence a few times a month, it’s doubly important to make sure you have the inside track on what to look out for before committing to a house cleaner. Here are our hacks to help you find “the one”:
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Scouting the most suitable domestic helper will be easier if you construct a job description for her. Write everything that you need from listing the chores that she needs to perform. Be clear about her scope of duties, her working days, compensation, mode of employment, and day offs.
Speaking to previous employers will give you a good insight into your helper’s capabilities and performance. But keep in mind that every family is different and don’t make your decision solely on a recommendation.
The key to hiring a great helper is ensuring the candidate is also comfortable with your family, the job duties and other arrangements. A worker who loves her job and is happy, will do her job a hundred times better than a helper who is unhappy.
Be alert for cheap paperwork processing and employment agencies that sound too good to be true. Cheap employment agencies may save you money in the short term, but will only create headaches in the long term.
The more candidates you interview, the more you will know what you are looking for. At times you may be tempted to sign a helper on the spot if she is particularly good, but don’t hesitate to insist on a second interview if you’re in doubt!
If you need a helper that will assist with childcare, bring your kids with you when interviewing. The ones who try and make a connection with your child are the ones to put at the top of your list. Employ the same tactic if you need a maid for elderly care.
Take note that it is also mandated by the government to give a domestic helper a one day off every week. Ask your potential maid if she has any hobbies and what she enjoys doing when she is not working. Her answers will give a really good clue as to her character.
Always check your helper’s transfer and work history. If she is leaving a contract early then find out why, and even if she is transferring from a completed contract, do check her reasons for moving on. Investigate thoroughly so you’re not left disappointed.
Suggest some tasks your candidate would be expected to do within your household and get her to rank them. If you are looking for someone who can cook, but she’s better at ironing, then chances are the fit is not going to be great for either of you.
Aside from paying her monthly salary, you also need to know your responsibility as an employer. If it is your first time hiring a maid, then you need to attend an orientation programme. You also need to be respect your maid to enable a two-way relationship that will benefit everyone.
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