Basic Pointers On Interviewing A Potential Live-In Housekeeper

By Alice Sy

A live-in housekeeper is important for a lot of households especially among families who have a busy lifestyle, demanding work schedule and time-consuming jobs and careers. Having somebody to do the work at home such as the cleaning, food preparation and laundry becomes a necessity in such situations. Still, it is important to take the time to interview an applicant for the safety of your home.

Take note of some of the basic questions you have to ask when you are conducting an interview of a potential live-in housekeeper.

First thing to consider is the personal background of your potential live-in housekeeper. Ask for the full name, age, nationality, religion and civil status to check if the applicant meets your preferences. It is important to pay enough attention to the nationality and religion because these factors have great influence on a person's behaviour, character and practices. It is important for you to know such information since you are hiring somebody to live with you in your home. Determining these factors can avoid future conflicts in your household.

Secondly, ask the applicant if she can handle the job and how she intends to do her responsibilities. Determine her ability to do the major household chores and if she has other skills. Check your personal preferences if they are aligned with this applicant. Get to know her health status and if she is physically and mentally capable to handle the job. Try to ask her about her limitations, previous illnesses, conditions and when she had her last medical check-up. Ask if she is currently taking any medications.

Next is to ask her about her previous jobs. Take the time to ask her about previous employers and job descriptions. Ask how she handled her responsibilities and the pressure. It is also necessary that you ask about her previous relationship with her other employers and whether she encountered specific conflicts which led to misunderstandings and how she handled the situation. Maintain eye contact during the interview.

Lastly, ask the applicant if she had ever been subjected to police disciplinary measures. Ask her to explain in full detail and take the time to listen and sense her sincerity. Ask for police clearances and check for any criminal records. Although these can be acquired from the agency, asking the applicant directly is also for your own security.

Remember to double check all the information handed down to you by the agency. Check for the consistency of the records and be assertive in getting to know the applicant better.

Interviewing a potential live-in housekeeper can help you gain confidence in your decision to hire one.

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