5 Essential Interview Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Domestic Helper from Any Agency

Hiring a domestic helper in Singapore is a big decision. Beyond just reviewing resumes and maid agency recommendations, conducting a proper interview with your potential helper is crucial. It gives you a clearer picture of their skills, mindset, and whether they’re a good fit for your household.

Whether you're hiring for childcare, elderly care, or general household chores, asking the right maid interview questions helps ensure a smoother working relationship.

Here are five essential questions to ask, plus tips on what to listen for.

1. What kind of household experience do you have?

This question helps you gauge if the helper has worked in a similar environment to yours. Are you a family with young children? Do you need help with elderly care or pets? Find out what kind of homes she’s worked in before and what tasks she handled daily.

What to listen for: Specific examples of her past duties (e.g., cooking Chinese dishes, managing multiple children, handling laundry with care). Look out for relevant experience that matches your needs.

2. How do you handle mistakes or misunderstandings with employers?

This digs into communication skills and emotional maturity. Every household is different, so how a helper reacts to correction is just as important as her experience.

What to listen for: Does she mention learning from feedback? Does she speak respectfully about former employers? A calm, honest answer shows a good attitude.

3. Can you describe a challenging situation you faced at work and how you solved it?

Real-life examples can tell you more about a candidate than hypothetical questions. This one shows her problem-solving skills and how she copes with stress or conflicts.

What to listen for: Concrete examples with a positive outcome, such as helping calm a child having a tantrum or handling a kitchen mishap responsibly.

4. What are your strengths and areas you want to improve?

Self-awareness is a great quality in a helper. This question lets you know what she excels at and whether she's open to learning.

What to listen for: Honest but balanced answers. For instance, she might be confident in cooking but admits needing more practice with English.

5. What is your ideal working environment and employer?

This gives insight into her expectations, boundaries, and whether she’ll fit well into your family dynamic.

What to listen for: Responses that indicate she values respect, clear communication, and structured routines. It’s a two-way street—both parties should feel comfortable and understood.

Bonus Tips for Conducting a Helper Interview in Singapore:

• Prepare a quiet, comfortable space to talk.

• Be respectful and patient—many helpers are nervous during interviews.

• If possible, conduct a face to face interview (for transfer helpers) before making a decision.

Final Thoughts

A helper interview isn’t just about finding someone with the right skills—it’s about finding the right person for your home. With these carefully chosen helper interview questions Singapore families should ask, you'll be in a better position to make an informed, respectful hire.

Need help finding a well-matched helper? Reach out to us – a trusted maid agency – and we’ll guide you through the process with care and expertise. If you're a first-time employer, you may also want to read our complete guide on the criteria to hire a maid in Singapore to better understand eligibility, costs, and key responsibilities.