Helper Interview Questions

Posted by Ed (294 days ago)

Let's create a checklist of questions you need to ask a candidate helper during the interview.

We will add a permanent link to this on the helper channel.

Find what you are after in our Hong Kong A-Z Directory

Posted by axptguy38 (293 days ago)

Not a specific question but it is important NOT to ask questions where the answer is meaningless. For example "Do you like children?" No helper who wants the job will answer "no".

It makes more sense to ask "scenario" questions such as "If Billy has a tantrum and Bobby has just opened the knife drawer, what would you do?"

Posted by kneebows (281 days ago)

Fantastic idea - and if I ever get it right I wil be sure to contribute.

Posted by Chin (280 days ago)

In regards to interview. We should I think also ask to speak to the employer for references prior to extending an offer.

Posted by axptguy38 (280 days ago)

"We should I think also ask to speak to the employer for references prior to extending an offer."

I think references have their place, but they are not THAT important. If a person feels right after a good interview, references may just muddle the opinion. Especially if the person just didn't have good chemistry with a previous employer.

Posted by Zorglub (276 days ago)

On the other hand, it may be useful information to know why there was no chemistry with the former employer.
It could be a good way to find out that the helper had qualities that are valuable to you but where useless to the previous employer.

I'd ask about experience in the areas that I will need the helper most: dog walking vs baby caring, cleaning vs cooking, etc...
Surely "situation" questions are very revealing, but practical questions like have they ever cared for families with a new born, a toddler, a teenager (or all 3!), elderly people, disabled people, large dogs or any other animal, a large household?
Are they afraid of dogs?
Are they better w/ household chores or children?
Are they good at cooking certain foods, do they LIKE cooking, can they use all the appliances?
Are they prepared to take courses: first aid, English, cooking, swimming, etc...
Are they prepared to work alongside other DH/driver?
Do they know HK well?
Can they take initiatives, or do they need to be told every thing?
Are they better left to organising the chores by themselves, or do they prefer a schedule?
Do they know about antiques and what NOT to do to them (Dettol...)
How long have they been doing/do they plan on doing this kind of work?
Have they worked in other countries and what worked/didn't work for them there?

Posted by Portia (271 days ago)

I think that it can sometimes be helpful to speak to former employers if you ask the right questions. I like to ask the employer if he/she can tell me what two or three areas the helper could improve on as everyone has room for improvements and to confirm why the contract is not being renewed. The answers can be quite informative.

I also think you need to be careful about relying too much on written references. My helper who is a very inconsistent performer asked me to write her a reference as her contract is expiring. I don't want to refuse to give her a reference as she is a good person so I have stated her duties and pointed out her strengths without mentioning her weaknesses. She told me that interviewers thought she must be fantastic from the reference. Despite the invitation to do so on the reference, none of them rang me and/or asked the right questions or they would have been given more balanced view!

For the helpers, if they say that they can follow a recipe, I like to ask what cookbooks they are cooking from as this will give me an idea about their standards of cooking. I also like to ask helpers why they want to work for an expat family. Several have told me that they like working for expats as they go away for 1-2 months every summer! I also like to find out why the helper says she is looking for a new job, eg why she is not renewing.

Posted by Susie1 (271 days ago)

If I had young children, I would ask them 'common sense" questions like, eg 1. If my child banged his head in the park, then started to vomit, or fall asleep, what would they do? 2. If my child was very naugty- how would they check him? If they say they would smack- interveiw ended bye bye! 3. If my child was being verbally abusive ,or swearing to them(the maid) or anybody else, how would they deal with this? would they tell me, or just laugh and think it is funny, personally I would want to know to make sure my children were brought up properly to respect all people, and not to swear either, there are lots of little scenario's like this you could ask.

Posted by bbr (235 days ago)

I also ask the person being interviewed to fill out an application form. This also helps me have a clear record of people interviewed and all the info available in the same format without needing to flip through CV's. Some don't even bring a CV with them. It also tells me how their reading and writing skills are. I also have a second page form with questions on it which I ask verbally and then fill in. I also write any notes or impressions I have.

Posted by ezpz (185 days ago)

Dear Ed

Is the list of questions ready? I'm in the process of hiring.

Posted by deb_ex2 (157 days ago)

Hi! I would like to ask what are the requirements to hire a indian helper in Hong Kong. Any one can provide me some information. Thanks!

Posted by Robyn (155 days ago)

safety senarios for helpers taking care of your kids

For example If you were to go out to empty the rubbish (presumming you live in a high rise that has a common rubbish on your floor) and your door shuts behind you leaving the baby asleep inside what would you do.?
Note - there is no right answer to this you are trying to determine if she/he can think outside the square and gives you logical options.
Such as getting security
having a spare key at someones apartment nearby
doing whatever they can to get in
calling the employer

If there was a fire alarm what would you do? (when the helper is hired go though the escape roots of the building. Dont forget to tell them to take a wet towel if time permits)

Do you know first aid?

Posted by bitties (137 days ago)

Any progress on this list of questions? Also looking to hire urgently......

Posted by Nipa (83 days ago)

Dear Ed,

can you post the process to follow when a candidate abroad has been selected? That is, fill in the contracts, take them to the consulate, etc etc...

It would be great for people who don't want to go through an agency to have some guidelines.

Alternatively, are there agencies who will just facilitate the process for a fee in a direct hire scenario?

Many thanks
N

Posted by axptguy38 (83 days ago)

"Alternatively, are there agencies who will just facilitate the process for a fee in a direct hire scenario?"

ACJ is good 23772890

Posted by sorchului (82 days ago)

Ask some questions unrelated to work as well such as what are her interests? Does she read / do needlecrafts...? What are her dreams / goal?

I think it will be interesting and nice to get to know the person you are interviewing / hiring.