Posted by
crj
18 yrs ago
Hi
I am interviewing new helpers.
I was wondering how many helpers did you interview before making a decission?
Did you ask for a 'trial' 1/2 day or full day (paid of course)? (I know technically illegal)
Thanks
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You MUST do a trial. That's the only way you'll see if they walk the talk.
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crj
18 yrs ago
Thanks Mrs Miggins.
I am doing trials with my shortlisted candidates.
4 hours - 2 hours with baby, clean a room and cook something (maybe about the cooking, as I appreciate you can't expect much in a short time and a strange kitchen).
How many interviews did you do approx?
What did you have them do in the trial?
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Hello crj, I've interviewed about 10 helpers. The thing is that if you feel confortable with one during the interview, then you should ask her for a trial DAY. So you can see how she's doing in your house and if you feel ok with her around. I did it for 1 helper that made a good impression but once in my house, she was a real disaster, she kept on bumping all the things in the kitchen, she broke the bin and she didn't stop to sneeze/cough without putting her hand on her mouth. Bye bye !
Good luck, it's not easy to find someone who match your needs
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crj
18 yrs ago
Thanks so much for the replies - I guess I am on track with the number of interviews then...
8 so far, and 2 more to go.
I shortlisted two candidates, but one turned me down, which leaves one so far and her trial 1/2 day is tomorrow. And of course the two I haven't met yet are still possibles too.
I just wanted to see if I was being too fussy by interviewing too many, or not thorough enough.
I have to say, Evelyn from AsiaXPat has done a great job of screening candidates for me which has made this a lot easier.
Thanks again for the sanity check. And kind of funny that three users I 'know' from Mons&Dads replied to this thread :)
Cara, if I recall you have A LOT of dogs, so your helper must be a real dog lover!
Mum2004 - sorry, but your post made me laugh - sounds like a comedy of errors!
Checking references tonight...
Saying all this, I feel much worse for the helpers than for us... they must have a much harder time going to interviews than we do.
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crj, I do remember you too :-) Good luck for your search, and maybe it would be a good idea to have your husband's opinion too.
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I would do at least 2 inerviews and a 4-5 hour trial. During the trial I had my last helper iron a man's shirt and a T shirt. I had her clean a bathroom and then she made us something that she could already cook e.g. a curry. I paid her HK$50 an hour for doing so. If I had tested my 1st helper I would never have hired her as she was a great talker, lousy cook, cleaner, ironing. My second helper was shy and quiet but did a great trail so we hired her.
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Do you pay for a trial? We want to have a 3-4 hour trial day. Give the baby a bath, cook something, iron a shirt.
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Do NOT pay. She may not work for you if you don't employ her. Make it a long, hands-on, interview instead.
BTW I don't agree that a trial is essential.
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