What to ask at an interview

We are interviewing for a full time helper, what do we ask them? Any advice would be wonderful!

This might help:


http://hongkong.asiaxpat.com/forums/domestichelpers/threads/61314.asp

The other thread has some good suggestions, especially with regard to whether your helper smokes. If you have a child, don't assume anything. Here are some additional random questions off the top of my head.


Which cable channels do you want to go with the TV in your room?


Do you intend to use our Watson's water dispenser for a side bottled water business? For that matter, do you know where we can buy small siphoned portions of rice, cooking oil, laundry powder and fairy liquid for our kitchen and bathroom?


How much do you donate annually to your church from the loose change that you collect while cleaning our flat?


Do you mind if I sneak a peak through your wallet every week to confirm you haven't secretly taken photos of my baby?


How long would it take you to do your brother's laundry with our washing machine?


Do you know how to prepare filet mignon? Do you have a problem if I ate that for dinner while you ate leftover instant noodles?


Do you know how to wash a pair of new suede shoes? (Note: trick question)


How many cans of beer do you drink daily? (Note: trick question)

How much money do you owe to other people/ loan companies/agencies?


How many friends have you gone guarantor for?


How many people are you supporting in your home country?


How much saving are you prepared to make each month for emergencies?


What are the names of all your relatives and are they living or dead? (This may be one of the first thigs you get them to write down after you have employed them - maybe also include state of health)


How long do you plan to live and work for other people in HK?


Do you have a goal of why you are here? (I personally would not employ anyone without a goal - to get my children through school is not a specific goal)


What is your husband doing while you are in HK? (obviously for the married ones - this question will indicate some form of financial status- if he is not working, or is working and will indicate some possible future stresses)


What were you doing before you came to HK?


What do you plan to do when you leave HK and go back to your home country?

Bumpkin - not everyone goes through an agency to employ a helper, and as such are not privvy to that information before the interview.

dimac4 is right, we are on our 3rd helper and have never used an agency.