Legit or not?

ok i am finally in the 'hire-a-helper' game.


quite happy with the second lady that we saw, only one response that we are a bit doubtful about.


she said her first employer let her go after 6 years because of the long service payment (wasn't that after 5 years??).


now she has resigned from her second employer after 6 years again, "because she thinks that it's good for the children to have a new helper so they don't grow too attached to her"


apparently her employer wanted to extend, yadi-yadi-ya...


is this a red flag that warrants a detailed reference check (which we will do anyway), or not?


on a second note, what are other red flags or top3 questions that need to be asked?

e.g she loves kids! (with five exclamation marks), loves cooking (with six), etc.

is this standard bs or legit (sounded legit but not sure to be honest)?

Well, the fact that she was with the employers for 6 years is a good thing. It means the employers renewed twice, and through the long service payment start.


The long service payment indeed starts after 5 years. However it doesn't "stop" there. For each year it gets larger. So I guess the story makes sense.


I don't know about the kids attachment thing. Ask more questions about exactly what she means. Maybe she meant the employer. Then again after 6 years I would think the kids have had time to become rather attached anyway.


Other red flags. Make sure she has a termination letter, or call Immigration to make sure she is not on a contract.


There's a new how-to book out on the subject btw: http://www.havenbooksonline.com/books/catalogue/hiring-and-managing-domestic-help

Yes, 6 years is a good sign. But it is strange that she says she resigned. Something must have happened. It may be something small and insignificant though, so I don't think you should necessarily disregard her because of it.


But see if you can find out more information and chat to the current or even the previous employer.


Also, be aware that if she has terminated her contract early, then she HAS to go back to the Philippines to process the visa and you need to pay over $3,000 agency fees to have an agent process and get her back to HK.

hi cookie09,


in fact the first employer really may have let her go due to long term payment reasons. yes, it kicks in after 5 years continuous employment, but the employer may have simply wanted to avoid accumulating more. it could be legit.


the reason given regarding the second employer sounds slightly odd. i've never heard of a helper not wanting her employer's children to 'grow too attached to her', although i suppose it could be true... on the other hand, perhaps it was the employer who didn't want the children to get too attached to her, or maybe the helper herself wanted to have a rest from looking after the children. in any case, it doesn't sound too alarming.


regarding 'red flags' i would say any broken contract is a potential red flag, unless a valid reason can be given.


it's a bit difficult to give you specific advice without knowing the details of your household, and although these may not be the 'top 3 questions' to ask a candidate, some important questions are:


1. may i speak to your previous employer(s)?

2. are you willing to be flexible to the needs of your new employer's household and adjust to a new way of doing things?

3. may i arrange a health check for you before signing?


i would imagine most helpers will enthusiastically say they love children, cooking and even cleaning during their initial interview, but dig a bit deeper and try and get as much information as you can regarding your new helper's skills and abilities.


bear in mind sometimes the most experienced helpers have the most trouble adjusting to a new job.


i would advise you to take your time and interview as many candidates as possible. also be as clear and as thorough as possible during the interview to give an accurate picture to the new helper regarding your needs and expectations. be choosy, and don't rush into any decision that you are not completely comfortable with. it's a very important decision for both parties.


hope this helps at least a little. good luck!

thanks trojan! very helpful