Need Interview Questions

This is what we asked, more or less. I asked nothing about cleaning/laundry etc as I planned to show the helper how I like things to be done. Also I didn't ask any of the 'what would you do in this situation' kind of questions. I had had a bad experience with a helper before and so basically wanted someone I liked and who I thought would stay for a while.


1. Where in Sri Lanka are you from?

When did you last visit SL?

How often do you need/like to return?


2. Which languages can you speak/read/write? English Cantonese Sinhala Tamil Mandarin Other


3. Do you have any children?

4. Do you have any brothers or sisters?

5. Do you have any family living in Hong Kong?

6. Have you brought any references with you? Yes / No

7. Can you give us a contact number so that we can speak to your previous employers?

8. Tell us about your last job, what were your responsibilities?

Gardening? Yes/No

9. Of these responsibilities, was there anything that you found difficult?

10. What hours did you work?

11. Why are you looking for a new job?

12. Why are you working in Hong Kong (supporting anyone in Lanka?)

13. How long do you think you will stay working in Hong Kong?

14. Have you looked after children before? Yes/No What ages?

15. Have you ever done a first aid course? Yes / No When and what?

16. Have any of the children that you have looked after had any health conditions that you had to pay special attention to? Yes / No If yes, what?

17. Have you looked after pets (cats) before?

18. Do you like cooking? Yes/No

19. What kind of things did you have to cook for your last employer?

20. If given a recipe/cookbook could you make something you have never made before? Yes / No

21. If we decide to employ you we will send you to a doctor for a physical exam before you start but could you tell us now whether you have you ever been seriously ill or have any health problems that we should know about? Yes / No

22. How do you spend your day-off?

23. Can you swim? Yes /No.

24. Have you been to Cheung Chau? Yes /No

25. Have you taken many ferries? Are you ok on ferries? Yes /No

26. When would you be available to start?

Hello,

The most important thing is to feel confortable with her during the interview and to see if she does too.

Geiboyi gave you a very good list.

Also, you can ask her if she has any question to ask you.

And the best thing is to have a trial day (paid) at your home, you'll immediately know if it's going to work or not.

The thing about loans you can mention later if you want to give her the job - I did, but phrased it that we prefer not to pay salary in advance, as in my experience that is how the request normally comes. I also printed out a list of guidelines I expect a helper to follow - I can try and find that, it's a bit less comprehensive than Mrs M's list though.