Questions to ask when interviewing a helper

Prepare: describe your own household

Before the interview, write down what a normal day in your home looks like. It makes the conversation clearer for both of you.

• Who lives at home, including the ages of children and older family members
• The main duties, and which matter most: childcare, elderly care, cooking or housework
• Your daily routine, the food your family eats and the languages spoken at home
• Pets, the size of the home and where she will sleep
• How you plan to arrange her rest days

Ask about everyday situations

Questions about real situations tell you more than “Can you cook?” or “Do you like children?”.

• Which similar duties have you done before, and for how long?
• Childcare: how old were the children you looked after? What did a normal day look like?
• Elderly care: have you helped someone walk, bathe or remember their medicine?
• Cooking: which dishes do you feel confident cooking? Are you happy to learn our family’s dishes?
• If an instruction is unclear, how would you ask for help?
• What would you like to know about our household?

Give both sides time to ask

Explain your expectations openly and check that you understand one another. If language is a barrier, ask us to help: our staff can explain questions and answers during the interview.

Helpers who are still overseas can be interviewed by video call. Transfer helpers can also meet you in person at our Clementi store.

After the interview

Compare your notes with the biodata, and think about whether her experience fits the duties that matter most to you. If you are unsure, tell us what worried you. We can arrange a second conversation or suggest other suitable helpers.