How to Interview a Housekeeper

Get to know potential housekeepers as people, not just employees.

Hiring a housekeeper is almost like hiring someone to be a part of your family. She will be in your home, possibly living there, and will get to know almost everything about you. Hiring a housekeeper isn't just about finding the best price and making sure he won't steal things, it's about finding someone who meshes best with your family and your situation. Take your time when interviewing and try and get to know the person, not just the job she is willing to do.

Instructions

1. Invite the person over to your home and walk him through your home. Ask him for his impressions of the home and if it seems like a job he could do well.

2. Ask the person applying for the job to tell you about herself. Find out if she has hobbies or kids. This will give you an impression of who she is as a person as well as the kind of schedule she might want to keep. Someone with kids might need to pick up children earlier in the day, but may also be more efficient in order to do so.

3. Request that the interviewee submit to a criminal background check, including fingerprinting if you feel that is necessary. This will give you an idea if the person has had trouble with drugs or theft that will make him inappropriate for a job as your housekeeper.

4. Ask the person to give you an idea of how long it will take to clean your home and what, if any, jobs she will or won't do.

5. Require that the interviewee give you an estimate for the job to be done. Compare this estimate to estimates given to you by other interviewees.

6. Get references, both professional and personal, from the interviewee. Call them and talk to them about the person. This will give you an idea of how others perceive the interviewee.

References

• Georgia Dream Nannies; Hiring a Housekeeper; Gina Roberts-Grey; July 10, 2007
• Care.com: The Housekeeping Guide - The Housekeeper Interview