Hiring a domestic worker is an important decision that requires careful consideration. Domestic workers play a crucial role in our households, assisting with various tasks such as cleaning, cooking, childcare, and more, so ensuring a successful and harmonious working relationship is a must. It is essential to conduct thorough interviews to employ the right candidate, and it is not advisable to outsource this step in the hiring process because intuition and your click with the candidates play a huge role in the selection process.
In this article, we will provide valuable tips for interviewing and selecting the right domestic worker in Saudi Arabia to assess suitability, evaluate communication and work skills, and most importantly, to determine commitment to work and complete their employment contract.
Prepare for the Interview
You can make the most of the interview by taking the time to prepare for it. Take the following steps to ensure a smooth and effective interview:
Prepare a List of Questions
This is an employment interview, so your questions should help you assess the candidate’s suitability for the role. Start by reviewing why you are hiring in the first place.
Are you looking for someone to take care of your child or an elderly member of the family? Are you looking for someone to manage the house chores and do the cooking? By identifying your needs, you can narrow down your search and find a domestic worker with the relevant skills and qualifications. We recommend that you ask about their previous employment and years of experience, specific tasks they have performed to see their capabilities, how they handle challenging work situations, and how their contract ended.
Considering the candidate’s preferences can also give you a better understanding of their frame of mind and streamline the selection process. So inquire about their availability, work and personal expectations, and any special requirements they may have about the job.
Review the Candidate’s Profile
From the pool of applicants, it is best to shortlist at least 5 profiles that match your requirements. Do this by thoroughly reviewing the candidate’s profile, including their work experience, skills, job qualifications, and look for the ones that have relevant domestic worker experience in the tasks you require assistance with. It is a plus factor if candidates have recommendations from previous employers, but in case they don’t, you can ask them to share this before or during the interview.
Interview timetable
When interviewing domestic workers, keep in mind that their availability is often limited to weekends, their designated rest days, or a few hours in a day. While it may be tempting to schedule multiple interviews in a day, take the time to thoroughly assess each candidate. Rushing through interviews could result in overlooking crucial personality traits. Remember, you are hiring a maid for two years, so do not sacrifice quality over time in selecting the best worker.
To make an informed decision, interview at least a few candidates for comparison. However, be aware that other employers may quickly hire the best candidates. Therefore, find a balanced timeframe that allows for careful evaluation without losing out on top domestic worker prospects.
Consider Cultural Sensitivities
Be mindful of cultural sensitivities during the interview process. Most domestic worker applicants are not from Saudi Arabia or the Gulf region, so it is advisable to respect the candidate’s cultural background and ask questions that are relevant, required, and appropriate. This will help create a comfortable environment for open and honest communication.
Structure your interviews
Build rapport by starting the interview by introducing yourself and providing a brief background of your family. You can include details such as the city you are living in, your family structure, your specific needs, and if they will be working with another helper in the house.
Next, you can ask the candidate to introduce themselves, about their family and their motivations in working abroad. This will help them feel more comfortable answering the rest of the questions later on.
Questions to ask during the interview
When conducting an interview with a domestic worker, whether for a domestic worker service, job application, or employment in general, it’s natural to have the urge to ask numerous questions. However, it’s important to keep in mind that too many questions can be overwhelming, making it difficult to remember all the details discussed.
To simplify the selection process, it is recommended to utilize a checklist along with targeted and clear interview questions. Since it can be challenging to recall all the questions you wanted to ask, it is advisable to print your list of questions for reference during the interview.
Maid’s background
As your domestic worker, who is applying for a job in the domestic worker service, will become your family’s household manager, it is crucial to inquire about her background as a foreign domestic worker. Ask her about her country of origin, her interest in this particular job application, and her current employment situation. Find out the reasons behind her desire to leave her current employer, such as living arrangements or excessive care duties. Ensure that she has the required documents and qualifications for working in the specific market or country, such as Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the necessary visa.
Duties and experiences
After addressing the introductory questions, delve into the details of the maid’s experience history related to domestic work. Begin with open-ended questions that encourage more elaborate responses rather than simple “yes” or “no” answers. Inquire about her daily employment tasks and the specific chores she has performed for previous employers. Assess her experience with children and her ability to handle their care. Understand her approach to menu planning on a weekly basis and whether she prefers to devise her own duties or expects a detailed list from the employer. Additionally, discuss her rest day arrangements and the terms of the employment contract.
Challenging situation and scenario question
While most of the interview will focus on the helper’s skills and experiences, it is also valuable to dedicate some time to challenging questions about potential emergency situations that may arise during her work. Present scenarios such as a stove catching fire while cooking or a child falling off a bicycle, and ask the candidate how she would handle each situation. Assess her problem-solving abilities and her understanding of safety protocols.
Mutual interview
Remember that the candidate is also making a decision about whether she would like to work for you or your domestic worker service. Throughout the interview, maintain a professional demeanor and a warm, friendly attitude. Introduce the candidate to your lifestyle, your children and/or pets, and provide insights into the tasks and responsibilities she will be responsible for. Encourage the candidate to ask any questions she may have regarding the service, employment contract, or general work-related matters. Use this opportunity to communicate your ethical and personal expectations, discuss expected work hours, days off, and health insurance coverage, among other employment-related topics.
In the competitive job market, where domestic worker jobs are sought after, top candidates are often selected quickly. If you have a particular preference for a candidate, consider asking her to contact you if she receives another job offer to minimize the risk of losing your first-choice candidate.
Sample interview questions for your domestic worker
Whether you are hiring for the first time or seeking to refine your interview process, here are some helpful questions to ask your domestic worker candidate:
Experience and Skills:
- Can you provide details about your previous work experience as a domestic worker
- What specific tasks and responsibilities did you handle in your previous roles?
- Do you have any specialized skills or certifications related to housekeeping, cooking, or childcare?
- For cooking: What kind of food can you cook? (Arabic, Mediterranean, Western)
- For childcare:
Understanding Saudi Arabia customs and culture
- Can you tell me about your knowledge of Saudi Arabian culture and customs
- Are you aware of the specific duties and responsibilities expected of a domestic worker in Saudi Arabia?
Work Style and Approach:
- How do you prioritize your tasks and manage your time effectively?
- How do you handle challenging situations or conflicts within the household?
- What is your approach to maintaining cleanliness and organization in a home?
Childcare and Safety:
- Do you have experience caring for children? If so, what age groups have you worked with?
- How do you ensure the safety and well-being of children under your care?
- Are you familiar with basic first aid and emergency procedures?
Communication and Language Abilities:
- What languages do you speak fluently? Are you comfortable communicating in the household’s preferred language?
- How do you handle miscommunication or language barriers in the workplace?
- Can you provide an example of a situation where effective communication was crucial?
Adaptability and Flexibility:
- How do you adjust to different household environments and routines?
- Are you comfortable with occasional schedule changes or additional tasks as needed?
- How do you handle feedback and suggestions from employers?
Relationship with Employers:
- How do you maintain a professional and respectful relationship with your employers?
- Are you comfortable following instructions and guidelines provided by the household members?
- Can you share an example of a time when you had a disagreement with a previous employer and how you resolved it?
Future Goals and Long-Term Commitment:
- What are your career goals as a domestic worker?
- Are you willing to commit to a long-term position with a household?
- How do you envision your role evolving as you gain more experience?
Lastly, gauging the applicant’s knowledge or interest in knowing about the visa application process will reflect their commitment to working in Saudi Arabia. Here’s the question to ask: “Are you familiar with the required documents and procedures for obtaining a domestic worker visa in Saudi Arabia?
Domestic workers must also decide whether they want to consider employment. As the employer, it’s important to create an environment where candidates feel security in the contract, comfortable and encouraged to ask any questions they may have.
Remember, adapt these questions to suit your specific household needs and preferences. Active listening and observing the candidate’s responses are equally important during the interview process to assess their suitability for labor in your household.
Conclusion
When hiring a domestic worker in Saudi Arabia, it is essential to follow these tips for conducting successful interviews and selecting the best candidate. Along with assessing suitability, communication skills, and work experience, it is crucial to understand and comply with the legal requirements set by the Saudi Arabian government.
To legally hire a domestic worker, employers must ensure that the candidate has a valid work visa and meets the necessary documentation requirements. This includes providing the required documents such as a valid passport and completing the visa application process. It is important to be familiar with Saudi labor laws and regulations, including the terms and conditions of the employment contract. Click here to know more about “Electronic Visa Issuance for Domestic Workers”
To streamline the hiring process, consider utilizing reputable websites and online platforms that connect employers with domestic workers. These platforms provide services that assist with the application process, offer a wide range of candidates, and ensure a convenient and reliable search for the best domestic worker for your specific needs.
By following the tips outlined in this article and adhering to the legal requirements, employers can make informed decisions and select the best domestic worker for their household in Saudi Arabia. Hiring a domestic worker not only assists with various tasks but also contributes to creating a harmonious and efficient home environment.
Are you looking for a Domestic Worker?
Understanding government regulations and visa requirements is essential, and HelperChoice’s website provides valuable resources to navigate these complexities.
HelperChoice is an online platform service for helper matching. Employers can create a FREE account and post a job ad to find a domestic helper on the platform. Domestic helper profiles can be reviewed and sorted according to their year of experience in child care, pet care or elderly care, cooking skills, nationality (Filipino/Indonesian), current employment status (finished contract / terminated contract due to good reasons/ break contract) and so forth. Once employers subscribe to HelperChoice paid service (Premium Member), they can have unlimited access to domestic helper’s phone number for direct contact and job interviews making the selection process more reliable and convenient.
We understand the importance of finding the right domestic worker for your household. Trust in HelperChoice to simplify your search, providing you with the best maid for your needs in Saudi Arabia.
Hiring Filipino Domestic Workers to Saudi Arabia
HelperChoice is an ethical online platform that directly connects domestic worker applicants and employers in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. Applicants register for free and are vetted by our team for verification on the website.
Employers can also register for free to browse through our pool of applicants and subscribe to our premium service in order to view their contact details for direct communication. Interviews are done within the website and once an employer and candidate agrees to enter into contract, employers are referred to ethical Maarofa recruitment offices in Saudi Arabia to process the worker’s visa and other hiring documents.
Know more about Maarofa service here: It’s an ethical and cost effective solution to hiring domestic workers from the Philippines.
Contact Us
If you have any enquiries, please feel free to contact our professional customer support team via email at contact@helperchoice.com or Whatsapp
“Find the perfect domestic worker for your household in Saudi Arabia with HelperChoice’s premium service. Our verified database specializes in Filipino housemaids, ensuring a direct and hassle free communication with interested candidates!