Must-read for employers: How to effectively interview foreign helpers?

Hiring a foreign domestic worker isn't just a matter of "picking someone"

Instead, you’re choosing a long-term partner for your family. A good interview can help you assess her personality, adaptability, caregiving skills, and whether she’s a good fit for your family’s unique lifestyle. HelperLibrary has compiled 30 interview questions to help employers get to know their domestic helpers from different perspectives:

• Analysis of Personality and Adaptability
• Analyze whether the person’s eye contact and manners are sincere when answering questions
• Language and Communication Skills
• Learn about her parenting, household chores, and money management habits from her answers

---

Local Foreign Domestic Workers: It’s Best to Schedule “In-Person” Interviews

If the foreign domestic worker is already in Hong Kong (changing jobs locally or has completed their contract):

• It is recommended that employers make every effort to arrange In-Person Interview, meet her at a safe location.
• A face-to-face interview allows you to get a clearer sense of her:
  • Punctuality, Appearance, and Politeness
  • Ways to Interact with Children (e.g., Bringing Your Child Along)
  • Is the tone of voice and eye contact respectful and sincere?Q-chi-1.jpg

You could start by asking some basic background questions, such as:

• "Please briefly introduce yourself. What are your strengths and weaknesses?"
• "What is your current employer's work schedule like? What is your daily workflow?"
• "What do you like about your current job, and what aspects do you find difficult to adjust to?"Q-chi-1.jpg

These questions can help the employer assess her self-awareness, work attitude, and views on her relationship with the employer.

Overseas Domestic Workers: “Video Interviews” Are a Must—It’s Not Just About the Answers

If the foreign domestic worker is still overseas (in the Philippines, Indonesia, etc.), the employerVideo interviews must be scheduled(such as WhatsApp, Zoom):

• Video interviews allow you to:
  • Watch her Facial Expressions, Eye Contact, and Smiles, whether their feelings are sincere and patient
  • Pay attention to how quickly she responds to questions and whether she’s willing to think for herself, rather than just reciting memorized answers.
  • Assess her proficiency in English, Cantonese, or Mandarin to determine whether she can communicate effectively with your family. Q-chi.jpg+1

It is recommended that you avoid asking only “yes/no” questions during video interviews and instead use Scenario Questions）, observe how she thinks and solves problems, for example:

• "If my child wouldn't stop crying, how would you handle it?"
• "If a child in your care accidentally falls and gets hurt, what would be your first reaction?"
• "If I asked you to come home a little later on your days off (for example, before 9 p.m.), what would you think?"

When listening to the answers, employers should note the following:

• Does she follow the order of offering comfort first and then addressing the issue?
• Do you know how to proactively report the situation to your employer?
• Was there any mention of safety awareness, a sense of responsibility, and empathy?

How Can You Make the Most of the 30 Interview Questions in HelperLibrary?

The 30 questions cover four major areas:

1. Personal Background and Personality
   • For example, self-introduction, strengths and weaknesses, your relationship with your current employer, and whether you adapt easily to new environments.
   • This section will help you understand her personality: Is she gentle? Is she more resilient? Does she have self-awareness and a sense of responsibility?
2. Child-rearing and Household Management Skills
   • Topics such as how to handle a child who cries often, what to do immediately when a child falls and gets hurt, how to discipline a mischievous child, and how to cook your signature dishes.
   • This reflects her patience, parenting philosophy, and basic cooking skills.
3. Attitudes Toward Money and Family Arrangements
   • For example, whether income is primarily used to support children or for savings; who takes care of your children while you are working in Hong Kong; and whether you have a long-term need for medication.
   • This helps employers understand whether she has clear goals, whether she has family responsibilities, and whether her health is stable.
4. Attitudes Toward Cell Phone Use and Vacation Planning
   • Such as daily cell phone usage, whether you have a stable internet connection, what you do on days off, your expectations for the job, and your personality, among other things.
   • This helps prevent misunderstandings that might arise later due to cell phone use, vacations, or trips back home.

Employers can ask questions systematically, following this order: “Background → Childcare → Household Chores → Financial Literacy → Cell Phone Use and Vacation Time,” rather than asking random questions. This will make the interview flow more smoothly and make it easier to compare different candidates.

What else should employers keep in mind when interviewing domestic helpers?

• Think carefully in advance about your family's priorities.: Is the focus on childcare? Caring for the elderly? Housework and cooking? Then ask more scenario-based questions during the interview.
• Maintain Respect and Clarity: Speak in simple, slow English or a language she is familiar with, and avoid using overly complex words to prevent misunderstandings.
• Taking Notes After an Interview: You can record the key points and your impressions of each candidate’s responses in HelperLibrary or your own system to facilitate comparison and help you make a final decision.