First time hiring full time helper

[revesi]

We are going to be hiring a full time live in helper for the first time in HK. Not sure how to go about it. Is it better to go through an agency or can one find decent helpers through geoexpat and asiaexpat? Which is better? Any pro's and con's?

[wtbhotia]

Regardless of which way you get your future helper from my best advise to you is to have a trail run/interview at your home.

Arrange the helper to come to your house on their day off if possible, let them interact with who ever lives there or any pets that you have, ask them to clean the house and even cook for you if possible BUT remember to pay them for the service even if its an interview. pay the going rate for eg of 50-60 per hour. This will help you at least see them in action.

[Sunnee]

agency or find one via an ad. key thing is a long list of criteria of what you want, check references, make sure they have finished contract, been released or hard to hire these days. don't fall for a sob story desperate for a job.. its a minefield really

[rani]

We found our helper through the GeoExpat classifieds. I interviewed loads and here are my tips

Would recommend making a list of what you're looking for in a helper: cooking skills, experience with babies/toddler or older kids, good cleaner, good communicator, good references (do call up previous employers).

As you scan through the ads, the ones that you like shortlist the candidates. Then text each one to ask them to call you for a phone interview.

Have some simple questions prepared for the phone interview. If you have trouble understanding her or she you, move on to the next person. As a working Mum I have to give a lot of instructions over the phone, and we need to be able to communicate.

If she answers the simple questions well, move on to some more complex questions. If she enjoys cooking, ask what her best dish is. Or if she takes care of the kids, what games she plays. If the phone interview goes well, ask her to meet you for a face-to-face interview.

Most helpers are free on Sunday or Sat and will come to your home. Line up a few interviews on Sunday. If you have kids, make sure they're around and see how they interact with each other.

Also you can check the helper's passport to see who her previous employers are. Just to verify her work experience and the number of yrs she's been in HK.

Do call previous employers for a reference. If they have worked for Chinese families, who can't speak English ask a friend or colleague to call for you.

Also have a read through this thread on GeoBaby.
Hiring A Helper: Interview Tips - Hong Kong GeoBaby

The good helpers get snapped up fairly quickly. I would also recommend posting your own Helper Want ad on GeoExpat.Com. I found that helpers who called me directly were to shy to place their own ad.

[jmbf]

Although it goes off topic at times, this thread does contain some useful information : https://hongkong.geoexpat.com/forum/...ead299262.html