How to Interview a Housekeeper
Cleaning house can be something that people dread doing. They would much rather use hired help. A housekeeper can provide an array of cleaning services that leave your house sparkling and your manicure intact. Finding the right one, however, can be a challenge if you don’t know the right questions to ask. These easy steps will lead you through how to interview your potential housekeeper.
- Ask for references. If a housekeeper cannot provide any references or the ones she does provide lead to dead ends, this is a red flag. Try to look for someone with many years of experience and glowing recommendations.
- Provide scenarios for the housekeeper and ask her how she would handle the situation. These scenarios could be things that have happened in your house in the past, or things that would never happen. Getting a good idea of character and how she deals with unforeseen circumstances can help you decide if she is a good fit for your house.
- Discuss wages, hours, and cleaning supplies requirements. Some housekeepers will only work during certain hours and some expect you to provide their cleaning supplies, whereas others prefer to bring their own.
- Inquire if there are any tasks the housekeeper refuses to do. Some cleaners draw the line at various tasks, so it is important that you identify where those lines are and decide if they are deciding factors for you.
- Have your family members present. Because the housekeeper is going to be cleaning your entire house, everyone in the household will be in contact with her directly or indirectly. It is important that everyone likes her and feels comfortable with her.
- Perform a background check on your top candidates. Small offenses like traffic violations are not of concern but anything bigger could be trouble. Use your best judgment when bringing a stranger into your home.