How to Select a Live-In Maid

Before you select a live-in maid, create an extensive list of your possible needs, including child care, cooking, cleaning and running errands. Finding the right maid requires doing your research about background, as well as obtaining information about the going pay rate.

1. Write a list of the needs you would like met by a live-in maid. You may be strictly interested in someone who can clean thoroughly and cook three meals a day. If you have young children, you might need the maid to pick them up after school and watch them until you arrive home, or when you go out.

2. Contact a reputable maid service agency and inquire about availability of possible candidates.

3. Place an ad in the local newspaper or online classifieds. It may be less expensive to conduct your search independent of an agency. Just keep in mind that agencies often do background checks for you and when you strike out on your own, you'll have to take care of this yourself.

4. Set up interviews with applicants. Be sure to share the job description prior to the in-person interview. You will save time by screening out unqualified applicants over the phone. An applicant who requires much higher pay than you can afford can be screened out ahead of time, as well as those with no prior experience.

5. Conduct in-person interviews. Create a set list of questions to ask each one. If the maid will be expected to take care of the children, be sure to have the children nearby so you can observe their interaction. Pay close attention to your comfort level when meeting the applicant.

6. Ask for references. Call the applicant's former employers to inquire about reliability, punctuality, trustworthiness and performance quality.