Here are some questions experts in housekeeping recommend you ask when interviewing potential housekeepers.
After advertising a cleaning position, you should interview the three top candidates to determine who you prefer. What questions should you ask a housekeeper when you conduct an interview? What should you remember? What are the red flags to look for? It cannot be obvious.
We’ve collected seven points to consider when interviewing potential housekeepers. These tips were provided by Amy Olson, Director of Marketing at The Maids, and Melissa Homer. These questions will help you determine if the person you are considering hiring is the best fit for the position.
Your needs
Do not interview a candidate and expect them to know what work you want to be done at home automatically. Plan. What areas do you want your housekeeper to clean up? You can ask them to clean the toilets, the bathroom, the kitchen, or the playroom for the kids.
You will only get your housekeeper to work at her best if you set clear goals. Make sure you tell your candidate what your goals are. Use the checklist to get ideas.
Make sure that the candidate can handle all of the tasks. Ask them how they would deal with a problem in your home, such as a streaky fridge door or soap scum on the shower.
QualificationsIn their answers, housekeepers will tell you what makes them unique. Check out their profiles to learn more about their abilities. You can bring up specific points you noticed on the individual applications during the interview. For example, the applicant may have had a few years of work experience or clean apartments while you live in a larger home. Experience is necessary but not everything.
A newbie may be as good at cleaning your home as someone with years of experience. You need to ensure that they are capable of handling the job. You can ask questions like:
What is the latest positive or constructive feedback from a client?
What did you do after receiving constructive feedback?
What is your favorite cleaning product?
What would you say about your standards of housekeeping?
What would you say about your service style?
What do other families that use your service say about you
What makes you unique in your field?
Experience
Experience is necessary but not everything. A newbie may be as good at cleaning your home as someone with years of experience. You need to ensure that they are capable of handling the job.
Homer suggests that you ask the following questions:
How long have you worked?
Have you ever cleaned houses or apartments of similar size?
What makes you different from other housekeepers in the industry?
Ensure that the housekeeper knows how to clean specific surfaces in your house. Homer says that granite, marble, and stainless steel surfaces can be severely damaged if they are not cleaned properly. Ask the housekeeper how they will clean surfaces that need special attention before hiring them.
Ask the maids how to prevent germs from spreading to your home. To prevent germs from spreading, only use clean tools in your home.
Schedules
When choosing the right time to invite your housekeeper, timing is crucial. During the interview, discuss your schedule and ensure they are available when needed. Are they flexible with their schedule in case you need to change it?
Cleaning Supplies
Discuss who will be responsible for the supplies. Discuss your options if you are interested in eco-friendly cleaning products.
Olson says that some independent housekeepers and services expect you to provide all cleaning supplies and equipment. Check out the services that are included in your house cleaning. Ask if the products are toxic or harsh chemicals and whether they’re environmentally friendly. Ask how the equipment will be serviced and maintained between homes if it is brought in.
Payment options
Before hiring someone, know what you can afford. It is essential to discuss this up-front during the phone interview so that they know your budget. What are you prepared to pay, and what would be your responsibilities?
To get started, you can use Care.com’s home cleaning rates calculator.
Checking references and backgrounds
Ask for references if you did not ask during the interview process and if the interview went well. Follow up afterward. Olson suggests that if you consider using a cleaning company, ask “if the employees’ references have been checked and their residency status has been confirmed.” Some company policies require that employees be screened for reliability and honesty. “This provides additional security.”
You should also perform background checks for your final candidate. Care.com requires all caregivers to undergo enhanced screening. This includes a criminal history check called CareCheck. CareCheck may be a good starting point, but it is not a replacement for the safety measures you take yourself since our membership standards can differ from yours.
Referrals and background checks are essential to hiring the best housekeeper.