5 Critical Questions That Separate Professional Domestic Workers From Amateurs

# 5 Critical Questions That Separate Professional Domestic Workers From Amateurs In 15 years of placing domestic workers with South African families, I've learned that the wrong hire doesn't just mean poor cleaning - it can mean stolen belongings, damaged property, and violated trust. These 5 questions have saved our clients from countless hiring disasters. ## Why Most People Hire the Wrong Domestic Worker The biggest mistake families make? They focus on availability and price instead of competence and character. A professional domestic worker isn't just someone who can clean - they're a trusted partner in maintaining your home and protecting your family's interests. ## Question 1: "Walk me through your typical deep cleaning routine for a 4-bedroom house" **What you're really testing:** Organization, attention to detail, and experience level. **Red flag answers:** - Vague responses like "I clean everything" - No mention of safety protocols - Skipping high-touch surfaces - No systematic approach **Professional answers include:** - Room-by-room methodology - Specific products for different surfaces - Time management strategies - Safety considerations for family members ## Question 2: "Tell me about a time you broke something valuable - how did you handle it?" **What you're really testing:** Honesty, accountability, and problem-solving skills. **This question is crucial because:** - Accidents happen - how they respond matters more - Tests their integrity and communication style - Reveals their respect for your property - Shows maturity and responsibility **Listen for:** - Immediate honesty about the incident - Steps taken to fix or replace the item - Lessons learned from the experience - Proactive communication with the employer ## Question 3: "What would you do if you found a significant amount of cash left out in the open?" **What you're really testing:** Moral character and ethical standards. **Professional response should include:** - Securing the money immediately - Informing you right away - Suggesting better storage solutions - Understanding the importance of trust **Warning signs:** - Hesitation or unclear responses - Suggesting they would "put it somewhere safe" without telling you - Any indication of rationalization ## Question 4: "How do you handle scheduling conflicts or emergencies in your personal life?" **What you're really testing:** Reliability and communication skills. **You want to hear:** - Clear communication preferences - Advanced notice whenever possible - Backup plans or solutions - Respect for your schedule and commitments **Red flags:** - History of frequent no-shows - Poor communication during emergencies - Lack of backup arrangements - Dismissive attitude toward your needs ## Question 5: "What cleaning products should never be mixed together, and why?" **What you're really testing:** Safety knowledge and professional training. **Critical safety knowledge they should have:** - Never mix bleach with ammonia (creates toxic chloramine gas) - Bleach + vinegar = chlorine gas - Basic understanding of chemical safety - Knowledge of child-safe cleaning practices **This reveals:** - Professional training or experience - Concern for family safety - Attention to important details - Commitment to best practices ## Bonus Evaluation: The "Walk-Through Test" After your interview, have the candidate do a quick walk-through of your home. Observe: - Do they notice obvious cleaning needs? - Are they respectful of your space? - Do they ask relevant questions? - How do they interact with family members? ## The Truth About References Don't just call references - ask the right questions: **To previous employers:** - "Would you hire them again?" - "What was their biggest strength?" - "Were there any concerns or areas for improvement?" - "How did they handle unexpected situations?" ## Creating Your Hiring Success Strategy ### Before the Interview: 1. Prepare your questions in advance 2. Set up a comfortable interview space 3. Have job description and expectations written down 4. Plan for a practical demonstration if possible ### During the Interview: 1. Take notes on responses 2. Watch body language and demeanor 3. Allow them to ask questions too 4. Discuss terms and expectations clearly ### After the Interview: 1. Check all references immediately 2. Verify documentation 3. Trust your instincts 4. Make decision within 24-48 hours ## The Cost of Getting It Wrong A bad hire can cost you: - **Financial:** Stolen items, damaged property, replacement costs - **Emotional:** Violated trust, family stress, security concerns - **Time:** Re-interviewing, re-training, starting over - **Opportunity:** Missing work, lifestyle disruption ## Why Professional Placement Services Matter At Tshidy Domestic & Nanny Services, we: - Pre-screen all candidates with these exact questions - Conduct background checks and reference verification - Provide ongoing support and replacement guarantees - Match you with candidates who fit your specific needs ## Your Next Steps 1. **Download our complete Domestic Worker Interview Guide** 2. **Schedule a free consultation to discuss your needs** 3. **Let us handle the screening and matching process** 4. **Enjoy a clean, secure home with reliable service** **Don't risk your family's security on guesswork. Contact Tshidy Services today.** *WhatsApp: 064 987 2099 | Email: info@tshidydomesticnannyservices.co.za*