A really good housekeeper is, well … a keeper. But you need to know the questions to ask a potential cleaner and what to look for during an interview. Here are some questions you can ask and tips you can use to help you make the right choice when it comes to hiring someone for housekeeping services and keeping your home gleaming.
- Make Sure the Person Understands the Role
Before getting down to business, let the person you’re interviewing know exactly what the position entails. Perhaps you could start the interview process with a job description and ask if there are any questions regarding what would be involved.
- Spend Some Time Getting to Know the Person
You could start off with a few questions to get a feeling for the person’s personality. After all, the person should be a good fit for your family, not just a good housekeeper. Consider asking the following questions:
- What are you most proud of accomplishing as a housekeeper?
- What do you like to do in your spare time?
- Describe what a clean home means to you.
- What are some of your strengths?
- If you had to improve something about yourself, what would it be?
- Evaluate Your Candidate’s Housekeeping Skills
The following questions will provide you with information about the candidate’s skills as a housekeeper, so that you can judge if they will be able to keep your particular home up to your particular standards.
- What do you like about your job?
- What makes you a good housekeeper?
- What do you charge?
- Do you use your own supplies, or are they provided for you?
- What do you enjoy about cleaning?
- Will you clean windows?
- How do you feel about pets?
- When and how often would you be available?
- Are you comfortable working while others are at home?
- Ensure the Tasks You Want Done Will Get Done
These questions will give you a good sense of the candidate’s experience and willingness to do the more difficult jobs around the house.
- Do you do laundry and iron?
- Will you clean large appliances both inside and outside?
- Will you take out garbage?
- Will you wash walls?
- Will you clean all parts of the bathroom?
- What are some things you won’t do?
- Ask if the Candidate Has Other Applicable Skills
There may be things your interviewee can do that you didn’t realize or didn’t think of asking. These questions may give you some insight.
- Would you be able to cook occasionally?
- Do you like children, and would you be able to watch them from time to time?
- Are you available to work evenings and/or weekends?
- Are you able to do any heavy cleaning that requires lifting or moving heavy objects?