The interview is your single best chance to see beyond a biodata sheet and understand who you are about to welcome into your home. A good conversation reveals experience, attitude and honesty far better than a list of skills on paper. Here are 20 questions that actually matter, grouped by what you most need to know.
Before you start, keep the tone warm and conversational, not like an interrogation. Ask open questions that invite a story rather than a yes or no, and listen for specific, lived detail. If you are speaking through a video call, allow for nerves and a possible language gap, and be patient.
Experience and background (Questions 1-5)
- Can you tell me about your last employer and what your daily duties were?
- Why did you leave, or why are you looking to change employers?
- How long have you worked as a helper, and in which countries?
- What part of the job do you enjoy most, and what do you find hardest?
- Can you describe a typical day in your previous household, from morning to night?
Listen for consistency with the biodata, and for genuine detail. Vague or contradictory answers are worth gently probing.
Childcare, if you have children (Questions 6-9)
- What ages of children have you cared for, and what did you do for them each day?
- How would you handle a baby who keeps crying and will not settle?
- Are you comfortable preparing milk, sterilising bottles and managing nap times?
- How do you keep young children safe at home and outside?
Elderly or special care, if relevant (Questions 10-12)
- Have you cared for an elderly person? What help did they need with mobility, bathing or medication reminders?
- How would you respond if the person you care for had a fall?
- Are you comfortable supporting someone with dementia or limited mobility, and how would you stay patient on a hard day?
For care roles, always ask for a real example rather than a hypothetical. The way a helper describes something she has actually done tells you far more than what she says she would do in theory.
Housework and cooking (Questions 13-16)
- Which household chores are you most confident with, and which are you less used to?
- What dishes can you cook? Are you willing to learn new ones for our family?
- Do you have any concerns about handling certain foods, such as pork or beef?
- How do you organise your day to get everything done without rushing?
Expectations, character and fit (Questions 17-20)
- What are your expectations about rest days and time off?
- How do you feel about working in a home with pets?
- If you disagree with something I ask, how would you raise it with me?
- What are your goals, and how long do you hope to work in Singapore?
Questions about rest days matter for the relationship and for compliance. Remember that since 1 January 2023, your helper is entitled to at least one rest day a month that cannot be compensated away with pay, so be ready to discuss genuine days off openly.
Reading the answers well
- Specificity usually signals real experience.
- Honesty about weaknesses is a good sign, not a bad one.
- Willingness to learn often matters more than a perfect skill match.
- Mutual respect in how she asks questions back tells you about the working relationship to come.
How Ming Hwee helps
Ming Hwee (MOM Licence 12C6072) helps you shortlist suitable candidates and arrange interviews, and we can guide you on what to ask for your specific needs, whether that is infant care, elderly care or a busy multi-generational home. Ready to meet the right helper? Find your helper with us or reach out on WhatsApp.
Related guides
- Preparing Your Home Before Your Helper Arrives: A Checklist
- Red Flags When Hiring a Helper (and How to Avoid Them)
- Maid Agency vs Direct Hire in Singapore: Which Is Right for You?
Ready to hire? Get a free, no-obligation helper shortlist from Ming Hwee — Singapore’s trusted maid agency since 1983.
