Follow These Tips Before Hiring a Maid

Housekeepers are no longer a luxury, but a necessity for individuals with busy lives. Hiring a housekeeper for a few days out of the week is an effective method to free up precious time for other responsibilities. If you are considering hiring a housekeeper, there are a few preliminary steps that must be taken to avoid any problems. During the hiring process consider the maids work ethic, trustworthiness and background prior to making a hiring decision.

The major concern when hiring a housekeeper is the safety of your family. There are potential issues that may occur such as fraud or theft that can take place if the wrong individual is chosen. Even though hiring the cheapest housekeeping service maybe tempting, it is important to focus on the maid's qualifications and background.

Screening a Maid

Carefully reviewing the quality of the services provided by a housekeeper is essential in order to hire the right individual. Screening is essential since the housekeeper will be responsible for cleaning and maintaining the valuables within your home. If the screening process has been performed correctly the end result is a clean home with an employee that is a joy to work with. The following are few questions to ask during the interview process:

• Are you eligible to work in the United States? 
•  How many years have your worked as a housekeeper? 
•  Are you bonded and insured? 
•  How did you previous employment end? 
•  Do you have any obligations that may prevent you from working a set schedule?

The Importance of a Background Check

A standard interview may not reveal enough information on a person’s character and work ethic. In addition, a maid may withhold any negative information that will impact the hiring process. As a homeowner, it is essential to perform a background check prior to hiring a housekeeper. A complete stranger should never be allowed into your home without having a background check on their character and criminal history. If the housekeeper is chosen through a cleaning service, confirm with the service provider that a complete background check has been performed. The service provider should also be bonded in case any damage or fraud does take place.

Reference Checks

Performing a reference check prior to employing a housekeeper is also essential. When following up with the references take a moment to ask questions regarding the service provider’s quality and consistency.

We've got even more tips on what to do before you decide to hire a maid. Don't miss Part 2 of our feature piece coming up!