Updated 2026-08-08 · 7 minute read
How to hire a domestic helper: a practical checklist
A step-by-step guide to defining the role, interviewing candidates, checking information and agreeing working terms.
Write down the role before searching
List the essential duties, work location, preferred timing and whether the role is part-time, full-time, night shift or live-in. Separate essential requirements from preferences so suitable candidates are not rejected for the wrong reasons.
- ✓ Core duties
- ✓ Daily timing
- ✓ Weekly leave
- ✓ Work location
- ✓ Expected start date
Compare like with like
Compare candidates for the same work type and schedule. Experience in cooking does not automatically imply childcare experience, and non-clinical elder support is different from trained nursing care.
Interview and verify
Ask consistent questions, discuss previous work and request appropriate identity, employment or criminal checks. A verification report reduces uncertainty but does not replace an interview, references or your own judgement.
- ✓ Identity details
- ✓ Previous employment
- ✓ Emergency contact
- ✓ Role-specific experience
- ✓ Verification status
Agree the working arrangement
Record duties, salary, payment date, working hours, leave, notice expectations and any food, accommodation or travel arrangement. Both the family and helper should understand the same terms before work begins.