Interviewing a housekeeper? Here’s what to ask

Finding the right person to care for your home isn't easy. Whether you're juggling long work hours, managing a busy family, or simply seeking more free time, a reliable housekeeper is a lifesaver.

But with so many options available, including direct hires and agency housekeeping, the interview process can feel daunting. How can you prepare for that situation? Don’t add to your stress - we have you covered!

We’ve put together this essential guide to interviewing potential housekeepers, with a specific eye on candidates from agency housekeeping services. While the core questions remain similar, agency involvement adds a layer of trust and accountability that can benefit both you and the housekeeper.

What to ask when interviewing a housekeeper

Before the interview

Before you sit down to interview a housekeeper, there are a couple of steps to take to ensure you are as prepared as possible:

• Clearly define your needs: make a list of essential tasks (such as dusting, vacuuming, laundry), frequency (weekly, bi-weekly), and any special requests (pet care, plant watering?). Understanding your expectations helps streamline the interview process.
• Do your research: explore different agency housekeeping options in your area, comparing services, experience and, of course, pricing. This gives you a context for the interview and potential costs.

Then, grab a notepad and prepare some essential interview questions. Think about experience and expertise, your family's needs and requirements, as well as the logistics of the role. We’ve compiled some sample questions below:

Experience and expertise

• Tell me about your experience as a housekeeper. How long have you been in this field? (Specialist housekeeping agencies like Hummingbird Home Staff vet housekeepers for experience and qualifications, offering peace of mind).
• What specific cleaning tasks are you most comfortable with?
• Do you have experience with specific needs, e.g., pet care, delicate surfaces, antiques?

Work style and preferences

• Describe your ideal work environment. Do you prefer working independently or with some guidance? - Align their preferences with your expectations.
• How do you approach cleaning projects? Are you detail-oriented and organised? - Gauge their work ethic and attention to detail.
• Are you comfortable using specific cleaning products or protocols? - Discuss allergy concerns or preferred cleaning methods.

Logistics and communication

• What are your availability and scheduling preferences? - Ensure their schedule aligns with your needs.
• What is your hourly rate or service cost? - Compare agency fees and individual rates.
• How do you prefer to receive instructions and feedback? - Establish clear communication practices.

Additional questions

• Can you provide references or a portfolio of your work? - Note: reputable agencies will have references readily available.
• What are your expectations for communication and interaction with me? - Discuss boundaries and open communication.
• What questions do you have for me? - Their questions can reveal their level of interest and attention to detail.

After the interview

• Conduct a reference check: contact references provided by the agency or individual housekeeper.
• Consider a trial cleaning: some agencies offer trial cleanings, allowing you to assess the housekeeper’s work ethic and suitability.
• Trust your gut: ultimately, choose a housekeeper who feels like a good fit for your home and family.

The agency housekeeping advantage!

While interviewing individual housekeepers can be rewarding, engaging the services of a housekeeping agency offers unique benefits:

• Vetting and training: agencies screen and train their housekeepers, ensuring consistent quality and professionalism.
• Insurance and security: reputable agencies offer liability insurance and background checks, adding peace of mind.
• Scheduling and communication: agencies handle scheduling, billing, and communication, freeing you from administrative burdens.
• Conflict resolution: should any issues arise, the agency acts as a mediator, ensuring a smooth working relationship.

If you choose the housekeeping agency route, here are some questions that you could ask:

• How does your agency ensure the quality of its housekeepers? - Understand their screening and training processes.
• What services does your agency offer in addition to cleaning? - Some agencies provide scheduling, insurance, and conflict resolution.
• How does your agency handle communication and feedback? - Clear communication channels are crucial for both parties.

Remember, finding the right housekeeper is an investment in your time and well-being. By preparing thoughtful questions and carefully considering agency options, you can confidently welcome a trustworthy individual into your home, allowing you to relax and enjoy a clean and comfortable space.

Trust Hummingbird Home Staff to find your ideal candidate

If you're seeking a quality agency for housekeeping in the UK, contact Hummingbird Home Staff. We pride ourselves on providing thoroughly vetted, experienced, and reliable housekeepers.

Our recruitment process is designed to make finding a housekeeper as seamless as possible for you and your family. We source highly qualified candidates with experience tailored to your requirements and help arrange face-to-face interviews with our candidates at a time and place that suits you, so you can gauge whether our potential housekeepers are right for you.

We’re on hand to help you find the best possible fit housekeeper for your needs. Together, let’s ensure your home receives the care it deserves!