If you have just arrived with kids in tow, getting domestic help will help you acclimatize fast as it is not only a great help (or should be if you have chosen well), but it really is part of the culture here. Here are some pointers that we have gleaned over the years.
Find a good maid agency
It all depends on what you want in a helper: some people only want helpers who have worked in expat households on the basis that they will, generally, be good at cooking western dishes, know how a typical English/Australian/South African family operates, and how to fit in with the pace and style of life. Others prefer to hire maids who have not worked for expats before. If you decide to hire from an expat family, one tip is to ensure you match or better the package that they were on previously.
One expat-go-to maid agency is Prestige in Tanglin Shopping Centre. They are competent, listen to what your requirements are, and try to find you the best match.
If you are less keen on a helper who has come from an expat household, we recommend Skills & Resources (ask for Rosie) in the fusty, dusty confines of Peninsular Plaza.
‘The Swap’
It may sound shocking, but you are allowed a ‘swap’ within the first six months if the lady you choose to employ turn out not to be suitable. It is really worth making sure your agency offers this (almost all do, and sometimes they offer up to two swaps) as it incentivizes the agent to try to get the fit right the first time.
The Legal stuff
Each live-in maid you employ is subject to a government levy of $265 in addition to her salary. You are required by law to give your maid a day off a week, or failing that, compensate her financially for working on her ‘off-day’. There is also a host of form-filling to do upon the appointment of the right candidate so it really is worth going to an agent you can trust and be guided by. You should also be prepared to cover all living expenses including food, any dental bills as well as reasonable incidentals (soap, shower gel etc.).
Interview technique
Remember that not everyone interviews well. The real test begins when they start work! Key questions to ask include:
1. Have you worked with children before? If so, how old?
2. Do you have children of your own? (By no means a deal breaker if they haven’t, in our opinion, but worth asking none the less)
3. How long have you worked in Singapore?
4. How many employers have you had in Singapore?
5. Did you finish the end of your contract with each employer? (A contracted period of employment is 2 years). If not, why not? (Often there can be reasonable explanations and some people do have the gross misfortune of landing terrible employers).
6. How you done a first aid course? If so, when?
7. Have you done any cooking courses?
8. Did you cook for your last employer? What kind of food?
9. When did you last go home? (By law domestic helpers are entitled to go back once every two years; the employer must pay for flights. This question is worth asking to check whether your future helper was sent back annually/once every two years/twice a year so you can get off on the right footing and either match or better this.)
10. How many days off did your previous employer give you a month?
11. Did you have a curfew on your day off? If so, what time were you expected home by?
These tips were brought to you by Changmoh, the girl behind the Singapore life and style blog www.changmoh.com.