Employer guide · Singapore

Questions to ask before hiring a domestic helper

Prepare better questions for agencies and helper interviews when hiring domestic help in Singapore.

Updated 22 August 2026 · Maidagencies.sg editorial team

A well-prepared conversation gives an agency enough information to recommend more suitable profiles. It also helps your household make fair, practical comparisons.

What support does your household actually need?

Start with the daily responsibilities: childcare routines, elderly support, cooking, cleaning, pet care, mobility considerations and work schedules. List the essential needs separately from preferences so agencies can prioritise the right fit.

What experience is most relevant?

Ask about previous duties rather than only asking how many years of experience a candidate has. An agency can help explain whether a past role involved newborn routines, dementia care, cooking for a particular household size or another relevant responsibility.

How will the agency support the placement?

Ask how interviews are arranged, what documentation is provided, who you should contact after placement and how replacement policies work. Make sure payment and service terms are explained in writing.

What should be confirmed before a decision?

Confirm availability, start timing, required documentation and every employment or service term in writing. Take time to compare answers across agencies rather than rushing because a profile is currently available.