When hiring a helper, still often referred to as maid, conducting reference checks is an often overlooked but highly beneficial practice. At FindHelp, we recommend this step to ensure you hire a reliable and trustworthy helper who fits well with your household whenever it's feasible. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding and performing effective reference checks.
1. Why Conduct Reference Checks?
Reference checks provide valuable insights into a candidate’s work history, performance, and character. Here are some key reasons why this practice is essential:
Verification of Experience: Confirm the candidate’s previous job roles, responsibilities, and duration of employment.
Assessment of Skills: Evaluate the candidate’s abilities in areas such as childcare, elderly care, cooking, and housekeeping.
Understanding Work Ethic: Gain insight into the candidate’s reliability, punctuality, and dedication to their job.
Compatibility Check: Determine if the candidate’s personality and work style align with your household’s needs.
2. Preparing for Reference Checks
Before reaching out to references, it’s important to prepare. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth and effective process:
Obtain Permission: Ask the candidate for permission to contact their previous employers. This shows respect for their privacy and transparency in your hiring process.
Gather Contact Information: Collect detailed contact information for each reference (last 1-2 employers should be sufficient), including names, phone numbers, email addresses, and the relationship to the candidate.
Create a List of Questions: Prepare a list of questions that will help you gather comprehensive information about the candidate’s performance and behavior.
3. Conducting Reference Checks
When you are ready to contact references, approach the process systematically. Here’s how to conduct effective reference checks:
Introduce Yourself: Begin by introducing yourself and explaining the purpose of your call.
Confirm the Relationship: Verify the reference’s relationship with the candidate and the period during which they worked together.
Ask Relevant Questions: Use your prepared list of questions to guide the conversation and gather detailed information.
4. Essential Questions to Ask
To gain a comprehensive understanding of the candidate, ask a variety of questions covering different aspects of their performance and behavior. Here are some essential questions to include:
Experience and Responsibilities
Can you confirm the duration of their employment with you?
What were the primary responsibilities and tasks the candidate handled?
Did the candidate perform any specific duties related to childcare, elderly care, cooking, or housekeeping?
Work Performance and Skills
How would you rate the candidate? Were they consistent in delivering quality work?
Did the candidate demonstrate strong skills in areas relevant to their job, such as cleaning, cooking, or caregiving?
Were there any areas where the candidate excelled or needed improvement?
Work Ethic and Attitude
Was the candidate reliable and punctual? Did they adhere to the agreed-upon schedule?
How did the candidate handle stressful situations or unexpected challenges?
Did the candidate demonstrate a positive attitude and a willingness to learn and adapt?
Interactions and Behavior
How did the candidate interact with other household members, particularly children or elderly relatives?
Did the candidate maintain a professional demeanor and respect privacy and boundaries?
Were there any issues or conflicts during the candidate’s employment, and how were they resolved?
Rehire Potential
Would you rehire the candidate if given the opportunity? Why or why not?
Is there any additional information you think is important for us to know about the candidate?
5. Evaluating the Feedback
After completing the reference checks, take time to evaluate the feedback carefully. Consider the following:
Consistency: Look for consistent patterns in the feedback. Consistent positive feedback is a good indicator of the candidate’s reliability and competence.
Red Flags: Pay attention to any red flags or concerns raised by the references. These could indicate potential issues that might arise if you hire the candidate.
Overall Impression: Consider the overall impression you have gained from the references. Do they align with your observations from the interview?
Conclusion
Conducting thorough reference checks is a crucial step in the hiring process for migrant domestic workers. This practice provides valuable insights into the candidate’s work history, performance, and character, helping you make an informed decision. At FindHelp, we are committed to providing you with the resources and support needed to hire the best helper for your household.
For more tips and guidance on hiring and managing domestic helpers, explore our other articles and resources on our website.