Hiring a domestic helper in Singapore is a big decision — you’re not just bringing in extra help, you’re welcoming someone into your personal space. The right fit can make everything run smoothly, whereas the wrong one can lead to stress and disruption in your daily life. That’s why it’s not enough to rely on interviews or agency profiles alone. One of the most effective ways to assess a helper’s reliability, work ethic, and compatibility with your family is by speaking directly to her previous employer. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore supports reference checks and encourages transparent communication — especially when hiring a helper who has worked in Singapore before.

A quick chat with a former employer—if they’re open to it—can offer more insight than any resume or agency reference. It can give you a better sense of the helper’s work ethic, personality, and whether she’s likely to be a good fit for your home.

 

 

Hiring A Helper? Here Are 7 Questions You Should Ask The Domestic Helper’s Previous Employer:

 

A solid reference from the previous employer is often as revealing as the interview with the maid. Below are the key questions you should ask to make the most of your conversation with the maid’s previous employer.

 

1.What Were Her Main Responsibilities?

Start by understanding the scope of her previous role.
Was she mainly focused on childcare, elderly care, cooking, cleaning, or taking care of pets? Did she live in or work under a special part-time arrangement? This helps you match her past experience with your household’s specific needs. For example, if you have young children and she primarily handled elderly care before, there may be a learning curve. Clarifying her day-to-day duties will also give insight into her workload and adaptability.

 

2. How Did She Handle Singapore-Specific Duties?

Being familiar with local routines is a huge plus. Was she comfortable cooking local dishes and navigating Singapore’s public transport system if needed? Did she understand how to separate recyclables or follow the town council’s garbage disposal rules? These tasks might seem small, but they show whether she can integrate smoothly into your household without constant handholding — a key trait the best maid agencies in Singapore often encourage employers to look for.

 

3. Was She Reliable and Independent?

Ask how dependable she was on a daily basis. Was she able to manage the home when her employer was away or working long hours? Could she follow instructions clearly, whether spoken or written, in English or another language your family uses? Reliability and independence are especially important in Singapore where many families are dual-income and rely heavily on helpers to keep things running.

 

4. How Was Her Relationship With the Family?

You’re not just hiring a worker — you’re welcoming someone into your home, where you live with your family. Find out if she was respectful, polite, and emotionally mature. How did she interact with children, elderly family members, or even pets? Was she patient during stressful situations? No matter how skilled she is at chores, a helper’s attitude and trustworthiness are what truly determine whether the relationship will work.

 

5. Any Issues With Trust or Conduct?

This is a sensitive but essential area to cover. Were there any incidents involving dishonesty, theft, or inappropriate behaviour? Did she respect the family’s privacy and handle money or valuables responsibly? Since most domestic helpers live with their employers, trust and boundaries are non-negotiable. Don’t be afraid to ask this directly — how the previous employer answers will give you quite a clear idea.

 

6. Why Did She Leave the Job?

Understanding the reason for her departure can reveal a lot.
Did she finish her contract? Did she leave for personal reasons, a performance issue, or due to changes in the employer’s circumstances? Most importantly — would the previous employer hire her again? That one question often speaks louder than the rest. It’s your best indicator of whether she left on good terms and if she was genuinely valued.

 

7. How Did She Handle Health, Emergencies, or Stress?

A domestic helper’s ability to stay calm and think clearly during a crisis is critical. How did she respond to emergencies or high-pressure situations, like a child getting hurt or an elderly person needing urgent help? In many households, the helper is the only adult at home during the day — so this question shouldn’t be overlooked.

Asking the right questions during a reference check can give you far more insight than a formal domestic helper interview alone. With the right preparation and guidance you’ll be in a stronger position to make the right hire for your home and family.

 

 

Summary:

 

Hiring a domestic helper in Singapore goes beyond filling a role — it’s about finding someone who fits into your home and daily life. While interviews matter, speaking to her previous employer can reveal much more about her attitude, skills, and reliability. Ask about her past responsibilities, how she handled local duties, and whether she was independent and trustworthy. Dig into how she got along with the family, why she left, and how she responded to stress or emergencies. These questions help you see the full picture — not just what’s on paper. For expert guidance and access to well-screened helpers with strong references, reach out to Gallant Manpower, one of Singapore’s most trusted maid agencies.