Interview qualified applicants

If you are clear about what you want to ask and confident in your ability to do the interview yourself, then you can interview from the comfort of your own home using What’sapp video call, Zoom or Google Meet.  If you would like our assistance in asking questions and evaluating the responses of the candidates then please let us know and we can do a 3-way call. Arrow staff are available on Wednesday and Friday 3-9 p.m. to help you connect with helpers in the Philippines. If you find a suitable helper you can immediately schedule a time to complete the paperwork and we'll start your application. 

Choose candidates to interview

Choose 2-4 applicants to interview.  Study our online bios.  Focus on applicants that seem like a good fit for your family. Arrow applicants get hired quickly, so it is always good to have a couple of standby choices. If you need our help, our staff will recommend some ladies who might be a good fit for you. 

 Conduct the interview

PREP: Before asking them questions, ask yourself some key questions:

  • Why do I want to hire a helper? What is the “main thing” you want your helper to do well? Childcare? Cooking? Cleaning? Eldercare? Petcare? List your priorities .. 1,2,3.

  •  What things might indicate strength in those areas? If you are looking for a good cook, you probably want to ask questions like “How do prepare “Kung Pao Chicken” or “Steamed fish”? “What are the ingredients for a really good Chicken Adobo?”  If you are hiring someone to care for young children, you might ask them to tell you a children’s story or describe how to give a newborn a bath. 

  • Write down questions you wish to ask. Use open ended questions like “how would you...?” or “what would you do IF ….”. Avoid “yes/no” questions like “Can you cook?” Instead use a question like? “What is your favorite dish? Teach me how to prepare it?”

  • What is my personality type? (quiet, outgoing, picky, easy going?) What kind of personality types make me crazy? 

INTERVIEW: 

  • For most of our customers and helpers, English is their 2nd language, so you should expect some misunderstandings and sometimes 牛頭答馬嘴. Speak slowly and ask the helper to speak slowly. If she starts to answer a question you did not ask, stop her and repeat the question.

  • Remember that the helper is very nervous and may have a "brain freeze". Be friendly, introduce yourself and your family situation;  they will gradually  relax. Ask them if they feel nervous, then tell you do too.  Here are some sample questions to help you get started. 

  • Take notes: Write down you thoughts and feelings to discuss with the agency trainer or staff.

Ask Arrow for feedback

Discuss the applicants with the agency staff. We haven’t known most of them long, we are not their best friend, but we will tell you our honest opinion about them. We want you to find a good match for your family.

Discuss with relevant family members if needed.

 Discuss the decision with your family. If you know one member of the family is VIP (Very Influencial Person) then gain their blessing first. If your helper will be working with a co-worker, you may want her to listen in on the interviews and give you her impressions.

Decide which candidate to hire

Good helpers get hired quickly, so don’t put off making a decision.  Remember: they aren't just working for you, they are living WITH you. Listen to your intuition and then decide. Once you decide what’sapp us, call us 2151-1125 or email us info@arrowes.hk to schedule contract signing. AND, if things don’t work out perfectly, you have our assurance that we will work hard to help you resolve issues that arise during the employment period.