Questions to ask housecleaner in interview?
Asked by Crissy
I own a housecleaning business and am interviewing a few people today to be a potential employee. Any suggestions on maid related questions? We also use a 10 lb. backpac vacuum, is it legal for me to straight out ask them if they will have a problem wearing/using it?

Best Answer:
If you have 3 hours to do certain task(s), are you the type that focuses on one task at a time or can you balance several at once? You're more interested in how they answer it than the exact answer. Are you great with children? Can you lift anything over 25 lbs? As long as its job-related, you can ask it. Are you okay with folding clothes, washing windows, and vacuuming under rugs, etc? This question is because it is essential that they don't cut corners particularly if you have a child (or yourself) with asthma. You can install cameras pretty inexpensively to make sure the work is done correctly. Also, you want to ask questions that are going to illicit any dishonesty, sluggishness, laziness, or not reporting the time accurately. Moreover, you can check their credit report on annualcreditreport.com and give them a copy as long as you have their social security number, date of birth, and an answer to one of their loans (depends on the credit agency). Good luck.

It's fair to ask!! UPS requires you lift a certain amount. It's just assessing that they will be able to perform the job as described. Also, ask them how long it typically takes them to finish certain tasks.... what their cleaning product choices are. Even if you don't agree it will give you a window into their mindset. My housekeeper takes far to long to do certain things in my mind.... you don't want to get stuck with someone who doesn't give you the impression of a "mover and shaker"! : ) I don't khow how to get rid of mine...so I've tapered back all of her tasks to the ones she completes in a reasonable time and do the rest myself I know...I'm pathetic!
Answered by Kat Dog Fisch

hope this isn't too late but in my personal expirience the most important criteria in choosing potential employees such as house cleaners is often not so much in how they answer questions. depending on your circumstances you might want to have a practical assessment of their ability to determine their speed attention to detail, their ability to use various cleaning implements etc. the importance of any questions such as you may ask is to determine their attitude and interactive ability and you do not need to stress on what information you get. aim to get some one who is legally able to work for you and does not have a criminal record and is likely to be a problem. oh and yes ask them straight out if they can use it, some people have bad backs etc and legal implications could result when you do not provide full details of the conditions of work should any thing occur.hope that helps
Answered by trkn101