Living in a foreign country with no immediate family, I must say I rely on my live-in helper A LOT. I knew I needed help with the second child, so she was hired 2 months before Georgia was born. From over 60 candidates, I talked to 40 over the phone, face-to-face interview with 19, reference checked and spoke to 5 previous employers, before I knew in my heart I’ve found the right one.

Sure, it was tedious. But I wanted to meet and talk to the person who would live with us and look after my most precious possession (my kids). I wouldn’t task an agency who hardly knows me to do the job. Besides, I get to save both of us some money too. (An agency also take a few months salary of the maid as placement fee, which I think is completely unfair to her).

So here is how I went about finding and hiring Amor, my helper. I did everything without having to leave my home, thanks to the internet and efficiency of Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM):

1. Knowing what I want in a helper
I was clear about what are the main duties I’d like my helper to do. Sort it into the order of importance. For me, it was help with a newborn (so experience with newborn baby is a must), housekeeping, and cooking. In that order. For you, it may be preparing meal first or housekeeping only or looking after pets.

2. Place an ad
I found Amor via an ad I placed on gumtree.sg. Clearly state who you are (local/expat family with children/animals) and the experience and skills needed.

You could also start with asking friends and relatives. Babyment has a listing of transfer maids. I was also surfing forums like Expat Singapore. If you are in a community mommy group, there are transfer maid ad every now and then. Do judge for yourself if a ‘highly recommended’ maid is really thaaat good or the employer is just desperate to get rid of her. Find out the real motivation behind the transfer.
3. Shortlist the applicants
I asked for the applicants to sms their name, age, years of looking experience looking after babies to me. I didn’t want my phone to ring off the hook. It could be very annoying especially when you are trying to put a child to nap.

I called and sometimes sms the applicants that matches my requirement to ask a few more questions like confirming the years of experience (Many gave conflicting answers and didn’t understand such simple questions!) and how many employers they had work within the time frame. I also asked for the reason why they are looking for transfer and if their current employer is happy about the arrangement (I avoided those who went behind their employer’s back, for obvious reason).

4. The interview
Once I was happy with who I was speaking with over the phone, I invited them over to my place for an interview. I texted them with my address, clear instructions to get to my place with bus or mrt, along with the agreed time and date.

Some kept changing the interview date/time, some called many time because they got lost, some were late and didn’t call ahead to warn me, while some arrived on the dot without any help. Guess who wins brownie points right off the bat?

5. Reference/ Employer check

I would say this is the most important step that you CANNOT skip. I had initially wanted to make offers to 2 other helpers. They both seemed very pleasant and were already looking after young children. However, upon chatting with their employers, one expressed concern over one’s forgetfulness and another with the lack of warmth, as in being smiley and happy. Who would have thought ‘warmth’ could be a factor? But it did.

It also helps to ask the current employer when they would prefer the transfer (official date for the helper to move out of their place and into yours). This could be a deal breaker if your timings don’t align. Eg. You need her to start at this month but her employer could only release her 2 months later when they move back overseas.

6. Make the offer
Pretty straight forward. Just call them and make the offer. Ask for copy of current work permit, passport and the letter of consent to transfer duly signed by her current employer.

7. Buy insurance and bond
This is compulsory. And very easy. The insurance agent (recommended by Amor’s previous employer) came to my house. He clearly explained what is the basic insurance to get and if I wanted to top up for additional cover.

8. Submit work permit application with MOM online 
Note that you need to attend the Employer Orientation Programme prior if you are a first time employer. It can be done online. It took me about 1.5 hours. My application for her work permit was approved (in-principle) the next day and the transfer date was 5 days from the day it was approved.

For application procedure, go here.
9.  Prepare an employment contract, a list of rules and timetable of your daily routine. 
This should be clearly communicated to her on the day she starts working for you. Just like any job induction, she should know what is expected of her. Explain your house rules and the definite no-nos.

10. You have a helper!
Enjoy having a new family member and help around the house. Say goodbye to dirty dishes forever! Totally achievable if you delegate that to the husband on her weekly day-off.

I hope this helps. If you have more questions, feel free to ask me in the comment box below. I will try my best to provide the answer.

I’m also thinking maybe you would like an in-depth post on application procedure or a whole list of questions to ask during the interview. Or maybe you don’t. Either way, let me know! 🙂