AJS Advanced Global Solutions
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The Singapore Family's Helper Hiring Checklist

Everything to do before you start looking, during the interview, before arrival, and in your first week together. Print it out or save it as a PDF.

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How to use this: Work through each section in order. You can print this page (Ctrl+P / Cmd+P) and tick boxes by hand, or save it as a PDF for reference.

01

Before You Start Looking

  • Decide on the primary role: housekeeping, childcare, eldercare, or mixed
  • List out your household's daily routine and peak-demand hours
  • Confirm you have suitable accommodation (private room preferred by MOM)
  • Decide your preferred nationality and language requirements
  • Set a realistic budget including levy, insurance, food, and transport
  • Decide if you need a fresh hire or a transfer helper
  • Check if any household members have allergies or dietary requirements the helper should know
02

During the Interview

  • Ask about their previous employers: how many, how long, why they left
  • Ask what a typical day looked like in their last household
  • If childcare: ask about the ages of children they've cared for
  • If eldercare: ask if they've assisted with mobility, bathing, or feeding
  • Ask what they enjoy cooking and whether they can cook your cuisine
  • Ask how they handle a situation where they don't understand an instruction
  • Ask what they do if something breaks or goes wrong in the house
  • Ask about their rest day preferences and how they usually spend it
  • Observe: are they making eye contact, listening carefully, asking questions?
03

Before Arrival

  • Prepare the helper's room: clean, with adequate ventilation and storage
  • Purchase basic toiletries and a set of bedding
  • Set up a SIM card or arrange for communication
  • Write out a household guide: routines, rules, preferences, emergency contacts
  • Brief children or elderly family members that someone new is coming
  • Prepare a simple meal plan for the first week so they're not guessing
  • Confirm work permit, insurance, and medical check are completed by the agency
  • Brief any security at your condo or building
04

First Week

  • Walk through every room and explain what you expect
  • Show them where cleaning supplies, tools, and groceries are kept
  • Cook together once, to show your preferred taste and method
  • Explain rest day logistics: where to go, curfew if any, who to call
  • Set clear expectations on phone use during working hours
  • Establish a simple daily check-in; a morning briefing works well
  • Give feedback early and gently; corrections are easier in week one than week six
  • Note any concerns and raise them with your agency within the first two weeks
05

Ongoing

  • Pay salary on the same date each month and keep written records
  • Give rest days consistently; it is a legal requirement
  • Renew work permit before it expires (check 2–3 months ahead)
  • Review health insurance coverage annually
  • Give feedback regularly; do not let small issues accumulate
  • If issues arise, speak to your agency early rather than after the problem escalates
  • Remember: a well-treated helper stays longer and works better

Need help finding the right helper?

AJS Global has been placing helpers with Singapore families since 2016. We match based on your household, not just biodata availability.

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