How to Shortlist a Transfer Maid More Effectively
A transfer maid already has a Singapore track record, which is an advantage. But shortlisting well means going beyond years of experience. Here is what to check and ask.
Step 1: Check her MOM employment records
MOM maintains a record of every foreign domestic worker's employment history in Singapore. Before shortlisting seriously, ask your agency to verify her work permit history. This shows you the actual dates and durations of each placement, not just what appears on her biodata sheet.
Step 2: Look at the pattern of work history
Multiple short placements
Several placements under 12 months each could indicate repeated poor fit, or it could reflect circumstances outside her control (family returning home, employer relocating). Ask directly rather than assuming either way.
Long placements
A helper who stayed with the same employer for 4 to 6 years is a strong signal of reliability and household fit. Ask what that household was like and how yours compares.
No prior Singapore experience
Some transfer maids worked abroad (Hong Kong, Middle East) before coming to Singapore. This counts as relevant experience even though it is not on a Singapore work permit.
Step 3: Contact previous employers
This is one of the biggest advantages of hiring a transfer maid and most employers underuse it. Ask your agency to facilitate a reference call with her most recent employer. Questions worth asking:
What was her main role in your household?
How did she handle unexpected situations or problems?
How was her communication day-to-day?
Was she good with children / elderly / pets (relevant to your household)?
Would you rehire her if your situation allowed?
Is there anything specific I should know going into the placement?
Step 4: Understand why she is transferring
Ask her directly during the interview. Common reasons include contract completion, the employer's family returning home, a change in household needs, or a mismatch. All of these are fine. What to probe further:
Vague or inconsistent answers
"We didn't get along" without any specifics is worth unpacking. Ask what the specific issue was and how she tried to resolve it.
Multiple transfers for similar reasons
If she has left two or three households citing the same type of issue, understand whether that issue is likely to arise in your home too.
Very recent transfer (under 3 months)
Ask why she left so recently and whether she is currently on notice. Early transfers sometimes indicate unresolved issues.
Step 5: Assess fit, not just experience
Years of experience tells you she can do the job. It does not tell you whether she will fit your household's rhythm. Consider:
Household pace
A helper used to a quiet, structured condo routine may find a busy household with young children a significant adjustment, and vice versa.
Communication style
Some families prefer a helper who checks in constantly; others prefer one who works independently. Ask during the interview how she normally communicates with her employer.
Specific skills match
If eldercare or infant care is central to the role, focus on candidates who have done that specific work, not just general housekeeping.
Step 6: Confirm availability and notice period
Some transfer maids are immediately available. Others are still with their current employer and need to serve out a notice period, which can range from a few days to a month. Confirm this early so it does not derail your timeline. Also check whether the transfer levy applies: if she has not served 8 months with her previous employer, a higher levy rate applies for the first 8 months of your contract.
Ready to see who is available?
Norma will shortlist transfer maid candidates who match your household's specific needs and flag anything worth knowing about each one.