Interview Tips for Hiring a Live-In Housekeeper in Dubai

Having a live-in housekeeper can honestly take a huge load off your shoulders and make everyday life so much easier. Imagine coming home to a clean house, having someone to help with the kids, or knowing meals are taken care of. Sounds dreamy, right? But let’s be honest — finding the right person isn’t always easy. It’s not just about putting up a job ad and crossing your fingers.

That’s where this guide comes in! With help from the experts at Imdad Center, we’ll walk you through some simple, practical interview tips to make your hiring process smooth and stress-free.

What’s Inside

• Getting Clear on What You Need
• Prepping for the Interview
• Must-Ask Interview Questions
• How to Spot the Right Experience & Skills
• Figuring Out if They’ll Fit In
• Doing Reference Checks the Right Way
• Setting Expectations
• Making It Official

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Step 1: Know What You Need

Before you even start talking to candidates, take a minute to figure out exactly what you’re looking for. Ask yourself:

• Do you need help mainly with cleaning? Cooking? Kids? Elderly care?
• Do you need someone full-time, flexible with evenings or weekends?
• Are there any must-haves like speaking a certain language or having experience with toddlers or pets?

Knowing this upfront will help you ask better questions — and spot the right fit faster.

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Step 2: Prep for the Interview

Okay, time to get organized! Here’s how to prep like a pro:

• Make a list of questions based on your needs (don’t worry, we’ve got ideas below).
• Choose a quiet, relaxed spot for the chat. You want the person to feel comfortable.
• Go through their resume or bio beforehand so you’re not flipping through it mid-interview.
• Plan a flow — intro, questions, and a chance for them to ask you questions too.

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Step 3: What to Ask

Here are some great questions to get the conversation flowing:

About Their Work Experience

• What kind of jobs have you done before as a live-in housekeeper?
• Can you walk me through a typical day at your last job?
• Are you comfortable with deep cleaning, ironing, or cooking?
• Have you taken care of kids or elderly family members before?

About Their Personality

• What do you enjoy most about this kind of work?
• How do you deal with stressful situations or unexpected changes?
• How do you manage your time when there’s a lot to do?

About Flexibility

• Are you okay with working different hours, or if something comes up last-minute?
• Have you ever worked with families from different cultures? How was that?

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Step 4: Look Beyond the Resume

During the interview, listen closely and dig a little deeper:

• Ask for real-life examples of how they’ve handled tricky situations.
• If it feels right, try a simple task demo — folding clothes, prepping veggies, etc.
• Ask if they’ve done any training or courses (like first aid or childcare).

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Step 5: Will They Fit In With Your Family?

This part’s more about instinct. Ask yourself:

• Do they seem respectful and easy to talk to?
• Would you feel comfortable having them live in your home?
• How might your kids, parents, or pets respond to them?

It’s okay to trust your gut here. This person will become part of your daily life, so that personal connection matters.

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Step 6: Check References

This part might feel a little formal, but it’s super important. Always take the time to check references — it gives you peace of mind and helps confirm you’re making the right choice.

• Talk to previous employers if you can. Ask how the housekeeper handled responsibilities, how they got along with the family, and if they were reliable and trustworthy.
• Verify details like previous job roles, duration, and any special tasks they managed.
• Use a trusted agency like Tadbeer — they’ve already done a big part of the screening for you. Tadbeer carefully selects maids from different countries, ensuring they meet UAE regulations and come with verified backgrounds. That means you're not starting from scratch — you’re choosing from trained, pre-approved candidates.

A little effort here can go a long way toward finding someone you can truly trust in your home.

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Step 7: Talk Expectations

Once you’ve found someone you like, be super clear about:

• Daily duties and any non-negotiables
• Working hours and days off
• Salary, benefits, and extras
• Privacy rules, house routines, and how you’ll handle feedback

Put it all in writing — it makes life easier for everyone.

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Step 8: Make It Official

When you’re ready to move forward:

• Make a formal offer with a written agreement
• Use a licensed agency like Imdad Center to handle visas and legal stuff
• Set up an orientation week so they can ease into the role
• Offer regular check-ins and support during the first month

Final Thoughts

Bringing a live-in housekeeper into your home is a big step — but it can be a truly rewarding one. By taking the time to ask the right questions and set clear expectations, you’re laying the groundwork for a great working relationship.

Need help getting started? Tadbeer Center is here to guide you through every step. Reach out to our team today — we’ll help you find the right fit with confidence and peace of mind.