Hiring a Domestic Manager or Domestic Worker

HIRING A DOMESTIC MANAGER (DM)

What are you looking for?

1. Age. What age would you be comfortable with?
2. Educational background. Even if she did not go far with school she should be able to read simple instructions in English and Kiswahili.
3. Family background. Is she married? Does she have children? Where did she grow up? How was her family life?
4. Her physical health. Any wounds, recurrent illnesses, family illnesses?
5. Experience. Where and when has she worked before?  Does she have references? Why did she leave her previous job?
6. Your expectations, i.e. salary, working hours, off days, medical care, family emergencies, etc. Have these in mind before you meet a prospective employee. (They must also be reasonable).
7. Religion. Even if this is not an issue in your household it may be an issue for her. This should always be clarified.
8. Interaction with children.  How well does she bond with children? Does she consider them a priority or a distraction in the home?
9. Basic first aid knowledge.
10. Grooming. Your first impression always counts though it should not form the basis of your final decision.
11. Have in mind the specific duties that you would want her to do.  Do you want a nanny, a housekeeper, or both?
12. Willingness to learn and to follow instructions. If you get one who has worked before, you need to be sure that she will adapt to how you run your household.
13. Willingness to respect the rules and boundaries in your household, e.g. TV time, family time, privacy, etc.
14. Respect, respect, respect. Even if she is older than you, she must still treat you with respect.  There must also be clear guidelines on interaction with DH.
15. You need to be aware of all the requirements of the Ministry of Labour, just in case the DM quotes them.

What is she looking for in a job? Why does she really want to work?

1. Her expectations. Salary, working hours, off days, duties, interaction with DH and kids, etc. 
2. Her future plans and how these will or will not affect her job.
3. Does she love children?  How well does she bond with them? Does she consider them a priority in the home?
4. Religion
5. Does she recognize that every home has different rules and boundaries?
6. How does she view interactions with the male members of the family? What about those with older relatives e.g. MIL, FIL?
7. Does she have any basic first aid knowledge?
8. Is she willing to learn?
9. For how long is she willing to work for you?
10. Is she aware of the current labour laws?