Many first time home help employers may choose to use the services of an agency and this can minimize complications if the agency is a reputable one and adequately screens candidates prior to your meeting them.

Success often comes from asking friend’s who are happy with their helpers, if they know of anyone reliable who is looking for a job. Some of the most successful home helpers start with limited experience, but if you are prepared and able to offer some training and guidance, it may be wiser to choose someone you feel you can trust over someone you are not sure of but stacks up well on paper. This is one time when the rules are personal and not business.

Plan ahead. Before you begin looking for a helper, take the time to clearly identify yours and your family’s needs, and prioritize them. Make a work plan of daily, weekly, biweekly and monthly tasks that you would like your helper to be responsible for

Make a list of personal qualities you would like to see in your helper; maturity, gentle disposition. Skills such as cooking, first-aid and laundry care are obviously important however without references confirming skills, even years of experience may not necessarily translate into superior performance so be prepared to do a little training to get things done just as you like them..

Create, copy and complete a check-list, for each candidate. Using your work plan and priority list as a base, think of relevant questions with space to make notes of observations. (See example below)