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Published on 18 Nov 2025 by Omar P.
Hiring a domestic helper is a major decision, you’re welcoming someone into your home, trusting them with your family, and relying on them for essential daily support. That’s why doing a proper background check isn’t just recommended; it’s one of the most important steps in ensuring a safe, reliable, and successful employment experience.
At Ministry of Helpers (MoH), we make this process simpler, safer, and more transparent with verified profiles, AI-powered matching, and ethical hiring practices. But as an employer, you still play a crucial role in reviewing your shortlisted candidates thoroughly.
Here’s a complete guide to help you do a proper background check on your potential Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW).
1. Start with verified profiles
Always begin with helpers who have verified identities, documents, and work histories.
At Ministry of Helpers, every profile is carefully screened to ensure:
- Valid passport and personal details
- MOM-compliant documentation
- Verified employment history and skills
- Authentic references and training certificates
This helps eliminate fake profiles and unreliable information, a problem that still exists in some online hiring channels.
2. Review employment history carefully
A helper’s work history provides valuable insights into how well she may fit your household. Look for:
✔ Length of previous employment
Longer durations often indicate good performance and strong employer relationships.
✔ Reasons for leaving
Short stints don’t always mean issues, sometimes employers relocate, elderly employers pass away, or circumstances change.
✔ Experience relevant to your needs
For example:
- Infant care for newborn households
- Elderly care for families with seniors
- Pet care
- Cooking or housekeeping expertise
MoH profiles make these details clear and easy to assess.
3. Check skills and training certifications
A good helper is more than her experience, skills and training matter.
Look for certifications in:
- Elderly care or caregiving
- Infant and childcare
- Cooking courses
- Basic first aid
- Language or communication skills
MoH also partners with StepUp to offer training that enhances helpers’ professionalism and job readiness.
4. Conduct a proper interview
An interview is your chance to understand the helper’s personality, communication style, and expectations.
Ask questions about:
- Past duties and daily routines
- Ability to handle certain household tasks
- Experience with children or elderly
- How they resolve problems or misunderstandings
- Their goals and motivations for working in Singapore
MoH makes interviews simple, you can schedule video calls directly through the platform, even across time zones.
5. Ask for character references (When available)
While not every helper will have written references, many do.
Be sure to check:
- The credibility of the reference
- Whether the employer is willing to speak over the phone
- Whether the helper’s explanation matches the employer’s feedback
Good employers usually give consistent and honest reviews.
6. Look for red flags but assess fairly
Some signs may require deeper inquiry rather than immediate rejection:
- Many transfers in a short time
- Gaps in employment
- Conflicting information
- Difficulty explaining past duties
- Poor communication
However, remember that helpers often experience situations beyond their control. Use these red flags as areas to clarify, not automatic disqualifiers.
7. Consider personality fit
A helper’s personality is just as important as her skills.
Ask yourself:
- Is she patient?
- Is she confident without being confrontational?
- Does she seem adaptable?
- Will she get along well with children or elderly in your home?
MoH’s AI-powered matching helps identify helpers who match your household’s style and values.
A thorough background check protects your family, supports better hiring decisions, and sets the foundation for a long-term, successful employer–helper relationship. With the right tools and guidance, the process becomes clear, efficient, and stress-free.
What are the top qualities you personally look for when choosing the right helper for your home?
You might be interested in:
How to Set Safe Household Chores Boundaries for Your Helper
How to Manage Night Duties for Helpers Caring for Babies or Toddlers
Why Hiring a Filipino Helper in Singapore Is a Smart Choice for Modern Households
Need a Maid Urgently? Here’s How to Find the Right Helper Quickly and Stress-Free
Empower Your Helper: The Value of Maid Training Courses and Free Courses for FDWs
Hiring a domestic helper is a major decision, you’re welcoming someone into your home, trusting them with your family, and relying on them for essential daily support. That’s why doing a proper background check isn’t just recommended; it’s one of the most important steps in ensuring a safe, reliable, and successful employment experience.
At Ministry of Helpers (MoH), we make this process simpler, safer, and more transparent with verified profiles, AI-powered matching, and ethical hiring practices. But as an employer, you still play a crucial role in reviewing your shortlisted candidates thoroughly.
Here’s a complete guide to help you do a proper background check on your potential Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW).
1. Start with verified profiles
Always begin with helpers who have verified identities, documents, and work histories.
At Ministry of Helpers, every profile is carefully screened to ensure:
- Valid passport and personal details
- MOM-compliant documentation
- Verified employment history and skills
- Authentic references and training certificates
This helps eliminate fake profiles and unreliable information, a problem that still exists in some online hiring channels.
2. Review employment history carefully
A helper’s work history provides valuable insights into how well she may fit your household. Look for:
✔ Length of previous employment
Longer durations often indicate good performance and strong employer relationships.
✔ Reasons for leaving
Short stints don’t always mean issues, sometimes employers relocate, elderly employers pass away, or circumstances change.
✔ Experience relevant to your needs
For example:
- Infant care for newborn households
- Elderly care for families with seniors
- Pet care
- Cooking or housekeeping expertise
MoH profiles make these details clear and easy to assess.
3. Check skills and training certifications
A good helper is more than her experience, skills and training matter.
Look for certifications in:
- Elderly care or caregiving
- Infant and childcare
- Cooking courses
- Basic first aid
- Language or communication skills
MoH also partners with StepUp to offer training that enhances helpers’ professionalism and job readiness.
4. Conduct a proper interview
An interview is your chance to understand the helper’s personality, communication style, and expectations.
Ask questions about:
- Past duties and daily routines
- Ability to handle certain household tasks
- Experience with children or elderly
- How they resolve problems or misunderstandings
- Their goals and motivations for working in Singapore
MoH makes interviews simple, you can schedule video calls directly through the platform, even across time zones.
5. Ask for character references (When available)
While not every helper will have written references, many do.
Be sure to check:
- The credibility of the reference
- Whether the employer is willing to speak over the phone
- Whether the helper’s explanation matches the employer’s feedback
Good employers usually give consistent and honest reviews.
6. Look for red flags but assess fairly
Some signs may require deeper inquiry rather than immediate rejection:
- Many transfers in a short time
- Gaps in employment
- Conflicting information
- Difficulty explaining past duties
- Poor communication
However, remember that helpers often experience situations beyond their control. Use these red flags as areas to clarify, not automatic disqualifiers.
7. Consider personality fit
A helper’s personality is just as important as her skills.
Ask yourself:
- Is she patient?
- Is she confident without being confrontational?
- Does she seem adaptable?
- Will she get along well with children or elderly in your home?
MoH’s AI-powered matching helps identify helpers who match your household’s style and values.
A thorough background check protects your family, supports better hiring decisions, and sets the foundation for a long-term, successful employer–helper relationship. With the right tools and guidance, the process becomes clear, efficient, and stress-free.
What are the top qualities you personally look for when choosing the right helper for your home?
You might be interested in:
How to Set Safe Household Chores Boundaries for Your Helper
How to Manage Night Duties for Helpers Caring for Babies or Toddlers
Why Hiring a Filipino Helper in Singapore Is a Smart Choice for Modern Households
Need a Maid Urgently? Here’s How to Find the Right Helper Quickly and Stress-Free
Empower Your Helper: The Value of Maid Training Courses and Free Courses for FDWs