Household Staffing
How to Verify a Maid or Cook Before Hiring
What to actually check, beyond a friend's recommendation.
Most households still hire domestic staff through word of mouth, which works fine until it doesn't. Here's what verification actually involves beyond "my neighbor recommended her."
What background verification should cover
At minimum: a government-ID check, a verifiable previous address, and a reference from a previous employer you can actually call — not just a name on paper.
References are only useful if you call them
A reference contact that goes unverified is not a reference — it's a name. Ask specific questions: how long did they work there, why did they leave, would you rehire them.
Use a trial period deliberately
A short paid trial (a week or two) reveals more than any interview. Be clear upfront that it's a trial, and be specific about what you're evaluating — punctuality, task quality, how they handle your household's particular routines.
Questions
Is a police verification the same as a full background check?
A police verification (common in India) checks for a criminal record at the address on file. It's a useful piece, not a complete background check — reference verification and identity confirmation still matter separately.
What if I don't have time to verify this myself?
This is exactly what a background-verified hiring service with a replacement guarantee is for — the verification work happens before you ever meet the candidate.
PadosiPro hires background-verified maids and cooks with a replacement guarantee, so this verification work is already done before you meet anyone.