Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Housekeeper in France
An interview guide for choosing the right housekeeper in France: questions by theme, a grid and red flags.
Quick answer: in the interview, cover experience, references, the tasks they're confident with, availability, the desired rate, and the administrative side (declaration, right to work if needed). Prepare your questions in advance and take notes.
A good interview saves both sides time and sets clear expectations. Here are the themes to cover.
Experience and references
- How long have they worked, and for what kinds of households?
- Can they provide 2–3 reachable references?
- Which tasks are they confident with (ironing, windows, cooking)?
Organisation and availability
- Which days and hours? How regular?
- Do they bring their own equipment or use yours?
- What rate and terms (CESU declaration)?
The legal side
Confirm the job will be declared via CESU and, for someone from abroad, that a right to work exists. A written contract will formalise everything.
Official sources
Conclusion
Prepared questions and checked references are the basis of a calm, lasting hire.
See also
- Preparing for the first day — a smooth start.
- Avoiding scams — checking ID and references.
FAQ
How many candidates to see?
Two to four interviews are usually enough to compare. Use a common grid to make the choice objective.
Should there be a trial?
Yes — a first trial session (paid and declared) is a good complement to the interview.