5 Best Questions to Ask a Former Employer When Checking a Maid’s Reference

Hiring a maid or nanny in the UAE isn’t just about finding someone with experience on paper it’s about finding someone you can truly trust in your home. That’s why checking references is one of the most important steps in the hiring process. But not all reference checks are the same. The questions you ask matter.

So if you’ve shortlisted a few candidates and they’ve shared their previous employer’s contact, what should you actually ask?

Here are five thoughtful questions that go beyond “Was she good?” to help you understand the person behind the CV.

1. How Long Did She Work With Your Family?

This is a simple question but an important one. Long-term employment is often a sign of stability and trust. If she stayed for over a year, ask what made the relationship last. If it was a shorter time, ask why it ended.

Listen carefully, sometimes families part ways for neutral reasons, like relocation, but if there was an issue, this is where it might come up.

Need help structuring your interview? Don’t miss our full guide: How to Interview a Nanny in the UAE: 10 Questions Every Parent Should Ask

2. What Were Her Daily Responsibilities?

Every family has different expectations. One maid may be amazing with toddlers, another may be better with household chores. Ask what her exact duties were:

• Was she in charge of cooking or cleaning?
  
  

• Did she help with school pickups?
  
  

• Was she left alone with the children?
  
  

This helps you assess if her past experience aligns with your family’s needs.

If you’re still unsure about the type of help your household needs, take a look at this guide: Maid or Nanny or Both? How to Choose the Right Help for Your Home in Dubai

3. How Did She Handle Emergencies or Unexpected Changes?

This question gives you a window into her problem-solving skills and reliability. Did she remain calm when a child was sick? Was she flexible if school timings suddenly changed? These are moments that reveal character.

Real-life examples will help you judge how she might react in your own home.

4. How Was Her Relationship With the Children?

Some helpers become like second mothers. Others might be more reserved. Neither is wrong, but you want to know what to expect.

Ask:

• Did the kids feel safe and happy with her?
  
  

• Was she patient, especially during tantrums or tough days?
  
  

• Did she ever help with play or learning?
  
  

If you’re hiring someone to support your child during school transitions, check out this helpful read: 5 Ways a Nanny Can Help Your Child Transition Back to School in Dubai

5. Would You Hire Her Again?

This is the big one.

A “yes” without hesitation speaks volumes. A pause, or a vague answer like “it depends,” may be worth exploring further. You can gently ask why they wouldn’t hire her again. Sometimes, the reasons are unrelated to the helper’s quality, like the children growing up, but it’s always worth asking.

Bonus Tip: Respect the Employer’s Time

When calling a reference, be brief, polite, and clear. Let them know it’s a quick 5 to 10-minute call, and express appreciation for their honesty.

If you’re still hiring, we highly recommend using our free UAE-friendly nanny contract template to start off on the right foot.

Final Thoughts

Speaking to a former employer is one of the most powerful tools you have when hiring a maid or nanny in the UAE. These five questions can uncover insights you simply won’t get from an interview. So take the time, ask with care, and trust your instincts.

If you’re still looking for help, browse over 900 verified profiles on Peekaboo Nannies, complete with past employer reviews, visa status, and detailed experience breakdowns.