10 Questions You Must Ask Before Hiring a Maid in India

The interview is your first and best opportunity to assess a potential maid. Most Indian families skip this step entirely — and pay the price later. Here are 10 questions every family should ask, and what the answers reveal.

1. "Can I see your Aadhaar card?"

This is the most basic identity check. A genuine candidate will readily share their Aadhaar. Hesitation or excuses like "I left it at home" are red flags.

2. "Where did you work before? Can I call your previous employer?"

This reveals work history and reliability. A good maid will have at least 1-2 verifiable references. Ask the previous employer: "Would you hire her again?"

3. "Why did you leave your last job?"

Listen carefully. Common acceptable reasons: employer relocated, family grew up, moved to a new area. Red flags: vague answers, blaming the employer, or "they didn't pay well" (may indicate salary disputes).

4. "Where do you live? How will you commute?"

Distance affects punctuality. A maid commuting 45+ minutes may struggle with consistency, especially during monsoons or extreme weather.

5. "What tasks are you comfortable doing?"

Some maids refuse certain tasks — cooking, bathroom cleaning, pet area cleaning. Clarify upfront to avoid conflicts later.

6. "Are you comfortable with CCTV cameras?"

Most urban Indian homes now have indoor cameras. A trustworthy maid should have no objection. Discomfort isn't necessarily a red flag, but open discussion is important.

7. "Do you have any health conditions I should know about?"

For live-in placements especially, this is important. It's also courteous — you can accommodate needs better when you know about them.

8. "What's your expected salary and off-day preference?"

Discuss salary openly. Understand market rates for your city beforehand. Standard: 4 weekly offs per month (usually Sundays).

9. "Can you work during festivals, and do you expect a bonus?"

Diwali/Eid absences and festival bonuses are common friction points. Set expectations during the interview itself.

10. "Are you willing to do a 3-day trial period?"

A confident, experienced maid will agree immediately. Resistance to a trial suggests either inexperience or something to hide.