Applying for a job as a domestic helper in Hong Kong is not just about submitting requirements, booking a flight ticket, and then you’re good to go. The application process involves several steps such as meeting your agent/broker, processing your papers and other requirements, and finally going through a job interview.
Yes, you read that right! There is a job interview for applicants who wish to work as a domestic helper. This is part of the employment process set by agencies and the Hong Kong government to ensure that applications are well documented and are observing strict regulatory processes. In this post, we will discuss how applicants are invited and the guide instructions to be observed during an interview. Continue to read below…
Disclaimer: The information published is based on the experience shared by the vlogger/YouTuber. The information provided may change without prior notice and may differ in actual scenarios. Let this article serve as a guide only.
Here is the video guide shared by a Filipina domestic helper in Hong Kong, Jean, a.k.a. Pinay Nanny Vlogger in Hong Kong on YouTube. If you find her tips helpful, you may check out her YouTube channel to catch more interesting content about her work and life as an OFW in Hong Kong.
Domestic Helper Interview: Get to Know the Process and Some Helpful Tips
As with any other job, applying as a domestic helper in Hong Kong will require you to undergo several steps in your application process. One of these steps is the application interview. There are three types of interviews that applicants typically go through before they are invited to work for their employers in Hong Kong.
In this post, we will give you an insight into the three types of interviews domestic helpers go through before working in Hong Kong. We will also share some tips on how you can best take each of these interviews to boost your chances of getting hired.
Interview #1: Video Interview [at the Agency]
This is the preliminary or the first type of interview you will go through. This is typically done in your agency’s office. The video interview is recorded and will be sent to your agency’s office in Hong Kong. As the video is being recorded, you will be asked basic questions, asking you to introduce yourself, and other relevant information related to working in Hong Kong.
As part of your preparation for this, take note of the following tips:
Before the interview:
- Dress appropriately for the interview. You should only wear simple but decent clothing such as a plain collared shirt and jeans. Also, you may tie your hair neatly so your face can be seen clearly in the recording.
- Do not wear any make-up or pieces of jewelry during the interview. It’s important to look simple and presentable during the interview, so you do not need to wear anything fancy or use any accessories. You should ask your agent if there is a dress code for the interview so that you will be guided accordingly.
- Arrive at your agency’s office at least 15-30 minutes earlier than scheduled. This is to ensure that you will not encounter any delays in your schedule. Another reason why you should come in early is for you to have ample time to prepare/freshen up. Of course, you do not want to look tired, hungry, or stressed out in the recording, right?
During the interview:
- Be polite and courteous to your interviewer. Remember to greet your interviewer at the start of the interview. During the session, refrain from asking any questions. You can save your questions after the interview or better yet, ask them before you do the recording.
- Keep calm and stay focused. Do not get too nervous during the session. Remember to breathe normally and speak in an audible tone and a clear manner. Maintain eye contact with your interviewer and do not be too conscious of the camera. Remember to act naturally and keep a smile on your face.
- Be honest and genuine about your answers. You may share personal things about your family if appropriate to the question. Be sure to respond to the questions accordingly.
- Speak in simple English and at a good pace. This means that you should not use overly complex words or speak too fast just to finish the interview. Remember: the goal is to be understood, and for your potential employers to get to know you better.
After the interview:
- Remember to thank your interviewer after the interview.
- Try to leave a positive impression on your employer by being yourself throughout the interview and by showing friendly confidence – this gives the impression that you are easy to talk to, friendly, and responsible.
Interview #2: Interview with Hong Kong Agent/Broker [one-on-one interview]
The next interview a one-on-one interview with the Hong Kong agent/broker. During this interview, no cameras will be involved, but your audio may be recorded for documentation purposes only.
Similar to the video interview, remember the following tips:
Before the interview:
- Dress appropriately for the interview.
- Do not wear any make-up or pieces of jewelry during the interview.
- Arrive at your agency’s office at least 15-30 minutes earlier than scheduled.
During the interview:
- Be polite and courteous to your interviewer.
- Keep calm and stay focused.
- Be honest and genuine about your answers.
- Use basic English and speak at a good pace.
After the interview:
- Remember to thank your interviewer after the interview.
- Try to leave a positive impression on your employer by being friendly and confident at the same time.
Interview #3: Phone/Video Interview with the Employer
The last type of interview is a phone/video call with the employer. This may or may not happen after the other two interviews but you should prepare nonetheless in case your employer requests for it.
As part of your preparation for this, take note of the following tips:
Before the interview:
- Make sure you are in a quiet and well-lit room for the interview especially if you’re doing a video call. Turn off sources of noise such as television, radio, or music playing in the background.
- Dress appropriately and make sure your face can be seen clearly in the camera (if you’re doing a video call). Also, as mentioned earlier, only wear simple and decent clothing and without any make-up or accessories.
During the interview:
- Speak at a good pace and use basic English only. Remember, there are Western and Chinese employers in Hong Kong. If you’re having an interview with a Chinese employer, it’s best to speak slowly and to use simple English since many of them are not very good at speaking the language.
- Be calm, confident, and answer as honestly as you can. As mentioned earlier, the goal of interviews is for your employers to know you better because they are interested in hiring you. So the best thing you can do is to be comfortable, honest, and engaging (easy/nice to talk to) during these interviews.
After the interview:
- Remember to thank the interviewer and express interest in working with them soon. You may say, “Thank you, Madam Cheung, for this opportunity. I am looking forward to working with you soon. Take care always.”
- When the interview is about to end, make sure that you let the person on the other line hang up or end the call first. This is an act of politeness and is considered a call etiquette.
The tips we have shared will greatly benefit not only those who are applying for work as a domestic helper in Hong Kong for the first time but also anyone who is going to attend an interview whether in person or online, which is more common nowadays.
Final Thoughts
Every interview will be a unique experience whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced applicant. The way you handle yourself and express your ideas during the interview will largely depend on how prepared and focused you are for the task at hand.
ALSO READ: 10 Tips for First-Time Domestic Helpers in Hong Kong
Getting nervous during an interview is normal for both first-timers and experienced workers. To counter this distracting emotion, you should try to focus on what you need to do and to pay attention to what the interviewer is asking you. You will be surprised to realize that most of the questions being asked are quite simple and refer to common things that you do or are already familiar with. Also, don’t forget to smile and use basic English when answering the interview questions.
And because you do not have control over things that could happen during the interview, the best preparation you can do is to keep a calm and focused mind, be polite, courteous, and respectful all throughout, and to maintain a positive attitude during the interview.
Did we miss out on anything? Have you experienced attending a job interview? What was your experience like? What are some tips you would like to share with other aspiring overseas Filipino workers? Let us know by leaving a comment in the section below!
ALSO READ: Salary of a Foreign Domestic Helper in Hong Kong