Are you interested in working as a domestic helper in Hong Kong? If so, you need to know the application process by heart. As it turns out, there are several steps involved. It’s not as easy as submitting requirements, getting a ticket and meeting your employer.
One of the most important steps in applying as a domestic helper in Hong Kong is the job interview. The results of the job interview will help both agencies and the government of Hong Kong determine if you are really fit for the job. Pass this phase of the application process, and your chances of landing an actual job in Hong Kong skyrocket.
In this article, we will look at the 3 types of interviews you should expect during the application process, and how you can become successful.
Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on the personal experiences shared by the OFW in the video below. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the OFW by commenting on their video on their accounts.
Useful Tips for the Domestic Helper Interview Process
This article is based on a YouTube video created by OFW vlogger Jean, through her YouTube channel Pinay Nanny Vlogger. You can watch the full video below, or you can watch her other videos which are equally useful if you’re learning more about the domestic helper profession:
To be a domestic helper in Hong Kong, you need to go through several steps during the application process. One of the most important steps is the job interview. In reality, you will have to go through several interviews, three to be exact, and pass them all before you can become a domestic helper in the country.
In this article, these three types of interviews will be discussed in detail. Tips will also be provided so that you can successfully pass these interviews and land that dream job in Hong Kong.
First Interview: Video Interview with Agency
Your very first interview will most likely be done at your agency’s office. During this interview, your responses and interaction with the interviewer will be video recorded. This video will then be sent to the Hong Kong office of your agency.
Some of the questions you will need to answer during this interview include basic information about yourself. For example, you might be asked to introduce yourself, highlight your strengths, why you deserve to be a domestic helper, and so on and so forth.
In order to pass this interview, these are some of the tips you may want to follow:
Proper attire – During this interview, you should wear simple, neat and clean clothes. For men, that means jeans and a plain collared t-shirt. For women, it’s best if you tie your hair behind your head so that they can clearly see your face.
No heavy makeup or jewelry – This one is related to looking clean and simple, as well as presentable. Wearing heavy makeup or jewelry will only make you look fancy. You don’t want to draw the attention of the interviewers based on your look. Rather, get them interested in what you have to say. Impress them with your words and show them that you truly deserve to be a domestic helper.
Be ahead of time – It is not enough that you show up for the interview on time. You should be ahead of schedule; at least 15 to 30 minutes before the actual scheduled interview. By doing this, you avoid any possible delay. You also want to be there ahead of schedule so you can “acclimatize.” That is, you get used to the surroundings, which will make you feel calmer during the actual interview process.
Besides, if you just arrive on time, then clearly you will look stressed since you barely made it. You will lose focus as you catch your breath.
Courtesy and politeness – Before the interview starts, be sure that you greet the interviewer. Show to them that you have good manners and right conduct. While the interview is going on, it is also best that you don’t ask questions. If you have to ask, do so after or before the interview.
Focus – Remember that in order to excel in the interview, you must have a clear mind. You can only do this if you are relaxed and focused. If you are too nervous, try to settle down. You can do so by breathing slowly. As you speak, speak in a manner that is audible to the interviewers. You should also maintain eye contact as you speak to the interviewer.
Don’t go looking at your surroundings, giving the impression that you want to get out of that place. Keep your focus on the interview and smile. Don’t be too conscious that there’s a camera recording everything.
Be honest and genuine – If the interviewer asks you about your family, you may share personal stuff to them if you deem it appropriate enough.
Speak plain English – Try to be as simple and as direct to the point with your answers as possible. Also, don’t hurry or speak too quickly while you are answering. You need the interviewer to understand you so they will know more about who you are.
Second Interview: With Hong Kong Agent or Broker
The second interviewer is with a Hong Kong agent or broker. This interviewer is a personal one-on-one kind of interview. This time, there will be no video camera, although they might record the audio of the interview for documentation.
The tips mentioned above are similar to what you need to do for this second interview. Here they are:
- Wear appropriate clothes. – To reemphasize, be simple, clean and presentable.
- Don’t wear makeup or jewelry. – this is the same as the previous interview. Impress them, not with your dress, but with your interview answers.
- Be ahead of time. – Again, be 15 to 30 minutes early for the interview so you don’t get rattled by just coming on time or being late.
- Be courteous and polite.
- Stay focused and calm
- Respond with the most honest and genuine answers you can give
- Speak at a normal pace and with simple English.
- Thank the interviewer. – this also applies to the first interview. Maintain your politeness and courtesy. By doing this, you can leave a good impression as you exit the location.
Third Interview: Phone or Video Interview with Employer
This third interview, which is a conversation with your employer over the phone or video, is the last interview before you can work as a domestic helper in Hong Kong.
Actually, this interview may not happen; the employer may choose not to talk to you, and that is okay. Even if this may occur, you still need to prepare for a possible call from them.
As this is an interview over the phone or any other device, these are some of the tips you probably should follow to pass:
Conduct the interview in a quiet room with proper lighting – This advice is especially useful if the third interview is through video call. Make sure that your background is not noisy. You can, for example, check to see that the TV is turned off or that there is no music playing in the background.
Show your face– There are interviews over video that go wrong simply because the interviewee didn’t fully show their face. Maintain a good distance between you and the camera, and ideally, set up the angle so that the camera is slightly above your eyes looking down at you. You also need to dress properly, just like in the first two interviews
Use basic English and speak at a normal pace – Don’t talk as if you are participating in a race. Remember, your goal is to be understood by the interviewers.
Be calm, confident and honest – If you can show that you are comfortable during the interview, then your interviewers will be comfortable with you too. This is especially true if you also exude calmness, confidence and honesty.
Thank your employer after the interview – Better yet, tell them that you are really interested in working with them soon.
Make them end the call first – You don’t want to hang up first. This is kind of an unwritten rule in formal calls.
These tips will surely help you ace those three interviews and land that domestic helper job in Hong Kong. Despite how generic these interview tips are, remember that each interview will be unique, and you might encounter some unexpected twists and turns.
Even if this occurs, just remember to follow the general guidelines. That is, handle yourself properly, express yourself simply but clearly, and be polite at all times. Moreover, you should prepare, prepare and prepare.
It may be difficult at first, especially if it is your first time to be interviewed, but you can fight this nervousness by paying more attention to what the interviewer is asking you, rather than focusing on your own inner fears. If you can achieve that focus and calmness, you will quickly realize that the questions are not as hard as you initially thought, and you will find yourself working in Hong Kong in no time.