Interviewing a cleaner - What to ask?

[SausageRoll2020]

Contacted a cleaning agency yesterday and they are sending round a cleaner on Monday afternoon for me to interview.

I haven't had a cleaner before and wasn't aware of have to interview them! I've interviewed dozens of people at work before but just wondering if anyone has any top tips on the best questions to ask?

I would make a list of jobs you would ideally like doing and make sure they are happy to do them - that way there will be no discrepancies over expectations. We once had a cleaner and despite us paying her for 4 hours, she would often leave an hour early (expecting full pay) as she wouldn’t clean the kitchen floor (because it was made of flagstone?!), wouldn’t clean windows etc. I wish we had discussed this at the start.

Have you worked out exactly what you want them to do? Extra jobs if they finish early?

For me it’s really about finding someone you feel comfortable having in your home. I’d show them round, talking about each room and also engage in general chit chat. Get a feel for them as a person
I assume the agency has already covered insurance/ cleaning products/ suitable hours etc

How odd! We use cleaning agencies so that WE DONT have to do the vetting of cleaners we pay a premium so we don’t have to deal with awkwardness 🙈
Sure they’re not coming to see your place to understand your requirements and make recommendations?

Thanks for all the above.

The agency does vetting / Insurance / etc but said as it's a personal thing having someone in your home that they always ask clients to interview to make sure they are happy.
Presume it will of course also be a two way thing with the cleaner assessing our home and how long they think it will need etc

Good idea about expectations for what they will /won't do. I'd definitely want them to clean the windows!

You show them the house, what you would like done, things that are top priority,
Areas they cant go (If any)
Talk about how long they think it would take them.
If they use there own materials or if you have to supply them etc....
What days suit the both of u etc

Some cleaners dont mind you home, some actually really hate when ur there

Ask whether there are particular things they would like provided (gloves, products). Find out if there is anything they object to - one person who worked for me a long time ago was very passionate about green products, which was fine, but used gallons of vinegar and I am not sure it was always the top thing for the task.

Look into an approach to hours, such as asking for a month's notice if they were to want to change day at some point.

Ask them where they see themselves in 5 years time.