12 Common House Help Interview Questions — And the Best Answers That Impress Employers

Professional house helps preparing for an interview at House Girls Village & Bureau.

Introduction

First impressions matter. When you walk into an interview for a house help role, employers are not only checking whether you can sweep, cook or wash — they are assessing your attitude, reliability, honesty and how you will fit into their home. Whether you are applying through an agency or directly to a family in Nairobi, from Westlands to Kitengela, preparing clear, polite and honest responses will greatly increase your chances.

This guide lists 12 key interview questions you are likely to face and provides detailed, model answers you can adapt. Use the answers here to rehearse, but always be genuine — employers value honesty and respect more than a memorized script.

How to use this guide

Read each question, then read the model answer and the short explanation of what the employer is really looking for. Practice aloud until your answers sound natural. If you trained with House Girls Village & Bureau, you can add short real examples from your training to each answer — that makes your replies concrete and believable.

1. "Tell me about yourself."

What the employer wants: A concise summary of your background, experience and strengths. This is your chance to introduce yourself professionally.

Model answer:

"My name is Jane Mwende. I am from Machakos and I have three years of experience working as a house help in two middle-income homes in Nairobi. I handle day-to-day cleaning, meal preparation, laundry and light childcare. I am hardworking, punctual and I take pride in keeping a tidy and welcoming home."

Why this works: It is short, focused on skills the employer cares about, and gives a positive impression. Tip: avoid long personal stories or negative comments about previous employers.

2. "Why did you leave your previous job?"

What the employer wants: To confirm you left for a reasonable reason and will not repeat problems in the new home.

Model answer:

"My previous employer relocated to another town and could not keep me on. We left on good terms and I can provide a reference. I am now looking for a stable position closer to where I live so I can give steady service."

Why this works: Shows honesty and steadiness. If you left due to conflict, frame it neutrally: focus on learning and growth instead of blame.

3. "Do you have experience with children or elderly people?"

What they want: Practical childcare or elderly-care experience, patience, and safety awareness.

Model answer:

"Yes. I have cared for two children aged three and six: helping with feeding, bathing, dressing and ensuring they are safe while playing. I also supported an elderly relative with light assistance like preparing meals, reminding them about medicines and keeping their room tidy. I always follow any care instructions the family gives."

Extra tip: If you lack direct experience, be honest but show willingness to learn and mention any related skills (e.g., patience, basic first aid, or taking care of younger siblings).

4. "Can you cook? What meals can you prepare?"

What they want: Your cooking range, hygiene standards and ability to follow recipe requests.

Model answer:

"Yes. I regularly prepare Kenyan staples such as ugali, rice and stew, chapati, githeri and simple vegetable dishes. I always keep the kitchen clean, store food properly and follow any dietary instructions. If the family prefers specific recipes, I learn and follow them closely."

Why employers care: Safe food handling and consistent taste are essential. If you can prepare special diets (e.g., diabetic-friendly food) mention that as a strength.

5. "How do you handle correction or disagreements with an employer?"

What they want: Emotional maturity and professional behavior under feedback or stress.

Model answer:

"I listen carefully without interrupting, and if I made a mistake I apologize and correct it immediately. I believe in clear communication. If something is unclear, I ask respectfully for guidance so I can avoid repeating the issue."

Practical example: Mention a short instance: "When my previous employer asked me to change the way I folded clothes, I practiced and asked for feedback until it matched their preference." This shows adaptability.

Also Read: 12 Sure Ways to Identify a Genuine Online House Helps Bureau in 2026

6. "Are you comfortable being a live-in house help?"

What they want: Availability and boundaries. Being a live-in worker is common, but some families prefer part-time help.

Model answer (live-in):

"Yes, I am comfortable with live-in work. I understand the responsibilities, including being present for early mornings and occasional late evenings, while respecting the family’s privacy and house rules."

Model answer (part-time):

"I am looking for part-time work and can commit to the specific days and hours we agree on. I will be punctual and focused during my shifts."

Tip: Be upfront about your availability. This prevents misunderstandings later.

7. "What would you do if you accidentally broke something valuable?"

What they want: Honesty, responsibility and how you handle mistakes.

Model answer:

"I would tell the employer immediately, explain what happened and apologise. I believe hiding accidents makes problems worse. If it’s possible to replace or repair the item, I would offer to contribute if needed and work with the employer to find a solution."

Why this is strong: Employers need truth and accountability. Saying you’d hide it or blame others is a red flag.

8. "How do you manage children who misbehave?"

What they want: Child discipline philosophy aligned with the family’s values — emphasis on safety, guidance and reporting to parents.

Model answer:

"I use calm, clear instructions and distraction for younger children. I do not shout or use physical punishment. For repeated or dangerous behavior I inform the parents and follow the rules they set. I also use praise and small rewards for good behaviour to encourage repeat actions."

Note: Many Kenyan households prefer nurturing discipline; avoid suggesting harsh methods.

9. "Do you have any health issues or allergies?"

What they want: To ensure you are fit for duties and honest about any limitations (e.g., lifting heavy items, handling chemicals).

Model answer:

"I am in good health and can perform normal household duties. I keep vaccinations current and practice good hygiene. I do have a mild dust allergy, so I always wear a mask when cleaning dusty areas and I avoid chemical mixing unless instructed and provided with protective gear."

Why be honest: If an employer needs someone to lift heavy items or manage medicines, they must know any limitations up front.

10. "Can you work without supervision?"

What they want: Reliability, trustworthiness and ability to plan and finish tasks independently.

Model answer:

"Yes. Once I know the duties and the family’s routine, I plan my day to complete tasks efficiently. I take initiative — for example, if I finish chores early I tidy storerooms or prepare for the next meal — and I update my employer when necessary."

Example: Briefly describe a time you finished tasks early and helped elsewhere; this shows initiative.

11. "How do you ensure hygiene and safety in the home?"

What they want: Knowledge of cleaning protocols, safe food handling and child/elderly safety practices.

Model answer:

"I wash hands regularly, keep cooking surfaces clean, separate cleaning cloths for the kitchen and bathroom, and store chemicals safely out of children's reach. I check smoke detectors when available and keep pathways clear. I follow the family's instructions for medicines and do not administer any drugs without permission."

Why this matters: Employers need someone who protects the family's health. Mentioning practical steps reassures them.

12. "What are your salary expectations?"

What they want: To check whether you and the employer are in the same budget range and to avoid surprises later.

Model answer:

"I am open to discussing a fair salary based on the duties, hours and whether I will be live-in or part-time. I value steady work, clear expectations and respectful treatment more than a single number, but I am hoping for a competitive pay that reflects my experience."

Negotiation tip: If pushed to give a number first, research typical pay in your area or ask the agency to advise on common rates. Be polite but clear about your minimum needs.

Bonus: Common follow-up questions and how to answer them

"Do you have references?" — Provide names with permission, or explain that you can get a written reference from a past employer or the agency.
"Can you start immediately?" — Be honest about notice periods. If ready, say so and ask about the start date the employer prefers.
"How do you handle emergencies?" — Explain you remain calm, call for help if needed and notify the employer right away.

Extra tips to impress during the interview

Dress neatly and be punctual: Arrive 10–15 minutes early and wear clean, modest clothing.
Bring any documents: ID, training certificates or a reference letter if available.
Speak politely and listen: Use simple, clear language. Don’t interrupt the interviewer.
Avoid negative talk: Never badmouth previous employers — focus on what you learned instead.
Ask smart questions: For example: "What are the main duties in a typical week?" or "Are there any health or dietary needs I should know about?"

Why professional training helps

Training gives you confidence and makes your answers credible. At House Girls Village & Bureau we focus on:

Housekeeping standards and hygiene
Childcare basics and safety
Food preparation and safe storage
Professional communication and time management
Respect and boundary-setting for live-in roles

Graduates from our training stand out in interviews because they can show certificates and give clear examples of how they handled real household tasks.

Final advice

Interviews are a chance to show your reliability, respect and willingness to learn. Practice these answers, but always be truthful — employers value honesty above all. If you are well-prepared, calm and polite, you will be remembered.

If you would like personalized training or help finding verified employers across Nairobi, contact House Girls Village & Bureau:

📱 WhatsApp / Call: 0112699446
🌍 Serving Nairobi estates including Westlands, Kilimani, Karen, Ruiru and Syokimau.

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