For families
Planning a paid trial day with a nanny or maid
Why a short paid trial helps both sides, how to structure the day, and what to agree before it starts.
By Nannest Editorial Team · Published · 4 min read
An interview tells you how someone talks about the job. A trial shows you how they actually do it – and gives the candidate a real picture of your home and your children.
Always pay for the trial
A trial is work. Agree the payment in advance and pay at the end of the day. Asking someone to work for free is unfair and puts off the best candidates.
Agree the basics up front
- Start and finish time.
- What you would like them to do, and what you will show them first.
- Who else will be at home.
- How they will travel to and from your home.
Structure the day
- Start with a tour – rooms, the children's things, safety rules, what is off limits.
- Work alongside them for the first part of the day.
- Step back and let them take the lead for a while, staying nearby.
- Finish with a short conversation: what went well, what questions they have.
What to watch for
- How the children respond to them.
- Whether they ask sensible questions.
- Safety awareness – stairs, water, kitchen, front door.
- How they handle the household tasks you agreed.
Keep it fair
One trial day is a snapshot. Nerves are normal. Combine what you see with the interview, references and documents before deciding.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules for employing domestic workers in the UAE can change – check current requirements with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
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