Finish-contract is a timing filter — pair it with skills
Some employers prefer helpers who have finished a prior contract (or are clearly between jobs) rather than mid-transfer. The finish-contract search page: how to use filters guide shows how to narrow SmartMaid results without drowning in biodata — then you still interview and hire through a licensed employment agency (EA).
This page is general employer guidance. Soft MOM: mom.gov.sg. SmartMaid.com.sg = marketplace. Platform ≠ agency.
Neighbouring hubs:
- Ex-Singapore search: Searching ex-Singapore maids on Smart Maid Singapore (unique #64)
- Reading biodata: How to read a maid biodata (unique #15)
- Interview count: How many maids to interview before deciding (unique #57)
- Open search: Search maids
- This article: finish-contract filters + shortlist habits
What “finish-contract” usually means
Ask the listing EA to confirm for each biodata:
- Contract completed / clearly available vs still employed elsewhere
- Earliest interview and earliest lawful start window
- Whether any overseas leave is involved (home leave hire)
Do not assume finish-contract = already in Singapore = start tomorrow.
Suggested filter stack (practical order)
- Availability / finish-contract (or equivalent experience filter on the live search UI)
- Must-have skills — infant, elderly, cooking, pets, as your home needs
- Language claims — then verify live later
- Ex-Singapore if you want prior SG work (#64)
- Save favourites with notes before you enquire
Avoid filtering only on nationality landings — that path drifts into stereotype shopping. Skills + availability first.
How to read a finish-contract biodata faster
Check in this order:
- Duties vs your care load
- Years / countries of experience (claims until verified)
- Reason for leaving / availability wording
- Photos and video interview willingness
- Which agency published the profile (you will enquire to them)
See How to read a maid biodata.
Shortlist rules that save evenings
- Cap first-pass favourites (e.g. 8–12), then cut to 3–7 interviews (#57)
- Same scorecard every call
- If filters return noise, tighten skills before widening nationality
- Keep a second EA option if the first cannot explain timing
Enquire template (copy)
“We’re searching finish-contract / available helpers for [duties]. Please confirm availability status, earliest interview, and whether this is finish-contract vs transfer vs overseas leave. Soft language: English / Mandarin need is [X].”
After filters: still do the human work
Filters do not replace:
- Language echo tests
- Duty walk-throughs
- Spouse alignment
- EA process / soft MOM compliance
- Day-one orientation when she starts
Finish-contract helpers still need your house rules briefing.
Soft MOM + money
Licensed EA placement only. Soft MOM: mom.gov.sg. Fees/salary only via proper EA quotes — no invented $. Marketplace ≠ agency. Emergency: 995 / 999.
Copyable employer checklist
- [ ] Set finish-contract / availability filter
- [ ] Add skill must-haves before browsing wide
- [ ] Confirm each biodata’s availability label with EA
- [ ] Favourite → interview scorecard → decide
- [ ] No nationality stereotype shopping; no invented $
- [ ] Platform ≠ agency
Sample scripts
If timing is unclear: “Please label this profile finish-contract vs transfer. Our start window is [month] and we need EA-confirmed dates.”
If results are too thin: “We’ll keep finish-contract on, loosen secondary filters, and add one alternate skill set — not a nationality-only sweep.”
Bottom line
Finish-contract search page: how to use filters means stacking availability + skills, verifying labels with the listing EA, then interviewing with discipline. Use SmartMaid search to shortlist; use licensed EAs to hire under soft MOM rules.
