Shortlist first — interview second
Interviewing every biodata is impossible. How to shortlist maids on Smart Maid before you interview is the habit that saves evenings: filter hard, save favourites with notes, then book only the profiles that clear your must-haves.
General guidance only. Soft MOM: mom.gov.sg. SmartMaid.com.sg is a marketplace for agency-published biodata. Licensed EAs handle placement. Platform ≠ agency.
Neighbouring hubs:
- How many maids to interview before deciding (unique #57)
- Finish-contract search filters (unique #65)
- Searching ex-Singapore maids (unique #64)
- How to read a maid biodata (unique #15)
- Search maids
- This article: shortlist workflow before calls
Step 1 — Write must-haves offline (5 minutes)
- Duties: infant / elderly / cooking / pets / general housework
- Language minimum for safety
- Availability: transfer / finish-contract / overseas
- Hard nos (e.g. no overnight infant if you need it)
If co-employers disagree, fix that before browsing.
Step 2 — Filter on Search
Open Search maids and apply skill, experience, language, and availability filters that match the brief. Avoid nationality-only shopping — skills and duties first.
Step 3 — Read biodata like a checklist
For each candidate:
- Duties claimed vs your load
- Experience years / countries
- Language lines (claims until tested)
- Reason for leaving / availability
- Which agency published the profile
See biodata reading hub.
Step 4 — Favourite with notes
Save profiles and jot:
- Why she matched
- Open questions for interview
- Risk flags
Cap first-pass favourites (e.g. 8–12) so you do not hoard forever.
Step 5 — Cut to interview list
Aim for 3–7 first interviews, then 1–2 deep finals (interview count guide). Same scorecard every call.
Step 6 — Enquire via the listing EA
Contact the agency on the biodata — they own timing, Work Pass path, and interviews. Marketplace ≠ agency.
What shortlisting is not
- Not a hire
- Not a salary negotiation (no invented $ on this page)
- Not a substitute for language/duty tests
Soft MOM
Placement stays with licensed EAs under soft MOM rules. Marketplace ≠ agency. Emergency: 995 / 999.
Checklist
- [ ] Must-haves written
- [ ] Filters applied
- [ ] Favourites noted
- [ ] Interview shortlist capped
- [ ] EA enquire started
- [ ] No nationality stereotypes; no invented $
- [ ] Platform ≠ agency
Scripts
To co-employer: Here are five favourites with notes. Pick three for video this week.
To EA: We’re shortlisting for [duties/language]. Please arrange interviews for [names/biodata links].
Bottom line
How to shortlist maids on Smart Maid before you interview: filter to the brief, favourite with notes, interview a small set through the listing EA. Browse on SmartMaid; hire through licensed agencies.
