ifyalways:
Salary. . . Regardless of the working condition(living in or coming in daily), the salary should be at least 20,000 ngn. Pay them as and when due. Don't deduct money from their salary when they spoil things in the house eg plate.Accidents happen !.

Age. . .minimum of 18 years

Family background. . .Take your time, go and meet the family wherever they stay. Ask people around questions about the family, investigate.

Previous work experience. . .Ask, verify, meet with previous employer and ask questions.

Pictures. . .Take full lenght pictures of your help in various angles, store them in your phone, mailbox and keep har copies.

Security . . .be security conscious. Depends on where u stay, leave FIRM instructions that the help cant and should not step out of the house with your kids without your prior instruction.

Be fair and kind. . .Treat your help as you would treat your OWN child. Don't hoard food from them(they will get even by starving your kids), dont be mean to them, correct them in love, don't use them as slaves. Give them freedom but watch them closely. Give them days off.

Go further. . .show interest in their personal life,goals. Ask them what they want to do in future, encourage them and help if you can. Depending on their age, ask about their relationship,invite and know their partner.

Occasional treats . . .Buying them a gift(no matter how cheap) on their birthdays, taking him or her to a salon for a makeover/hairdo/facials occasionally won't hurt you. Such little favours and acts of love that don't cost much goes a long wayyyyyyy.

Can't deal? Say goodbye. . .If for whatever reason you don't get along,like your help,think your help is a witch/wizard, please pay him or her off and let her/him go. well said.