This is how to find a perfect au pair for your family

You're looking for the right au pair? Our international AuPairWorld Support Team are experts at helping our users get the best results on the platform. Here are their tips for your au pair search:

1. Your family profile – The first impression counts

Your profile is your calling card on the platform. It's what determines which au pairs are interested in your family. Keep these points in mind: 

• Attractive profile pictures: Choose friendly, authentic photos that show your everyday family life.
• Informative profile texts: Introduce your family and explain what your expectations are for the au pair stay.
• References from previous au pairs: If you already had an au pair, ask them to provide a short reference. That creates trust and helps new au pair candidates to get an impression of your family.

Here are more tips for a successful profile: Optimize your profile

2. Take the initiative

Don't wait for au pairs to contact you. Make an active search for suitable candidates in your EasyFind and contact them directly.

Why is that important?
Many au pairs expect that host families will take the first step in the search process. The more active you are, the more choice you will have – and that increases the chance of finding just the right au pair! 

3. Be flexible

Your search filters determine the selection of potential au pairs that you are shown on the platform 

Managing your search:

• If your criteria are too strict  (for example, for au pair nationality or age or length of stay), this will sharply limit your possible aupair candidates.
• The more flexible you are in setting search criteria, the more au pairs you will be able to meet and choose from.

Tip: Use the platform's EasyFind function, to come directly to au pairs who fulfill your search criteria.

4. Conduct video interviews with promising candidates

Have you found an interesting au pair candidate? Schedule a video call (on Zoom or Skype for example) to get to know them better.

Important questions to ask:

• Why is the au pair interested in spending time in your country?
• What experience have they had working with children?
• What are their expectations for the au pair stay?

Extra tip: Include your children or other family members in the conversation. This will give everyone a better impression of what to expect.

5. Be clear about your expectations right from the start

What exactly do you and your family expect from an au pair?

Important points:

• Which tasks will the au pair be responsible for?
• What will the daily schedule be like?
• What are the important rules in your household?

As a Premium Member, you will receive the Family Handbook, which can be customized to communicate your expectations to a new au pair and establish a good basis for working together.

6. Don't rush with your search

You will need some time to find the right au pair.

Steps you will need to take:

• Create a good profile on the platform.
• Conduct an active search on the platform for suitable au pairs.
• Conduct interviews with promising candidates.

The more effort you invest in your search, the better the chances that you will find an au pair who really fits to your requirements.

7. Think about the expectations of your au pair, too

Your au pair doesn't only do an au pair stay to help you and your family. Each au pair also has a personal set of hopes and wishes for their time abroad.

Common wishes of au pairs:

• To improve their language skills 
• To gain new cultural and international experiences
• To make new friends

Speak openly with your au pair about what they hope to gain from the au pair stay and what experiences they would like to have. A good relationship is based on mutual respect and a fair mix of giving and taking.

More on this subject: Understanding your au pair for best results

With these tips you'll be laying a strong foundation for a successful au pair stay. We wish you lots of success with your search!