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What you need to consider to be a successful match with your future host family?
Looking for a host family is not that easy as you think, especially if it is your first time. Over the years, many families have become very demanding and they want to know as many information possible about you, becoming a sort of competition between the au pairs. So, how can we get their attention? How our profile should be to catch their interest and be the right one?
Let me give you some little advice!
BE YOURSELF
There is no need to lie or hide your own life, your real interests, your experiences and so on. Host families want to find a person who is sincere, genuine and reliable no matter where the Au Pair is from, what she studied or what her family’s background is. A short description of your own life helps the host families to know you as a person. Having a girl who likes to enjoy the life doing some sports or have hobbies is better than someone who only is focused on doing her job without sharing any kind of interaction. So, don’t worry to say what you like to do in your free time, what are your dreams and what you hope your future deserves for you.
SHARE PICTURES THAT BETTER HIGHLIGHT YOUR PERSONALITY AND EXPERIENCES WITH THE CHILDREN
Pictures are your calling card: they are the first thing families watch. Try to pick pictures which better describe the person you are (for example, some pictures while you are doing something you like or with your family) and your experiences with kids. Do not upload pictures of yourself just to exalt your beauty or selfies with friends: they are inappropriate and they can give a bad impression.
INCLUDE YOUR PREVIOUS CHILDCARE EXPERIENCES AND ANY REFERENCES (IF YOU HAVE)
Previous experiences with kids and references are a plus. Host families appreciate you have already worked with kids and this give you an extra chance to be chosen. You will have something more to speak with them when it will be time for the interview, but no panic! If you don’t have any previous experiences with kids, this won’t affect the possibility to be taken into consideration. As I said before, be you is always the most important thing. It’s not only having experiences with kids that families are looking for. Wits and courage!
EXPLAIN WHY YOU THINK YOU ARE THE RIGHT AU PAIR FOR THEM
Why do I say this? Giving an explanation to the families about why you want to be an au pair and why you think you are the perfect match, let them know how much you desire this experience and what kind of person you are. They perceive your will and passion that goes beyond the simple desire to travel and see new things. In my opinion, this is very important to say because not always being a skilled nanny is required.
CONSIDER YOUR AVAILABILITY AND NEEDS
Considering your timing and needs are as important as to find a host family. You have to think you want the maximum from this experience so, it’s ok the host family is important and you need to adapt to their needs, but you need to think also what you really want: when you are willing to go (be flexible with the dates is advisable), where you would like to live, what age kids have to be for you to feel comfortable to work and so on.
Accepting the first family interested in you, it does not always mean you have found the right one.
BE PATIENT
Be patient is what you have to be once you are completely done with your application. I know it can be, sometimes, synonymous of anxiety but you need to consider that families have many profiles to watch and they need time to pick those which they most like and then make a choice. It can require a long time sometimes but don’t lose the hope! One day, when you least expect it, your time will come.
Hopefully to have been useful for someone, good luck for your hunt to the host family!
