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Original poster

Where to look for an Au Pair online?

37 replies

Strix · 22/07/2010 13:19

I think it have the whole nanny hunt sussed. But, I am about to embark on an au pair for Sept. - Dec., at which time I will be heading off on maternity leave. So, a rather short fixed term contract.

Job is 30.5 hours per week including one mid-week babysiting.

Job comes with gym membership, mobile phone, bus pass (no car), and (very snall) own room.

So... where is the best place to look for such a person?

I want someone young (18 - 20ish). Must be female (DD does dance festivals and they don't let men in the changing rooms back stage).

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MoonUnitAlpha · 22/07/2010 14:31

Maybe it's worth putting an ad in English on a couple of the Polish gumtree sites then and seeing what kind of response you get?

Original poster
Strix · 22/07/2010 14:29

I don't really have any particular nationality in mind. Just has to be EU because I'm not taking on any visa responsibilities.

OP posts:
Original poster
Strix · 22/07/2010 14:27

Why is recruiting an Au Pair harder than a nanny? It's just a different job / hours really. But most of the issues are the same.

OP posts:
MoonUnitAlpha · 22/07/2010 14:21

There's definitely a Polski gumtree if you'd consider a Polish girl.

HarrietTheSpy · 22/07/2010 14:17

For this sort of thing, I would seriously urge you to reconsider. I can see not spending two grand on an agency for a nanny but the couple of hundred to save me loads and loads of time weeding out time wasters was so worth it.

Original poster
Strix · 22/07/2010 14:16

hmmm... I never thought of that. See, I learn something new on mumsnet every day.

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ViveLaFrak · 22/07/2010 14:05

You can use gumtree to advertise in some E European countries - my mother swears by this. Apparently putting up an ad in English there gets better responses.

Original poster
Strix · 22/07/2010 14:01

Oh, and I'm not resorting to an agency, obviously.

Thank you for baby congrats.

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Original poster
Strix · 22/07/2010 14:00

I am completely miffed. Au Pair world has declined my application as a family and not given me a reason why. I suspect it's because I didn't disclose my phone number and full real address - which I regard as none of their business quite frankly.

Have profile up on GreatAuPair. Think I'll just stick with them.

I have had similar experience on Gumtree with nanny ads: loads of applicants who haven't actually read the ad.

OP posts:
HarrietTheSpy · 22/07/2010 13:53

Strix
Many congrats on the baby. For some reason I found the DIY option with APs just way too time consuming and irritating. It was like a part time job through the websites, although DIY with nannies was for some reason very straightforward. And Gumtree - even though the ad said AU PAIR as clearly as possible, all the applicants seem to want nanny jobs with nanny pay. I would consider an agency for this placement if I were you- we have used Abacus in Brighton, and they've been great so far. Fee is £220 I think for the time frame you want. I reckon that will be the hassel free option but I know your views on agencies....

ViveLaFrak · 22/07/2010 13:44

Au pair world, great au pair, gumtree.

If you have a nationality in mind then you could advertise directly in that country.

MoonUnitAlpha · 22/07/2010 13:41

aupairworld.net