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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

Original poster

Au pair skype interviews

34 replies

clareysage · 17/05/2014 16:47

Does anyone have any set of guidelines for these interviews? I have spent all afternoon on skype waiting to interview au pairs. These interview times were arranged and reconfirmed for today at exact times in their country. Two have been 30-40 minutes late even though I messaged them several times on skype. Is it just me or does this not bode well? I am not happy that I have been on skype for 5 hours with only two interviewed.

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rubyslippers · 18/05/2014 14:51

I know you didn't ask me directly but I was overwhelmed with applicants full stop and from men in particular

I have a Spanish au pair at the mo

librarygoddess1 · 18/05/2014 09:15

Clareysage

We will be doing our first Skype interview of a Spanish au pair this evening. It hadn't even occurred to me that they might not pick up as arranged! Can I ask: have you had hundreds of applications from Spanish girls, particularly primary teachers? I have had so many, I am losing track of which is which.

PS I loathe Skype. I removed it from my laptop years ago and am appalled that I will now have to start using it again!

rubyslippers · 17/05/2014 19:18

The other option is to use an agency but they tend to be ££££

Would much rather do it myself aggravating as it can be

Original poster
clareysage · 17/05/2014 18:36

Ruby and Mdrigals thank you very much for that. Very useful info. I am not enjoying this process one bit...

OP posts:
Messygirl · 17/05/2014 18:27

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

rubyslippers · 17/05/2014 18:14

au pairs are about interaction

assume if you have older children you don't need so much hands on stuff but someone who can keep an eye on studies etc and chores?

I would go for someone who can hold their own!

rubyslippers · 17/05/2014 18:13

yes ask for references

if they can't provide then i would be wary. Even a college tutor or someone rather than a previous employer plus of course if they have been with a family before, I would speak to the host family if poss

police check - my current au pair had this done as he does vol work

i would ask if they can do this

it is frustrating skyping etc

Original poster
clareysage · 17/05/2014 17:47

Ruby thanks so much. I just rejected them with a message and I feel it was at the very least inconsiderate and I am not happy to live with someone who cannot even keep to a time that they chose.

I have had one or two apply just asking about money and I reject them straight away as it is not a quality I am looking for.

I have now found two very laid back Italian girls and one very forthright Spanish girl. I am not sure how the forthright one will get on with my teenagers but then worry that maybe a very easy going au pair may not be good either.

Do you ask for references? Only 2/3 can provide references. Do you ask for a police check?

OP posts:
rubyslippers · 17/05/2014 17:39

That doesn't bode well

I have been interviewing au pairs and if the avnt be bothered to message to re arrange or not pick up then forget it

Set questions - generally I tell them a rough idea of routine and then ask for experience

A good test is asking them what they want to ask and if it is only about money then I tend to dismiss

Also, get the kids to ask a question to see how they respond