Au pair ads - should I include the pay?

[Mendi]

About to place first ad on AP World and not sure how much detail to put in. Have said how many hours and given a bit of information about the kids (ages, interests, etc.). Should I state what I am planning to pay the AP? (It is £80 p.w. for 20 hours - which includes one evening babysitting). Or should I just say pay negotiable and tell them in private messages?

Also is it normal to refer to your children by name, or just 'my son'/'my daughter'?

Have said I am only looking for 25+ (for car insurance purposes) and non-smokers. Don't want to have a long list of requirements but should I include any more details?

You can do however you want to do it really but I personally always feel the more details you put in the better and I do think that a family is quite lovely and easy-going if they refer to the kids by name instead of just 'my son/ daughter' - it just feels more personal. I think it's a good idea to put the salary in the ad as so many family nowadays don't pay the right amount, i.e. I've read ads that offered £70 for 40-50 hours a week which is insane - if you put the amount of money in you are happy to pay for certain hours then they know you are doing the right thing at least salary wise

Thanks both! I have amended my text to include the DCs' names and the pay on offer. Just paid AP World and am looking at profiles... is it better to contact them or let them contact you?

I've sent a couple of messages, will keep going...

It's true, on the site I use, I find I have to be very proactive and contact au pairs quickly. Also make sure to login everyday so that you get to see the newly registered au pairs. I add the pay to my profile, the more information an au pair has about your family the more likely they'll reply to you if they really like your family and like what you are offering. You're bound to get a better match by doing so.

Right, so, I sent off about 7 messages yday, only one responded to say she had found a job, the others haven't responded at all (though have logged in).

On the other hand I am getting quite a few applications - most too young, but the thing that strikes me is they don't say anything at all. It's just the standard AP World website 'I am interested in being your AP' wording.

I'm inclined to think that if they can't even come up with a question or two, there's not much point replying, but is that too harsh?

Cathyrina, I'm shocked. You've also reassured me that maybe the £70 for 25 hours I was considering might not be so bad after all (as my income will be slashed next year).