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

Where have all the potential au pairs gone???

33 replies

Artichokes · 19/05/2014 10:01

This time last year I advertised for an au pair of Au Pair World and i was inundated with literally hundreds of applications. I could not even begin to open them all but those I read were mainly very good and I soon had a shortlist of five great candidates to interview. We ended up with a great au pair.

Last week I advertised again using the same job description and I have only had a few decent replies. Au Pair World seems much quieter.

Have others found this? Is there a new site where all the au pairs are looking or has something chnaged and fewer people want to be an au pair this year?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
TooBusyByHalf · 18/06/2014 13:41

I used gumtree this year. Lots of applications mostly from Italy and Spain. None from Northern Europe, so maybe that's partly the problem.

SwiftRelease · 21/06/2014 10:45

Am shocked that cleaning duties puts them off! Thought basic part of remit. I would expect cleaning, washing, ironing, cooking within their 20-25 hours. Am I wrong?! My kids are school she and my job part-time so they would not be expected to do any more than the 25 hrs....

Coffeeinthepark · 22/06/2014 21:42

Goodness, I thought it was just me. We are struggling to find an au pair this year too. Our usual agency route hasn't come up with anyone so I've turned to Aupair World but 2 days on no match yet. We have specific requirements so I am finding them rather than vice versa

Mum2Pea · 26/06/2014 13:39

Hello
sorry, only just saw this. Below are our questions - i know it's a lot but believe me, did clear the wheat from the chaf

YOU

Who’s idea was it that you become an aupair?

What is your biggest concern or fear about becoming an au pair?

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

What Employment Experience do you have? How long did you work there and why did you leave.

Tell us about your education

UK

Why do you want to come to London?

London is a busy city and everyone travels by public transport. Are you confident enough to travel and find your way around? (in your personal time)

How do you plan to spend your time when you’re not working?

How do you plan to make new friends?

What do you think is most exciting thing about coming to the UK as an au pair?

When you go clubbing do you prefer to go with a large group or only with your best friend?

What are your plans when you finish being our Au Pair?

HOST FAMILY

What do you need from a host family?

What are your expectations for the home that you will live in as an au pair?

What kind of role do you want to have with the children?

How would you go about these roles?

Do you want to be like a roommate or do you want to be like a member of the host family?

How do you plan to take care of our daughters?

What activities can you do with DD2 when she is home?

FAMILY

Tell us about your family

What is your best and worst memory of your family life?

What values did you parents teach you as being most important in life?

How do you handle conflict with your parents or siblings/ family?

How does your family feel about you becoming an aupair?

How do you feel about leaving your family for a year?

Describe a typical day for you at home.

Do you have a boyfriend? How does he feel about your decision to become an Au Pair? How do you think you’ll handle being away from him for a year?

PERSONALITY & CHARACTER

Are you a morning person? Are you able to start your day early?

How much sleep do you need to feel rested?

How often do you smoke?

Do you prefer wine or beer?

What is your biggest strength and biggest weakness?

Have you had any lengthy illnesses in the past?

Do you like to schedule your day or be spontaneous?

What is your favourite way to spend Friday or Saturday night?

Have you ever travelled without your family? Where did you go?

Are you religious? Is religion important to you?

HOUSEKEEPING & FOOD

Do you have a housekeeper? Do you have duties at home?
Please explain what your duties are

How do you like to keep your room at home?

Have you tried different types of food that are not from your country, perhaps in a restaurant?

What are your favourite foreign foods to eat?

Do you like to cook?

What are your favourite foods to make?

Have you cooked a meal in the last seven days? What were they?

Do you have dietary restrictions / requirements?

Is there any food you do not eat / will not prepare?

Do you eat spicy food? Do you cook spicy food?

THE ROLE AS OUR AUPAIR

Can you commit to a full year with us?

We are strict on timekeeping and will require you to be too – is this a problem?

What types of lunch would you prepare for yourself and DD2?

If I need to work late one day and you need to cook dinner for the girls – what would you cook? Please give 3 simple dishes.

How do you plan to spend your time when you are not working?

If you are unhappy with any aspect of the role when you are here, how would you resolve it?

HTH

Francezinha · 27/06/2014 00:21

This is a great list, very helpful! I'll definitely include some of these questions.
Thanks so much!!!!

Hhhhmhowtochoose · 04/12/2014 23:47

Thank you mum2pea

Scarletlips · 05/12/2014 15:57

Hi Mum2pea,
I'd also be interested in the questionnaire. I have one that I got from the website (kangaroo ap, happy to share if anyone is interested) I use but I'd also be interested in see other people's questonaires. Yes I'm also finding less au pairs replying to my profile. I've put it down to an improvement in the economy across Europe?
Thanks in advance

Scarletlips · 05/12/2014 16:00

Hi mum2pea. I just saw your questionaire above. Please ignore my message above. Thanks

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