Au pair: "reference"

[marigio]

We are in the process of looking for a new au pair to replace our current one who will return home in the summer. We have a good relationship with her.

I am wondering if it is common to offer the prospective new au pair a chance to talk to the current au pair to find out more about us from the au pair's perspective? Kind of like a "reference" on us? This was not possible when we "hired" our current au pair last year as she is our first one.

If they don't ask, should I offer it? Just thought it may be a good idea so that they have better understanding and expectations.

Has anyone done this but backfired?

I always got my present Au pair to speak to my prospective ones with a list of questions from me. I then had a discussion at the end of the conversation to sound out her opinion. I spoke to them as well to listen to their level of English. They were all German.

Sorry, meant to say it never backfired. But I think we were good employers.
Best of luck.

My current aupairs help me look they speak more with next ap than i do. They are friends on facebook, they chat on Skype. I don't tend to do a transition hand over as it means kicking old ap out of her room.
If your good to your ap's then they will tell the that