Au-Pair - Which one should I choose?

[Metrobaby]

I've interviewed 2 very nice girls but can't decide which one to go for. I'd appreciate the views of all the lovely mumsnetters on this board.

AP1 (19) German. Sourced from an agency. Excellent English - spoken and written. Just completed her A'levels. Driver. Glowing references. Has experience of working with family with 3 children similar ages to mine, doing after-school care and babysitting in the evenings. Also has had 5 years experience looking after a group of 15 girls aged 6-10, once a week for 2 hours - sounds similar to Brownies. Unfortunately no past job experience. Wants to be an AP as gap year experience. When I interviewed her she was the only candidate to have really read our profile and be able to tell me my children's names, ages and interests - ie had done her homework. Sounded competent but I felt lacked that 'sparkiness'

AP2 (26) Spanish. Sourced from the internet. Very good English. Not a driver. Lovely friendly personality and sounded very cheerful. Definitely very sparky with a bubbly personality! Experience in working in a summer camp with group of 10 children aged between 4-16 years. Has friends in London. Has had past work experience - and in fact is currently working in an office but her contract is ending. Suspect she may be doing au-pairing as she can't find alternative employment

To summarise, I think German AP would be more than competent but I think is rather lacking in personality. Spanish AP has a great personality and think would fit in well but her childcare experience is not as good as German AP's.

HELP!

Can you quiz the Spanish girl a bit more about her motivation for au pairing and whether she's happy to commit for the time you need? If she is then I'd pick her as I think if sparkiness is important the German girl will become a bit of a drag as good, reliable and competent as she sounds....

I think Spanish girl as well, having the personality will make a huge difference, along wih her age and having friends in London. Only concern could be if she finds another job whilst here??

I fell for that one, a girl just wanted a steeping stone job and took ours to have somewhere to live while she found a job closer to her school and friends - aaaargh

Spanish AP said that she would be happy to commit to our required time. I did quiz her on her reasons for au-pairing but in general it was just the usual response of 'loving children', 'experience new culture' etc etc She did mention that it was also because she wanted another job as the Spanish economy was bad at the moment.

iheartmyboys - that is exactly what my worry is that Spanish AP maybe using us as a steeping stone.

Both APs were quite vague about their long term plans - although German AP did mention maybe a career that involved children after her degree.

Personally i would go with German AP.. If she has worked with children before and wants to work with them as a career then she must have a personality that sparkles when it comes to children.. Plus she could be trying to act demure to seem responsible and reliable maybe? I also think that maybe the Spanish AP will use this job as a stepping stone. This is a hard one though.. Let us know what you decide!