Advice To Au Pairs On How To Make A Great Profile

There are three main ways to improve your profile so that you can get that perfect Au pair job or Nanny job;

 

1. The quality of pictures you upload on your profile
2. The quantity and quality of information you supply on your profile
3. The personal touch (i.e. the introductory letter)

We have conducted extensive research into what constitutes a great au pair or nanny profile. Our findings surprisingly revealed that families tend to favour certain kind of profiles while ignoring others; thus leading to a situation where certain au pairs receive numerous job offers while others receive very few.

The underlining problem is that a lot of au pairs do not spend enough time creating a great profile for themselves.

We have accordingly drawn up this list to help you in this process

We have also enclosed a sample introductory letter.  Introductory letters are important because it a great way for the family to hear about you in your own words. So please, take a little time and write a great introductory letter.

Ways For Au Pairs To Improve Their Profile

1. Quality of Pictures

Upload photos

 

We all remember the expression A picture is worth a thousand words. Well, this is very true when it comes to getting selected for an Au pair job or nanny job.

 Families overwhelming tend to form positive impressions about an au pair or nanny by the quality of the picture that has been uploading to the profile.

Host families love to see ‘family oriented’ pictures of you i.e.; pictures taken in a family setting; pictures of you taken with children, pictures of you taken with your siblings and parents.

In summary,  the pictures that you present on your profile will do more to promote your profile than any other piece of information that you submit.

So, If you have not already uploaded pictures on your profile, please do so now!

 

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2. The quality and amount of Information on your profile

 

When a family is seeking to find an Au pair they are faced with making a difficult decision regarding whom they will employ to take sole charge and care of their children. This task is made even more difficult by the fact that they are unlikely to meet the Au pair or nanny before they make a nanny job or Au pair job offeree 

You can help the au pair  families in this process by providing them with as much relevant information about you as possible.

The information that families have consistently stated they look for when they view a profile are as follows;

 

1. Can you speak the host families’ language?
2. Do you have previous care experience?
3. Do you know how to do basic first aid and CPR?
4. Young (between the age of 18 -30)
5. Female (although some specifically wanted males)
6. Can you drive?  
7. Do you have any allergies?
8. Are you a good cook?
9. Do you have any previous experience looking after a home.
10. Good education.
11. Good at sports.
12. Marital status

 

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A. Speak The Host Language

 

While this is not vital to getting a nanny job or an au pair job, it does help. If you can speak or understand the languages for the countries that you wish to work in then this is something that should be clearly stated.

 Feel free to fill out the form in each language that you speak. For example, If you are thinking of working in the UK or Spain then fill out the profile form in English and Spanish. This will make you stand a greater chance of finding a family in either country.

 

B. Previous Experience 

 

Families overwhelmingly love to hire Au pairs or nannies that have had some sort of previous childcare experience. This can be experience gained looking after your brother or sister; a relative’s child or a weekend baby sister job. Whatever the experience is, be sure to state it in your profile.

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C. CPR

 

Do you have any training in doing first aid?

 

D. Age

 

A lot of families tend to prefer Au pair between the ages of 18-30. Furthermore the immigration regulation in certain countries may prevent you from working as an Au pair in their country if you do not fall within their stipulated age. So please state your age clearly.

 

E. Gender

 

The majority of Au pair families and nanny jobs are for young females.  Families understandably prefer to leave their children in the care of a female. However, this is not to say that families do not seek male Au pairs or nannies. Indeed some families specifically seek male Au pair or nannies. So whatever your gender please clearly state so.

 

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F. Drive

 

Many families specifically request for an Au pair or nannies that can drive. You might be required to pick up the children from school. So if you can drive, please state so. Tell the host families your introductory letter how long you have been driving and how long you have had your driving license for.  

 

G. Allergies

 

Do you have any allergies?  If you do not have any allergies then you should think of stating this in your introductory letter.

 

H. Cooking Skills

 

Can you cook? Do you enjoy cooking, can you cook some great exotic meals. If you so, say so in your introductory letter. Impress the family by telling them about it. Even though you it may not be part of your job description for you to cook for the family it still good for the family to know that you can do so in an emergency. Also, it goes a long way to show them how responsible you are as a person.

 

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I. Previously Experience Of Looking After A Home

 

Again, although you are not strictly being employed to look after the home, you may still be required to perform light duties. So, it really helps if you state any previous experience you have had looking after a home I.e.  household cleaning duties. This might be experienced gained looking after your home or a relative’s home. 

 

 

J. Education

 

Have you been to university or  are you about to go to university/high School? Whatever level of education that you may have please clearly state it. It give families a lot of comfort to know that their child minder has obtained some sort of higher formal education, this give the clear favourable impression that you are responsible and have drive.

 

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K. Sports

 

Are you good at any sport? For example are you a strong swimmer, do you like skiing,  Horse riding, running hiking etc. Lots of families are looking for an au pairs or nannies that are quiet sporty. For example lots of host families want their au pair or nanny to accompany them on  skiing holidays etc.

L. Marital Status

 

Tell the family about your status. Are you married, single, children

 

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3. The Personal Touch

 

Show The Advantages That Families Will Gain By Employing You.

 

We call this the personal touch section because its the final stages of your building your profile, i.e the icing on the cake.

its the part were you shine and show the families the advantages for them in employing you.

Research has clearly shown that families tend to gravitate more towards Au pairs whose profiles clearly demonstrate the advantages of employing them. Don't assume that the family knows what these are. Tell them about you. or example, if you have worked with families before, feel free to say so. Tell them the ages of the children and how well you cared for them.

The best way to achieve this is to write an introductory letter.

 

WRITING  AN INTRODUCTORY LETTER

Families love to learn personal things about you; they want to know the underlining reason for you seeking to be an Au pair or nanny.

They also like to know about your goals and aspirations. For example, if you are planning to go to university in a few years but first want to travel and see the world then this is something that many parents can relate to. This goes a long way to show the family that you are an educated, responsible career minded individual who can be trusted to care for their child.

An introductory letter is a perfect way for you to introduce yourself to them and to allow them to get a real feel for you. Don't waste this opportunity to shine! View our sample letter for inspiration.

 

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Reference

Families are understandably nervous about  hiring an Au pair or nanny to care for their child, don’t forget that they will be leaving you alone in their home while they are at work.  So if you are able to offer them a reference from a respected member of your community this will go a long way to help to improve your overall profile.

 

Click link to view available au pair positions  

 

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