Au pair agency procedures

The time taken to make a placement depends on how flexible you are about dates and location, and the number and size of partner agencies. Email has transformed the nanny overseas and  the au pair matching process, and instantaneous placement is possible if you have an appropriate background, meet the au pair requirements and happen to apply at a time when suitable unfilled vacancies are available. Quick placement is seldom possible for summer assignments in Europe, while in Australia we have families all year long. We recommend applying 2 months before the departure date and not more than 3 months in advance. The vast majority of au pair openings coincide with the academic year, lasting from January to December. The downloaded or posted application form should be filled meticulously. In all likelihood it will be principal information on which the matching with a family is based and making a good impression is of prime importance. There might also be a questionnaire which will help the agency to get to know your requirements in greater detail.

In addition, the application dossier which you are asked to submit usually includes one or more photos, at least two letters of reference ( which in some cases is required by law), a declaration of good health signed by a doctor, a curriculum vitae and/or a handwritten letter addressed ‘Dear Family’ describing yourself and your reasons for wanting to work as an au pair.

Recently, au pair agencies have been asking for a police check and indeed It is essential for nanny applicants. In the UK this document is provided by the Criminal Records Bureau and many entries in the directory mention a “CRB check”as a requirement of application. Normally it is the responsibility of registered agencies or employees rather than individuals to apply to the CRB. If applying to an au pair agency and supplying a photo, it does not have to be a professional shot, but you should take care to project the right image. A head and shoulders photo, preferably with you with one of your previous charges or a young cousin. Resist the temptation to send a party photo, in which the cocktail or pint of bitter you are clutching will probably create a negative impression no matter how flattering the photo may be. If you are in doubt, send along a selection from which the agency can choose.

About references, the normal procedure for au pairs is for you to collect them yourself rather than have them sent to the agency directly. School or college-leavers will need to provide a reference from their head teacher plus one of a domestic nature. This might be from a mother whose children you regularly babysit or perhaps from a holiday job which involved domestic chores.

The letter introducing yourself should mention where you were born and brought up, a description of your family and their interests, any travelling you have done either in an organised group or independently, what kind of schooling you have had and your attitude to it, any jobs, hobbies or ambitions and of course why and for how long you want to work as an au pair in Australia and why you think your personality is suitable.