subject: Finding The Perfect Family Au Pair [print this page] For the whole of the twentieth century and into the 21st, the au pair has occupied a particularly important position in middle class families in Europe and indeed around the world. There are plenty of jobs available and there are plenty of vacancies, but due to the nature of the work, it is not always a straight forward process to match up these things. In this article we'll look at some of the key issues surrounding hiring an au pair.
To understand why a family is often so careful about who they hire to look after their children, you have to think about what the job involves. As an au pair, a person will become part of the family, seeing an intimate side of family life that even close friends and relations do not get to see. With that in mind, there is an issue of trust. As well as trust there is the concept that anyone who does a job of this type must be unobtrusive - i.e. that the existing way of family life will go on largely as before.
But to find out this, the interview will become one of the primary ways of getting inside an au pair's head. This meeting will give a family either the impression that the person will fit in or that they will not. It might also be the case that some applying for such a position will get to meet the children or child they would potentially look after. This meeting and any rapport that develops is also crucial - as many children will play a part in who is selected to look after them.
Aside from all this, a family is of course likely to check the reference of the person - which is of course a very good idea indeed. The more experience a person has, the more likely they are to be hired. Some families will prefer to hire some older with more experience, while others might prefer someone younger so they fit in with a more youthful, energetic family. Either way, there are many options available. A CRB check is also a very good idea - as this person will be looking after your children.
If all this sounds a little daunting, then there are of course plenty of agencies that are able to complete all the paperwork for you - and help ensure that you get the right person with the minimum of hassle.
