Don’t forget: you are not applying for a job at a bank! It is fairly common for the children of the family to look at your application too; they have a say in the decision as well since they have to like the person who will spend many hours a day with them. We recommend keeping the children in mind when you write your application, and thinking about their interests as well. Just imagine what you would want to know about your future au pair if you were a child.

In your au pair application, don’t forget to mention your strengths as an au pair. Explain what child care experiences you have already gained, and why you want to become an au pair. It is also helpful if you can give the host family a time-frame so they know when you are available to work for them as an au pair. List reasons why you chose the country you want to go to for your au pair experience.

Talk about your interests and hobbies. Do you know how to play an instrument and would you want to teach the host children how to play it? Do you have any special skills that might be useful to the family, such as sewing, knitting, gardening, making handicrafts, etc.? Do you have a driver’s license? Also, talk about your personality, about what you have done so far in your life, about your education, about your family and about your life.