Au Pair Interview Guide

Matching with the right host family is one of the most important parts of your au pair journey. The host family interview is your chance to learn about the family, their lifestyle, and what your daily life would look like in their home. Use this guide to learn about how to make the best match for you.

Matching Basics

• Be open-minded. The USA is a big country and we have many types of families who host au pairs. Focus on the family rather than the location.
• You have a choice on what host family you match with. Matching is a mutual agreement between you and a host family.
• Do not rush into a match. You should plan to have at least two video calls over a few days, plus exchange messages to share additional information and photos.
• Ask a lot of questions so you learn as much as possible about a family. Does what they say match what you are looking for?
• Communicate honestly and in a timely manner. If you are really interested in a host family, let them know. If you aren’t interested in a family, that’s okay! Let them know so they can consider other au pairs.
• Do not agree to a match unless you are confident and excited about the opportunity!

Prepare Before the Interview

• Before you have an interview, get to know the host family by reviewing their profile in Passport.
• Write down questions about things you want to know more about.
• Host families typically interview multiple au pairs before deciding on who to match with. It’s important to be professional. This means be on time, ready with questions, in a quiet location and dressed appropriately.
• Make sure your camera and audio device are functioning properly before your interview.
• Speak English during the interview without using a translator. It is important that host families have an accurate picture of your English speaking skills. Don’t be nervous. Families understand that English may not be your first language!

Interview Questions

Use this guide to prepare your questions and feel confident during your conversations!

• You should ask several questions from each section.
• Save some questions or sections for the second interview. Make sure to focus on the family and children during the first interview.
• Remember that the answers to some of these questions may be found in the host family application.

Host Children

★ What are your children’s personalities like?
★ What do your children like to do in their free time?
★ How well do your children get along with each other?
★ How well do your children adjust to new people in the home?
★ Do your children have activities they like to do?
★ Do you want me to speak my native language to the children?
★ How do you usually handle discipline or difficult behavior?
★ Do the children have any allergies, special needs, or important routines I should know about?

Host Family

★ What do you (the parents) do for a living?
★ Where do you work and what are your work hours?
★ What kinds of activities does your family do together?
★ How do you spend your weekends or free time?
★ What is your family’s typical daily routine?
★ Does your family travel?
★ Would you expect me to come with you on family vacations or trips?

Au Pair Responsibilities

★ What would a typical day look like for me as your au pair?
★ What hours would I usually work?
★ What kinds of childcare tasks would I do each day? (meals, school drop-off, bedtime, etc.)
★ Are there times when my schedule might change, like during school breaks or holidays?
★ What other duties do you need me to do?
★ What types of household chores are expected of me?

Driving and Transportation

★ Will I need to drive the children to school or to their activities?
★ What kind of car will I use?
★ How far away are places I would drive to; such as the children’s school, activities, or the grocery store?
★ Will I have access to the car during my free time?
★ If I will not be driving, what transportation options are available?

Home Life Expectations

★ Why do you want to host an au pair?
★ What personality type do you think fits best with your family?
★ Can you tell me about the au pair accommodations (bedroom and bathroom)?
★ Are there any household rules that I should be respectful of?
★ Would I have a curfew?
★ What are your expectations regarding our time spent together as a family?
★ What will I be able to do in my free time?
★ Do you have any preferences as to when/how I fulfill my education requirement?
★ Are there any dietary preferences or guidelines about food?
★ Does your family eat meals together? If so, what are your expectations for me to join in meals?
★ What are your house rules about guests, quiet hours, or using common areas?

The Neighborhood

★ What is your neighborhood like?
★ What kinds of activities are available in your area?
★ What is the weather like?
★ Are there parks or nature areas nearby?
★ How far away are the schools, bus stops, train stations, etc. from your home?

Hosting a Previous Au Pair

★ Have you hosted an au pair previously?
★ When and for how long did you host your previous au pair?
★ Is it possible for me to be in contact with your previous au pair?
★ What was your favorite part about hosting an au pair?

After the Interview

• If you liked the host family, send a thank you message letting them know why you liked them and your wish to have a second interview with them.
• If you believe that you and the host family are not compatible, click the link “Not interested in this host family” and send them a thank you message letting them know why you are not interested.
• After you’ve reviewed all the information and completed your interviews, listen to your gut. A compatible match feels natural, mutually respectful, and exciting to both you and your future host family.
  
  

If you have any questions during the matching process, reach out to the Au Pair USA matching team (apmatching@interexchange.org ). We are here to help!