Are you ready to join the many families across the USA who have welcomed a reliable, flexible, and trustworthy caregiver into their lives? Once you’ve decided to become a host family, you might wonder how to find the perfect au pair for your family and lifestyle. Rest assured, you won’t have to go through the process alone! With Cultural Care Au Pair, you’re assigned a personalized Matching Specialist who will guide you through the matching process. Plus, the Cultural Care app empowers you to create a host family profile, filter candidates, and find the right match based on questions, personality assessments, interviews, and more.
Having a real human to guide you through the process ensures you stay open-minded and focused on what truly matters when selecting an au pair. At the same time, the app allows you to explore candidates independently. Here are some tips to help you ace the matching process and find the perfect au pair for your family.
1. Start early
One of the best strategies for finding the right au pair is to begin the process early. The more time you have to browse profiles and get to know potential candidates, the better chance you have of selecting someone who fits your schedule and needs. Many au pairs apply as far as a year in advance, so starting early allows you to discover candidates who are just entering the matching pool and may be an ideal fit.
2. Be honest about your needs
When searching for an au pair, it’s essential to be upfront about your family’s unique needs. Clearly communicate your expectations, including your au pair’s schedule, house rules, and any special needs or accommodations. Being transparent from the start helps filter out candidates who may not align with your family’s daily routine, while also helping the right au pair see that they’ll be a great match.
3. Remember good things take time
While a quick match is ideal, finding the right au pair often takes time and effort. Be prepared to invest in the process by reviewing profiles, conducting interviews, and discussing options with the decision-makers in your household.
Asking lots of questions helps you understand the au pair’s personality, goals, and what they hope to gain from their experience. You’ll also be asked questions by au pair candidates, which is a good sign that they’re curious and invested in getting to know your family too.
4. Prioritize personality
It’s easy to be swayed by candidates with impressive experience or specialized skills, but host families across the country will tell you that personality is key to finding the right au pair.
During interviews, pay attention to how the candidate makes you feel—does their personality align with your family’s dynamic? The best matches are often built on personality compatibility, so trust your instincts and choose someone who makes you feel at ease.