Three Interviewing Tips for Au Pairs

Get Ready to Meet Potential Host Families

Congratulations! Your profile is online, and you are receiving interview requests. Now comes one of the most exciting parts of the process: speaking with families around the country who could be your perfect match.

There are many different kinds of families in the au pair program. Some live in friendly small towns, while others are in busy cities. Some have younger children, some have older children, and some have a mix of both. Every family is different, which is why it is so important for both you and your future host family to make sure you are the right fit for each other.

If you are getting ready for your first call, it can also help to review these questions to ask host families in interviews before you video chat.

1. Say Yes to the Interview

One of the best things you can do at the beginning of the process is keep an open mind. If a family wants to interview you, say yes.

Even if the family is not exactly what you pictured at first, the interview is a chance to learn more about them, their children, and their daily life. You never know which family could turn out to be the right fit for you. Each conversation can also help you feel more confident and comfortable with the matching process.

The more open you are to opportunities, the easier it becomes to recognize the kind of host family that feels right for your program year.

2. The Right Host Family Might Not Be What You Expect

Your perfect host family may look very different from what you imagined when you first applied. They might live in a different state than you expected. They might have a 2-year-old and 4-year-old twins instead of a 5-year-old and a 7-year-old. They might live in the suburbs instead of a big city.

That is okay.

Sometimes the best match is not the one that looks perfect on paper. What matters more is how you feel when you speak with the family. Do they communicate clearly? Do you feel comfortable asking questions? Can you picture yourself caring for their children and becoming part of their everyday life?

As you go through interviews, focus on whether the family feels like the right fit rather than whether they match every detail of your original plan. If you want more guidance on making that decision, learn more about choosing your host family.

3. Look for a Family, Not a Location

It can be tempting to focus on where a family lives, especially if you have always dreamed of visiting a certain state or city. But when you are deciding between host families, location should not be the most important factor.

You can always travel and explore new places during your au pair year. What matters most is finding a family where you feel supported, welcomed, and confident in your role. A strong relationship with your host family can shape your entire experience in a positive way.

When you focus on the family instead of the location, you are more likely to find a match that leads to a successful and rewarding year in the United States.

More Tips for Au Pair Interviews

If you want even more advice, check out additional interview tips and insights from current au pairs. Hearing from someone who has already gone through the process can help you feel more prepared and confident before your next conversation.

Whether you are speaking with your first family or your fifth, each interview is a chance to learn more about what matters most to you in a match.

Check out even more tips from current au pair, Doreen!

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Find the Right Host Family for You

We hope these tips help you find your perfect host family. As you move through the interview and matching process, remember that AuPairCare’s au pair safety and support resources are here to help you feel confident every step of the way.