The first thing you should do is prepare any questions you might want to ask the parents. We have prepared some questions to help you during the au pair interview and when working as a nanny overseas. Try to commit these to memory and introduce them into the conversation at appropriate intervals, rather than laboriously read them from a long list. The more enjoyable and interesting you can make the meeting, the better impression you will make. Some experienced nannies feel that it is much a case of the nanny interviewing the family as the other way round.
If you lack practical experience, it might be an idea to read a reference book on childcare or take an online au pair course.
It is very important to look presentable at any interview (even it it is by Skype) and nannies and au pairs are no exception. Avoid wearing jeans and trainers even though this will probably be your ‘uniform’ once you start work. On the other hand, don’t dress to kill. The parents will probably find it hard to envisage you cleaning up after the children and subconsciously dismiss you as unsuitable. Most families are looking for someone who projects herself as tidy and reliable. Try to present a balanced image of someone who is sensible but fun, polite but informal.
Sometimes families will prefer to make the online interview with their children present, and if this is the case, you must try to familiarise yourself with them. It will give you an opportunity to determine whether or not you would enjoy being their au pair and, besides, you would be wise to show an interest in them. A candidate who ignores prospective charges will not be rated very highly. On the other hand do not gush all over them, since this is sure to alienate them. Do not underestimate the power which children wield. If they take a shine to you, the parents might hire you in spite of a lack of formal qualifications. Similarly, if you pay them little or no attention, they are unlikely to support you, and the parents will notice your lack of enthusiasm.
The same applies to the current au pair. If she is present, make a point of chatting to her for she is a wealth of information. Try to interpret her attitude towards the family, and take note of how they interact with her. Does she seem to enjoy working for them, and do the parents treat her in a friendly manner? The au pair might also be in position to influence the parents ‘choice, so don’t be lulled into a false sense of security. Keep the conversation fairly business-like and don’t give anything away that could be interpreted as a negative trait later on.
Parents will usually begin the interview by giving you more details of what the job involves, try to leave with a clear idea of what will be expected of the au pair. Ask what your day(s) off will be and how much you will be paid, check out about Au pair in Australia working hours and pay rates. Remembering that pocket money vary considerably depending on the country, your experience and responsibilities, check out this page for Daily Responsibilities of au pairs. This is a good opportunity to mention what kind of activities you would be doing with the children, get some ideas about activities for au pairs. Take note of any fringe benefits on offer ( use of car, for example) since these might compensate for an otherwise low salary. Topics you might raise are what the children eat (i.e how much cooking will be expected of you), their attitude to television and discipline generally.
Don’t forget to raise subjects such as pets. They can mean extra work for you, and if you have any animal allergies this could be a problem for both the family and you to realize later on. If the children are not present, ask to send you photos of them, the parents will be pleased at your interest.
If you come away from the interview feeling that you are interested in the job, take some notes on what has taken place. It’s amazing how quickly important details can be forgotten. It’s also a good idea to write a brief note to the parents, thanking them for their time, telling them how much you enjoyed meeting them, ( assuming that is true) that you are enthusiastic about the job, and ask about next steps to apply for your visa. Writing such a note may seem a little crawling, but it’s a proof of good manners, which might give you the edge over the competition. If you obtained the interview through an agency, you should phone them when possible to tell them how you think it went, and whether or not you are interested.