Winning Your Hostfam
1. Complete a thorough application. We all hate paperwork, I know, but taking the time to fill out your application completely is well worth it. Elaborate on open-ended questions, and write a personal letter to your potential hostfam. It will do wonders. Keep in mind that hostfams tend to be super busy, so be concise. Keep your letter between three-quarters and a full page. They aren't here to proofread your novel.
2. Get in touch with potential hostfams. Your agent will help you arrange an interview via phone or skype with the family. At bare minimum, you should be able to e-mail your potential family. Do not agree to work for a family with whom you've had zero contact . Remember the windowless-van folk? They're not a chatty bunch, and they'd love to hire you no questions asked. Just remember that.
3. Answer questions a potential hostfam has for you. Be open and honest. If they have specific concerns, be honest with your ability to handle them. If they have a child with special needs, be positive you can handle that before you agree to work for them. If you have no experience with infants, tell them. Now is the time to define what you are capable of and willing to do.
Remember: Show your interest. The more interested you are in a host family, the more interested they'll be in you. They want someone that will be fun and safe for their kids and helpful to them. Most importantly, they want someone who WANTS to be an AP.
Pickin' and Choosin'
1. Read your hostfams application. It tells you important things like how many kids they have, where they live, what they do, and what they're looking for. You'll be better prepared for the interview, and you'll have a better idea of what you're getting yourself into.
2. Take interviews from all hostfams who are interested in your application. They may be different during a conversation than they are on paper. If this is the case, make note. Try to clear up any discrepancies during your initial interview. Ask questions about the application. Ask about the kids. Ask what this particular family is looking for. Do NOT ask to speak with the former AP or babysitter.
If you have specific requirements or need special consideration, tell them. Are you vegetarian or religious? Tell them. Do you have experience with infants or hate to vaccuum? Tell them. This isn't a first date. Get everything that might be awkward out of the way. That way you won't get stuck doing something you hate. More importantly, you won't take on something you're incapable of.
3. Take time to consider each family after an initial interview. Think of pros and cons, and compare families. If you're interested, get back in touch with the family. Settle specifics like start and end dates, job requirements, pay, accommodations, or anything else you'd like to have settled before you go. You can do this with as many families as you'd like. Remember, however, that you aren't the only applicant. If you really like a host family, snatch them up.
So now hopefully with all your openness and honesty and fastidiousness and winning charm and wit, you'll have found your perfect host family. You have my blessing. I wish you both all the best.
Cheers and thanks for reading.
[Author's Note: Sorry about the heinously long wait guys. I was on a trip to Istanbul, Turkey. One of the fabulous perks of being an au pair is the opportunity to travel, and I'm taking full advantage. I'll get the next edition out in a more timely manner. ]
