The paperwork you should have to help the application process along.
The decision to go abroad as an au pair is an exciting one, but it also involves a lot of organisation. If you have already decided which country you would like to travel to as an au pair, you can begin preparing all the required documents.
Looking for an au pair job? Contact host families around the world now.
Here is what you will need:
1. Cover letter
Including a cover letter with your application is a must. And the most important thing to include in your cover letter is your motivation for becoming an au pair. Ask yourself why do you want to work as an au pair and why do you want to go to this host country? Answer these questions in your cover letter, explaining your motivations as well as your childcare experience.
Address the specific requirements that are mentioned in the job description. For example, if it states that the au pair will be preparing meals, then give examples of your experience in this field, e.g., “With my previous employer, I was responsible for preparing healthy meals for three children.” To give a full picture of yourself, also include a brief description of your hobbies and your family environment.
On Care.com, you can create a brief account of yourself and your abilities in the description field. Avoid clunky phrasing and focus solely on the essentials. Demonstrate how your personal skills fit the needs of the host family.
2. Language certificate
Are you already able to communicate in the language of the host country without much effort? If so, be sure to share this information with your potential host families. Ideally, you will be able to prove your language level with a school report or a certificate from a language school. But don’t worry if you cannot prove your excellent language skills, you can simply state that you want to improve them by visiting a language school in the host country as soon as possible.
3. Copy of driver’s license
The possession of a driving license is welcomed by most host families. Quite often one of the daily tasks of an au pair is to pick the children up from school or kindergarten by car. If the host family has specified the need for an au pair who can drive, attach a copy of your license to your application.
Research the laws of your chosen host country, as you may need an international driver’s license.
4. Letter of recommendation
It is always beneficial to attach a letter of recommendation from former employers to your application. Contact families that you have previously worked for and ask them to write a few lines about your work. These recommendations can be very valuable and potentially help the host family to make a final decision when choosing between you and other candidates. Ideally, you may even share the family’s contact information so the prospective host family can contact them personally. Of course, this can only be done with the family’s permission.
5. Visa
When you have found a host family, check to see if you need a visa in the host country. If so, you must submit the appropriate forms and documents to the embassy of your chosen country with plenty of time to spare. Processing times can take a matter of weeks.
6. Miscellaneous
Some host families may request a medical certificate or police vetting. This can depend on your chosen host country and the rules and regulations that apply there.
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