Matching & Search Process

We understand that starting the search for the right host family can be daunting - our friendly team is used to guiding 1000s of au pairs through the process, so you really are in good hands!

Here's an extended step by step guide to how it all works:

Step 1 - Interview

Once we receive your full application/documents, you will be invited to book a Skype interview with our team. It is really important for us to get to know our au pair candidates from the start. During the first call we also conduct a language level assessment. Think of this call as a rehearsal to a family interview -ensure your Skype account works, be on time & ensure you are in a quiet place with no distractions. 

All your documents & our notes are safely stored in our online database. You will be provided with a username and password. 

Do check your spam regularly as we often find that some of our/host family e-mails can end up in there.

Step 2 - Receive & Review Potential Host Family Profiles

After the interview, we will begin to introduce potential host family profiles to you. All families have to provide an introduction letter, photos and references so you get lots of information on them to help you decide whether the family could be the right family for you. Do use the postcode to check what the family location is like before applying for the role, to be sure that you are definitely happy with the location.

It is really important for you to read the family information with great care and to think of the bigger picture. E.g. If you really hate sports and prefer calm and quiet - choosing a sports mad, loud family, might not lead to the best match :)

We send you potential host family profiles via e-mail and only after you confirm interest in a family, do we contact the family regaring your profile. You are therefore in control of which families your application is sent to. If the family are also interested, they will invite you to a Skype interview, not every family may choose to do so. 

During the host family interview - prepare to talk about your motivation, childcare experience & also ensure that you have a few specific questions to ask from the family regarding their profile too. If you really like the family, and they have hosted au pairs before, we strongly advise to speak with the previous au pair of the family. This will help give you insight into the role from another au pair's perspective. 

In some cases, the very first family who you speak with is the one - however in other times, you might speak with a few different families before a match happens. 

The search and interview process will continue until a family makes an offer to you and you accept their offer. 

Step 3 - Match!

When you verbally accept an offer, the host family will prepare an invitation letter for you to outline their expectations and the specific details including dates, hours, pocket money, etc.

Once all paperwork is completed you will be given the go-ahead by our team to book your travel to the UK.

At this stage we also send you LOTS of handy information to help you prepare for your au pair time (au pair guide & listing of other au pairs for example)

Step 4 - You Travel

Finally, your host family will meet you at the airport and your au pair adventure begins! Smartaupairs team always follows up with all au pairs after arrival to ensure you are ok and settling in well. If you have any worries at any stage, you can (and should) contact us and we are more than happy to help.