Many families really like the idea of getting an au pair, but they worry about choosing the right person to care for their children when they can't interview them in person. Here are some things that have helped Host Families when interviewing their au pairs that have actually made the interviewing process very successful--in fact it can be even more successful than interviewing potential nannies or babysitters in person!
--Don't just use the phone and e-mail! There is so much technology out there now that you can really get a better feel for a person if you use Skype, Windows Live Messenger, or another video conferencing tool. When you do this, you get to not only see the au pair, but you could meet her family, pets, friends, and get an idea of where and how they live. Most au pairs have access to these tools, so use them as much as possible.
--Be sure to take advantage of the wealth of information that the au pair agency provides for you about each au pair applicant. Go Au Pair, for example, collects a dossier full information on the au pair applicant including interviews, an application/questionaire, photos, medical information, a personality test, personal essay,and several references (childcare and personal).
-- If the in person interview is still very important in making your decision, you can interview only au pairs who are already in country (either in transtion from another host family, or ones wanting to extend their au pair stay for an additional 6, 9, or 12 months). Depending on where the au pair is currently, you may have the option of actually meeting the au pair in person. You may also have the opportunity to speak with their current Local Area Representative or Host Family.
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