Au Pair Matching Process
Click here to download a simple one page process flow chart outlining Au Pair Link's matching and Au Pair recruitment process.
Please Note:
From the point that you apply online with Au Pair Link to the arrival of your Au Pair in New Zealand - it can take between 6 to 8 weeks. Many external factors can influence this time frame - such as your requirements, the time of the year, the availability of flights and the earliest departure date of your selected Au Pair. We advise families to register with Au Pair Link approximately 3 months prior to the date that they require their Au Pair to arrive in New Zealand. In some instance we are able to organise much faster Au Pair placements - please contact us to discuss your requirements.
As part of the matching process with Au Pair Link you will be required to interview any Au Pair candidate that you wish to make an “Offer of Placement” to. It is important that you personally speak with Au Pair candidates that you are interested in – so you can make a fully informed decision when you make an Offer of Placement. Speaking with Au Pair candidates will also give you a better appreciation of their English language ability and personality. It is an International Au Pair Association and New Zealand Au Pair Association regulation that you interview your Au Pair prior to making an Offer of Placement.
When Calling to Interview an Au Pair
- Make sure that you arrange a time to call in advance and check the relevant time difference and international dialling code.
- Speak slowly and use simple language.
- Think of alternate ways of phrasing the question if the candidate does not understand.
- When the candidate answers, introduce yourself and say you are a Host Family in the Au Pair Link in New Zealand programme.
- Ask one question at a time, rather than asking a compound question. Example: “Have you ever taken care of two young children?” (wait for answer) “What types of activities did you do with them?” Don’t ask “What age children have you taken care of before and what did you do with them?”
- Ask questions that encourage conversation, rather than simple “yes/no” responses.
- Write down the responses and review them after your call. You may choose to set up a time to call them next day and ask more questions to get further clarification.
- Please follow up with each applicant whom you have told you will call back, even if you change your mind and match with another Au Pair candidate. Be sure your decision to accept or decline is clear.