How to Interview an Au Pair Effectively: A Guide for Host Families

Choosing the right au pair is one of the most important decisions a host family will make. A great match can become a trusted part of your family, while the wrong one can lead to stress, misunderstandings, and an early rematch.

An effective interview helps you look beyond a profile and truly understand whether an au pair is the right fit for your family, lifestyle, and children. Here’s how to conduct an au pair interview that is clear, respectful, and genuinely insightful.

1. Prepare Before the Interview

A successful interview starts long before the video call.

Before speaking with an au pair, make sure you are clear on:

* Your daily schedule and childcare needs

* Your house rules and expectations

* Whether driving, cooking, or specific experience is required

* Your parenting style and family values

Review the au pair’s profile carefully and note any points you’d like them to expand on. This shows respect for their time and helps the conversation flow naturally.

Tip: Write down your non-negotiables (for example, confident driving or previous toddler experience).

2. Create a Comfortable Atmosphere

Au pairs can be nervous during interviews especially if it’s their first time speaking with a host family abroad.

Start with:

* A friendly introduction

* A brief overview of your family

* A relaxed, conversational tone

Remember: this is a two-way interview. The best matches happen when both sides feel comfortable being honest.

3. Ask Open-Ended Questions

Avoid questions that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” Open-ended questions give you insight into personality, problem-solving skills, and real-life experience.

Examples:

* “Can you tell us about a typical day with the children you’ve cared for?”

* “How do you handle a child who refuses to follow instructions?”

* “What do you enjoy most about working with children?”

* “Can you describe a challenging situation and how you handled it?”

Listen not just to what they say, but how they explain their answers.

4. Discuss Real Scenarios

Hypothetical situations are one of the best ways to understand how an au pair thinks and reacts.

Try scenarios like:

* A child having a tantrum in public

* A disagreement about screen time

* Being late for school

* A child refusing to eat

There is no “perfect” answer—but their reasoning should align with your parenting style.

5. Be Honest About Your Family Life

Transparency builds trust and prevents misunderstandings later.

Make sure you clearly explain:

* Working hours and flexibility expectations

* Weekend or evening babysitting (if any)

* House rules (guests, phone use, curfews)

* Living arrangements and privacy

An au pair who understands your reality is far more likely to be happy and successful in your home.

6. Involve the Children (When Appropriate)

If your children are old enough, a short introduction can be very helpful. Observe:

* How the au pair interacts with them

* Whether they seem natural and engaged

* How your children respond

You don’t need to make a decision based on this alone but it’s a valuable piece of the puzzle.

7. Encourage Questions from the Au Pair

A good au pair will have questions. This shows motivation, maturity, and genuine interest.

If they ask about:

* Daily routines

* Cultural exchange

* School or language opportunities

* Family traditions

…it’s a positive sign they are thinking long-term, not just about the job.

8. Don’t Rush the Decision

If possible, schedule at least two interviews and consider a follow-up call. You may also want to:

* Speak with previous host families or references

* Let the au pair talk to both parents

* Reflect overnight before deciding

Choosing an au pair is about compatibility—not speed.

Final Thoughts

An effective au pair interview is not about finding a “perfect” candidate it’s about finding the right match for your family. Clear communication, thoughtful questions, and mutual honesty are the foundation of a successful au pair experience.

At EuPairing, we encourage families to take their time, trust their instincts, and approach interviews as the beginning of a meaningful cultural exchange not just a hiring process.