Not getting as many messages from families as you thought? Here are some tips for creating an online au pair profile that’s appealing to prospective families:
1. Pictures, pictures, pictures. Even if uploading pictures to the internet for anyone to see feels weird, put yourself in a searching family’s shoes. Would you feel safe entrusting the most precious thing in your life to a total stranger without even knowing what they look like? While no one can judge a book by it’s cover, having pictures on your profile makes it seem instantly more honest and welcoming.
2. All that said, wisely choose the pictures you share with families. They don’t need to see how low you can get on the dancefloor, even if that’s the picture that got you the most Facebook likes, nor are they interested in you taking tequila shots with your main girl. Don’t take this to mean that no family is okay with their au pair having an “adult” night out from time to time-most don’t care as long as you’re safe and you continue to do a great job. However, it suggests a lot about your judgement if you fail to keep your profile G-rated.
3. Try to look as natural as possible. I’ve heard many host parents complain that they find profiles which show au pairs wearing lots of make up or hair product to look vain, and they find filters and selfies silly. Photography is a hobby of mine, and I truly believe that people look better in pictures someone else took. So leave your face in the washroom and dig up some pictures where you look happy and healthy. It’ll be more than enough to make a good impression.
4. Okay, last one about pictures. Have some variety. The same host parents from #3 said that they find profiles with just one or two pictures of a prospective APs holding smiling kids seem disingenuous. My profile photo line up is: One or two pictures with kids, one picture with friends, one picture with a family member, and one which represents a hobby of mine.
5. Use creative language. This doesn’t mean you need a Master’s in English. Scrolling through some au pair profiles, I noticed many, many profiles that begin with “I am 26…”, “I am a Mexican girl…”, “I am from…”, I am, I am, I am. As much as I love Sylvia Plath (a little abstract humour for all you book nerds out there), starting a profile this way is not going to get anyone’s attention. Families can already see a) how old you are b) your gender, and c) where you’re from. Avoid using “my name is…” to start a profile as well. It’s probably a little redundant, since your name is usually the first thing a family will see. Alternatively…
6. Tell your story. Begin with something like, “In 2012, I discovered my love for children while working at a summer camp…” or “Having finally graduated University, I’m really excited to expand my learning by living abroad”. A unique opening line that reflects you will help you stand out.
7. Use as many relevant languages as you can, without over-selling your language abilities. If you’re fluent in English and have studied French for four years, write your profile in both. Always lead with your strongest language.
8. Say as much as you can, with as few words possible. Don’t list requirements for your dream family in your profile or record every milestone you’ve experienced as a childcare provider. Outline the kind of childcare experience you have, what your hobbies are, why you want to become an au pair, and use a few words to describe yourself (and give examples). Give an idea of who you are, but leave room for families to ask questions. At the same time, don’t be boring! I’ve seen profiles that say things like, “If you want to know more just ask” and “I’m shy so send the first message”. For real. Try to exude as much confidence as possible through your profile letters.
9. If your agency/site offers videos as part of a profile, take advantage of them. No matter how great your pictures and letters are, a profile that has a video will trump one that doesn’t. Use the same discretion as you would with pictures. Show off your language capabilities, your personality, and a few things you like to do.
10. Lastly, be yourself! There’s a family who wants a quiet au pair. There’s a family who wants a boisterous au pair. There are families who want au pairs with perfect English. There are families who need you to teach their kids your native language. No matter what, if you’re really passionate about becoming the best au pair you can be, there’s a family who would love to have you.
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