Writing an au pair profile that gets requests, with examples

Families on Au Pair Nation see your matches ranked, then read the profile. The score gets you on the list; the profile gets you the request. Here is what moves both.

The photo

One clear photo of you, on your own, in daylight, smiling or at least friendly. No sunglasses, no group shots, no filters. Families are trying to picture you at their front door. Add a second photo doing something you enjoy if you like, but the first one does the work.

The bio: three that work

A student, no car

Second-year BEd student at UCT, living in Rondebosch. I’ve looked after my two cousins (now 5 and 8) every school holiday since matric and babysit for two families in Claremont. I’m patient with homework, good at making a game out of tidying up, and I’ll always tell you straight if something’s happened. Free from 13:00 on weekdays. I don’t drive yet, so I’m looking for a family within walking distance of one school.

Why it works: it says exactly who she is, what she’s done, her hours, and the one limit that matters. A family near a Rondebosch school knows in ten seconds.

A driver with a car

I’m 24, finished my diploma in early childhood development last year, and have my own car with a clean licence. For two years I did the afternoon run for a Bryanston family with three children (3, 7 and 10): two schools, swimming, cricket and homework, and I loved it. First aid certified. Happy to cook simple suppers for the kids. Looking for 20 to 30 hours a week in the northern suburbs, live-out.

Why it works: the experience is specific and matches what Sandton families need, and the practical facts are all there.

Open to live-in

Gap year before I start nursing next year. I grew up the eldest of four in Pietermaritzburg, so toddlers and homework are second nature. I swim well, have a licence, don’t smoke, and I’m fine with dogs. I’d love a live-in role with a family who’ll treat me as part of the household, in KwaZulu-Natal or the Western Cape, from January for a year.

Why it works: live-in families look for someone comfortable in a household and clear about duration. Both are here.

The details that raise your score

• Every language you speak, with an honest level. Shared language is worth 20 points.
• The age groups you’ve cared for. Babies and toddlers are scarce and score high.
• Exact availability: start date, days, hours, and how long you can commit.
• First aid, licence, swimming. Each one is a filter for some families and points for all.
• Your minimum weekly pocket money, or leave it blank if you’d rather discuss. Families whose offer meets it score you higher.
• Which areas you’ll work in. Say if you’re open to more than one.

What to leave out

Your surname (the platform shows only your initial), your phone number and email (share them in chat when you’re ready), your ID number, and anything about a family you’ve worked for that they wouldn’t want public.

Keep it current

Update your availability the day it changes. Families filter by dates, and an out-of-date profile disappears from the matches you’d want.

Ready? Create your profile.