Are you looking for a way to give your au pair the best chance of finding their next host family? One way to support them is by providing an au pair reference letter. In this article, we’ll explain what an au pair reference letter is, provide some tips for writing a great one, and offer several examples that you can use as a starting point.
Au Pair Reference Letter: Introduction
Before we dive into the tips and examples, let’s first define what an au pair reference letter is. Simply put, an au pair reference letter is a letter written by a host family on behalf of their au pair. This letter is meant to serve as a recommendation to other host families who may be considering a placement with the same au pair.
Au Pair Reference Letter: Explanation
The purpose of an au pair reference letter is to help the au pair find their next placement. Since most au pairs are international, they often rely on references from previous host families as a way to build trust with potential new families. By providing a reference letter, you’re helping your au pair demonstrate their skills, reliability, and professionalism to other families.
If you’re not sure where to start with your reference letter, don’t worry! There are plenty of examples available online that you can use as a starting point. You can edit these examples as needed to reflect your experience with your own au pair.
Au Pair Reference Letter: Tips
Tip 1: Be Specific
When writing your reference letter, try to be as specific as possible about your au pair’s skills and experience. For example, instead of saying “our au pair was great with the kids,” try to give specific examples of how they engaged with your children, such as “our au pair planned daily activities that were both fun and educational for our children.”
Tip 2: Highlight Their Strengths
What makes your au pair stand out from other candidates? Whether it’s their language skills, their cooking abilities, or their positive attitude, make sure to highlight what makes them unique in your reference letter.
Tip 3: Keep it Concise
While it’s important to be specific, you also want to make sure your letter is concise and to the point. Try to keep your letter to one page or less, and avoid repeating information that’s already included in your au pair’s resume or application.
Au Pair Reference Letter Examples
Example 1: Strong Work Ethic
Dear Prospective Host Family,
I am writing to highly recommend our former au pair, Maria. During her time with our family, Maria demonstrated a strong work ethic and a genuine love for children.
Maria was always punctual and reliable, and she took her role as an au pair very seriously. She helped our children with their homework, cooked nutritious meals, and always made sure they were safe and happy. Her positive energy and enthusiasm were contagious, and our family was truly lucky to have her.
If you’re looking for an au pair who is responsible, trustworthy, and caring, I highly recommend Maria.
Best regards,
Jane
Example 2: Excellent Communication Skills
Dear Host Family,
I am writing to recommend our former au pair, Tom, for his excellent communication skills and positive attitude. Tom was a key member of our family during his time with us, and he quickly became an important role model and support system for our children.
Tom’s communication skills were exceptional, and he always made sure to keep us informed about our children’s daily activities and progress. He was also a great listener and was able to provide valuable insights and suggestions when we needed them.
We’re confident that Tom would be an asset to any host family, and we highly recommend him for his professionalism, reliability, and positive attitude.
Best regards,
John
Example 3: Creative and Fun
Dear Prospective Host Family,
I am writing to recommend our former au pair, Sarah, for her creativity and ability to make our children’s lives more fun and enjoyable. Sarah was a wonderful addition to our family, and she quickly became a beloved member of our household.
One of Sarah’s greatest strengths was her ability to plan fun and educational activities for our children. From arts and crafts to science experiments, Sarah was always coming up with new and creative ways to engage our kids and spark their curiosity. She also had a great sense of humor and was always making our children laugh and smile.
If you’re looking for an au pair who is creative, fun, and caring, we highly recommend Sarah.
Warmly,
Jenny
Example 4: Organized and Responsible
Dear Host Family,
I am writing to highly recommend our former au pair, David, for his organizational skills and sense of responsibility. During his time with our family, David was an integral part of our household, and he always went above and beyond his duties as an au pair.
David was a natural leader and was always able to keep our household running smoothly. He was responsible for managing our children’s schedules, preparing meals, and keeping our home clean and tidy. He was also an excellent communicator and was always in touch with us about any issues that arose.
We’re confident that David would be an asset to any host family, and we highly recommend him for his reliability, professionalism, and organizational skills.
Best regards,
Mark
Example 5: Patient and Compassionate
Dear Prospective Host Family,
I am writing to recommend our former au pair, Emily, for her patience and compassionate nature. Emily was an incredibly caring and nurturing caregiver, and she quickly became a beloved member of our family.
One of Emily’s greatest strengths was her ability to connect with our children on an emotional level. She was patient and understanding, and she always made sure to listen to our children’s needs and concerns. She was also able to provide comfort and support during difficult times, and we always felt confident that our children were in good hands with her.
If you’re looking for an au pair who is caring, patient, and compassionate, we highly recommend Emily.
Warmly,
Julie
Example 6: Adaptable and Flexible
Dear Host Family,
I am writing to recommend our former au pair, Alex, for his adaptability and flexibility. Alex was a wonderful au pair who quickly became an important part of our family, and we were sad to see him go.
One of Alex’s greatest strengths was his ability to adapt to new situations and environments. He was able to integrate into our family seamlessly, and he quickly became a beloved member of our household. He was also incredibly flexible and was always willing to help out with whatever tasks needed to be done.
We’re confident that Alex would be an asset to any host family, and we highly recommend him for his adaptability, flexibility, and positive attitude.
Best regards,
Mike
Au Pair Reference Letter: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I include in my au pair reference letter?
A: In your au pair reference letter, you should include specific examples of your au pair’s skills and experience, highlight their strengths, and keep the letter concise and to the point. Make sure to include your contact information so that potential host families can get in touch with you if they have any questions.
Q: How should I format my au pair reference letter?
A: Your au pair reference letter should be formatted like a formal business letter. It should include a salutation, an introduction, a middle section that includes specific examples and details about your au pair’s experience, and a complimentary close. You can use the examples in this article as a starting point.
Q: How many references should I provide?
A: It’s a good idea to provide at least two or three references for your au pair, including a mix of former host families and other professional references if possible. Make sure to ask your references for their permission before including their contact information in your au pair’s application.
Q: Can I use a template for my au pair reference letter?
A: Yes, there are plenty of templates and examples available online that you can use as a starting point for your au pair reference letter. Just make sure to personalize the letter as much as possible to reflect your own experience with your au pair.
Q: How long should my au pair reference letter be?
A: Your au pair reference letter should be no more than one page long. Make sure to keep the letter concise and to the point, and avoid repeating information that’s already included in your au pair’s resume or application.
Q: Should I include any negative information in my au pair reference letter?
A: No, you should only include positive information in your au pair reference letter. If you have any concerns or negative feedback about your au pair, it’s better to address those issues directly with them rather than including them in your reference letter.
Conclusion
An au pair reference letter can be a valuable tool for helping your au pair find their next placement. By following the tips and examples in this article, you’ll be able to create a great reference letter that highlights your au pair’s skills and experience and helps them stand out to potential host families. Good luck!