You have taken the leap of faith, reached out to the Carla’s Au Pairs team, worked hard on meeting all the program requirements and you are now ready to start working on your application documents!

 

How exciting!

 

One of your awesome CAP Mentors has sent you the Application Documents and wow – it all seems quite overwhelming…

 

We get it – it can seem quite daunting, but do not fear when CAP is near!

 

We got your back, Sister!

 

Here are some tips and things to keep in mind when completing your application documents:

 

 

Read through everything very carefully –

 

The entire process is explained to you in detail in the Application Documents email you have received. We suggest that you read through the Instructions & Program Specifications Documents first – this gives you an overview of everything that needs to be done.

 

 

Prioritize and start with whichever documents will take the longest to obtain – 

 

 This will differ from program to program, but you will be able to identify these documents when reading through the Program Specifications & Instructions Documents.

 

 

References – 

 

Reach out to your childcare references, send them the forms that they need to complete and make sure that they are aware that we will be getting in touch with them as well.

You will also be required to send us a Character Reference – this can be filled out by someone who knows you well, but it can’t be a family member or friend.

 

 

Clear Copies & Scans –

Make sure that all photocopies and scanned documents (passport, driver’s license, matric certificate etc.) you submit are clear and legible.

 

 

Photos & Collage –

 

This is one of the first things a potential host family will see when they look at your profile. Make sure you submit a good quality, natural looking, happy picture with a child that you have cared for.

 

You also need to send us a photo collage.

 

A collage is a collection of a few pictures into a single bigger picture.

 

Include pictures of you, your family and friends and most importantly, pictures of you and the children you have cared for.

 

 

Video –

It is compulsory for all au pairs to submit a short video clip about themselves as part of their application.

 

This is essential for placing fast and it is so much fun to make! Show off your friendly personality, English skills, feature footage of fun activities you have done with children in your care, your driving & cycling skills and let them see the real you!

 

CAP Pro Tip: Always hold your phone horizontal and very still as this will make a world of difference to the end result that will be uploaded to YouTube.

 

 

Dear Host Family Letter –

 

This is yet another important way for you to introduce yourself to your future host family.

 

Introduce yourself, describe your family and community.

 

Elaborate a bit on the children you have cared for and what your duties were.

 

Share your goals for the future and tell them about your hobbies.

 

Explain why you want to become an au pair and what you hope to gain from this experience.

 

The more detail you give the better! Especially about your childcare experience and your personality traits.

 

 

Additional Documents & Checklist –

 

We have sent you all the documents that needs to be submitted, as well as everything that will need to be applied for or obtained additionally, such as your Medical Report, Police Clearance etc.

 

Referring back to the CAP Checklist we provided is a great way to keep track of what has been done and what is still outstanding.

 

With every tick off the checklist, you are one step closer to boarding a plane and heading off on your Au Pair adventure!

 

 

Remember, each component of your application offers an opportunity to showcase your capabilities and personality. Take your time, be authentic, and let your passion for childcare shine through!

 

We promise you that once you are abroad and living your best Au Pair life, all the stress and anxiety you experienced throughout the application process will be long forgotten!

 

Have fun working on your application and remember that you are putting in all this hard work to make your dream come true!

 

Never forget that the team at CAP is behind you every step of the way!

 

We are just an email, phone call or WhatsApp away!