How to write a letter to a Host Family (that helps you find a good match!)
If you’re joining the Au Pair program, you may be wondering how to write a letter to a Host Family. Each Au Pair’s profile includes a “Dear Host Family” letter. This is an opportunity for an Au Pair to not only to tell the Host Family their qualifications but also show their personality.
Why Write a Host Family Letter?
Understanding how to write a great host family letter is important if you want to be chosen by the right future host family. However, you won’t be able to properly learn how to write a host family letter if you don’t know your goals with the letter and what you hope to accomplish.
Here are a few reasons why you should write an introduction letter to host family prospects after joining an au pair program.
It Makes a Good First Impression
Just like any job, it’s important for a new Au Pair to make a good first impression on your potential host families. Writing a host family letter will help create a personal connection and set expectations. It will allow you to introduce your personality, background, and childcare philosophy, helping to ensure a good match. A good letter can also establish trust and open communication from the start.
The host parents you’re hoping to connect with are looking for the right fit just like you are, so you should aim to impress them immediately with the professionalism and clarity of your host family letter and your qualifications for taking care of children.
The host family will connect with your sincerity and look forward to interviewing you for the job of their Au Pair.
It Sets You Apart From Other Applicants
Even though every exchange student aiming to work as an Au Pair should learn how to write a letter to a host family, it doesn’t mean all of them do. In fact, many people looking for work as au pairs won’t write a host family letter at all, which will hurt their prospects.
Do your part to stand out from other applicants by writing a clear, friendly host letter that communicates who you are and what your host family can expect from you.
It Helps Connect You With the Right Host Family
If you get hired as an Au Pair during a year abroad, you’ll be spending a great deal of time with your host family, caring for the children and the home. Therefore, it’s important that you connect with your potential host family just as much as you want them to connect with you.
Describe your interests, your personality, your daily routine, and how you spend your free time in your letter so that you can match with a family that has a similar way of life to you. This way, adjusting to your new role will be much easier, and you’ll have more in common with your host family.
What to Include in Your Host Family Letter Sample
The following is a list of items you should include in your letter:
- Who you are
- About your family (brothers and sisters)
- Hobbies/interests/likes/dislikes
- Why you want to be an Au Pair
- Child care experiences and personal stories
- How you can help your Host Family
- Things you’re looking forward to
- Future plans
Be honest and friendly. Help them get to know you better. This letter can help make a positive impression and put you ahead of other applicants.
What Families Are Looking For in Your Au Pair Letter to Host Family
Families want to get to know you. The “Dear Host Family” letter is often the reason families do or do not interview an Au Pair.
Sara, one of our Host Moms, said her Au Pair’s profile was the reason they matched. “There was something about Damaris’ demeanor in her profile that made me think she could be a good fit.”
Most families will want to interview several times before making a final decision. But your profile and “Dear Host Family” letter play a huge role in the family’s decision.
Think of your “Dear Host Family” letter as a cover letter, and your profile as a resume. Your letter should tell families why you’re the best match for them.
Families Are More Likely to Interview You if You Tell Them:
- Why you joined the Au Pair program
- How your unique abilities will help the family
- What you love most about spending time with kids
- About your personality and what you hope to gain from the program
Host Family Letter Example
Now that you understand a bit more about why a host family letter is important and what should be included in one, it’s time to start crafting your own. Take a moment to review our example of a host family letter to learn more about tone, construction, and clear communication of details.
Here is a letter to host family example based on a fictional girl named Lisa traveling to Germany and enrolled in an au pair program.
“Dear Future Host Family,
My name is Lisa. I’m 20 years old, and I’m pleased to introduce myself to you! I’m so excited to be traveling to Germany and can’t wait to learn more about the country’s culture and history.
I grew up in a family of four brothers and sisters in a small town. I love to read, draw, and paint, but one of my greatest passions is caring for children. I have many years of babysitting experience and have cared for children of all ages. In fact, this is one of the biggest reasons why I would love to become an Au Pair.
As an Au Pair, some of the skills I offer are attention to detail with house cleaning, patience and gentleness with children, and an ability to assist with basic homework or other life skills. I look forward to bonding with your family over our time together and creating lasting memories!
Sincerely,
“Lisa”
As you can see within this host family letter example, Lisa clearly states some information about herself, what she would bring to the family as an Au Pair, and her positive attitude toward getting to know her future host family. This letter expresses to the parents that she is smart, kind, open, and prepared to fulfill the many tasks required of a great Au Pair.
Get Started Now!
Now that you know how to write a letter to a host family that tells them why they should interview you, get started writing your letter!
Still have questions? Learn how to become an Au Pair and hear more about what Host Families need from their Au Pairs!
