How to Include Au Pair Experience on Resume
When crafting a resume, it’s essential to highlight all relevant experiences, including those gained through an au pair program. An au pair experience is not only valuable for child care skills but also for cultural exchange and language proficiency. Here’s a guide on how to effectively include your au pair experience on your resume.
1. Choose the Right Section
Firstly, determine the best section to place your au pair experience. You can either create a separate “Au Pair Experience” section or integrate it into the “Work Experience” or “Volunteer Experience” section. If it’s a significant part of your background, consider creating a dedicated section.
2. Use a Clear and Concise Format
When describing your au pair experience, use a clear and concise format. Follow a standard resume structure, including the job title, company (or host family’s name), location, and dates of employment.
3. Highlight Key Responsibilities
Under the job title, list the key responsibilities you had during your au pair experience. Focus on skills relevant to child care, such as:
– Child care and supervision
– Meal preparation
– Housekeeping
– Transportation
– Language instruction
For example:
Child Care and Supervision:
– Cared for children of various ages, including infants, toddlers, and pre-teens
– Implemented age-appropriate activities and playtime
– Ensured children’s safety and well-being at all times
Meal Preparation and Housekeeping:
– Prepared nutritious meals for the children and host family
– Maintained a clean and organized living space
– Assisted with grocery shopping and meal planning
4. Emphasize Cultural Exchange and Language Skills
Au pair experiences often involve living with a host family from a different country. Highlight your ability to adapt to new cultures and your language skills:
Cultural Exchange:
– Engaged in daily conversations with the host family, learning about their culture and traditions
– Participated in cultural events and activities, fostering a deeper understanding of the host country
Language Skills:
– Gained proficiency in [language spoken by the host family]
– Taught [language spoken by you] to the host family members
5. Include Any Additional Skills or Certifications
If you have any relevant certifications or training, such as first aid, CPR, or child development courses, include them in your resume. This demonstrates your commitment to providing the best care for children.
6. Use Action Verbs and Quantifiable Achievements
Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and achievements during your au pair experience. Whenever possible, provide quantifiable results to showcase your impact:
Increased the children’s reading skills by 20% through daily reading sessions
Organized and led weekly cultural exchange activities, fostering stronger relationships between the children and host family
7. Proofread and Customize
Before submitting your resume, proofread it to ensure there are no typos or grammatical errors. Additionally, customize your resume for each job application, focusing on the most relevant aspects of your au pair experience for the specific position.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively include your au pair experience on your resume, showcasing your unique skills and experiences to potential employers.
