Telephone Interview (see below for more information on this important aspect of the placement process).

Incomplete applications will NOT be accepted by Aupair USA. The only item, which may be sent after the application has been received in New York, is the Medical Report, which is expected to arrive in the New York office well in advance of the Au Pair's departure for the U.S.

Completed applications are then given to the Placement Coordinators for distribution to Host Families whose childcare needs and family interests complement the experiences and interests of the applicant. An application is sent simultaneously to the Host Family and to the Local Coordinator for the Host Family. An application is sent to only one family at a time.

Generally families will review three applications at a time.

The telephone call with an American Host Family

If a Host Family is interested in an applicant, they will telephone the applicant. If they have questions about the appropriateness of an applicant or other concerns, they will discuss these issues with their Local Coordinator who has also been given a copy of the application in question.

Many families have found that two separate telephone interview calls are needed for both the Au Pair and the Host Family to get a clear understanding of one another's interests and the Aupair' experiences. The first telephone call may come unexpectedly for the applicant and he/she needs to be prepared. A list of questions he/she would like to ask a potential Host Family should be prepared in case the applicant becomes nervous an hearing from a family. The list will help keep him/her focused on the interview.

During the first telephone conversation, the Host Family will share important information about their life:

• The Host Family's city and state
• The names and ages of the Host Family's children
• The family's interests and activities
• The family's childcare needs and expectations
• A sense of what the Aupair's schedule might be and a list of his/her responsibilities
• The work status of the parents
• Pets in the home
• Any special needs on the part of family members (i.e. disabilities

In order to determine compatibility, the Host Family and the Aupair candidate should discuss lifestyle issues including: