Victoria Danielsson, Recruitment Manager
Victoria started as an operations manager in Boston for Cultural Care Au Pair in 1998 after years of babysitting in Sweden and coming to the U.S. to earn her university degree. She returned to Sweden and became the country manager in 2001, responsible for the team that screens and prepares Swedish au pairs. After her maternity leave in to 2004 to have a child of her own, Victoria returned to Cultural Care Au Pair as a recruitment manager for Sweden, Austria and Germany.
“It takes a special person to be an au pair—it is hard work and a big responsibility. We make sure every one of our applicants knows what to expect. We are personally in contact with each of our au pairs up until the day they leave for the U.S. to make sure they are as prepared as possible.”
What happens during an au pair interview?We look for thoughtful and mature answers to the questions we ask au pair candidates. We ask many different questions about their families, their interest, their friends and their future plans. We ask: “Why do you want to be an au pair?” “What do you think the au pair job is like?” and “What kind of experience do you have with children?” They are screened in many steps, and we are not afraid to ask tough questions. As a mother, I know that’s important.
How do you set the candidates’ expectations for what it is like to be an au pair?Many of our recruitment leaders, who are the first to speak with and screen au pair candidates, were au pairs themselves, and they let our candidates know what to expect. At the screening and orientation day, the candidates have a chance to ask any questions they have. We emphasize that being an au pair is not for everyone- we are looking for hard working young women and men with experience, patience and the right attitude. We review all the regulations and emphasize the importance of good communication.