[ Update ] We have removed this instant messaging service as it was adding considerable time to page loads
We’ve delighted to announce that we’ve just added instant messaging functionality to the site. Just like Google Talk and Facebook Messenger, it allows two-way instant messaging, and sending of files.
This new service could be a massive time-saver for both jobseeekers and host families, saving you having to wait for a reply from an email, or from your AuPairIreland.ie mail box, it can also be useful for host families who are not quite ready to share their contact details with the jobseeker.
Live conversations can only happen if both the host family and jobseeker are online, however if either party is offline when a message is sent, they will receive it next time they log in.
For Host Families
Host families must initiate the chat, jobseekers are unable to do so, and you can only have conversations with jobseekers whose CVs you have downloaded, so when you log in for the first time after registering your Who’s Online list will have no members.
You’ll find the chat panel on the bottom right-hand-side of the screen, clicking that opens your Who’s Online list, online users have a green circle next to their name, and idle (jobseekers who are on the site but have not been active on the site for five minutes) have a yellow circle, offline users have a grey circle. If a user is offline you can still message them and they will receive it when they next log in, so you could, for example, send them an offline message to arrange a instant messaging chat at a pre-arranged time/date.
This functionality is available to both premium members, and users availing of our free trial.
For Jobseekers
Jobseekers cannot initiate conversations, host families can contact you, but not vice-versa. But once a conversation has been initiated you have the same messaging features the host families have.
We’ve also added a chatroom for Au Pairs, as a lot of au pairs who come to work in Ireland can find themselves isolated, knowing no-one in the town/city they are working in. This is a great way to stay in contact with existing friends, and a great way to make new friends. You’ll find the au pair chatroom on the bottom of the page as soon as you log in to your account.
Instant Messaging Features
Features include:
- Send a File – useful for sharing photos, certificates, etc
- Save Conversation – You can save your conversation to your computer for later reference
- Report Conversation – You can report the conversation to us if you feel it is appropriate to do so
Conversation Logging
Given the nature of the site, and for the protection of both the host family and the jobseeker, all chats are automatically logged on the chat server. This would only be used for later reference if a conversation was reported.