Ah, the dreaded job interview. For most people, it's exciting (you're one step closer to the job!) and also terrifying (this is make-it-or-break-it, buddy) to be invited to an interview.
So while you're at home this winter thinking to yourself "I want to be a Flight Attendant." or even just "Hey, maybe being cabin crew could be fun." fill out the application and start prepping for your interview to join our club.
Right now there are quite a few airlines hiring to fill open flight attendant jobs. They might call it "inflight jobs" or "cabin crew jobs" but it's all the same- you want your office to be at 30,000 feet and they want to hire talented people like you! Learn some more about it, submit your application, and go for it.
In this job process, there are quite a few ways in which airlines could interview you for the position you've applied for.
It could be a video interview that you record in the comfort of your own home, it could be a group interview at a large session, or it could be a private interview with just you and 2-3 interviewers from the company.
For some airlines, all of those are a part of the process.
In my opinion, the most exciting part of the process is when they fly you to their corporate headquarters for an interview- I felt like such a celebrity.
Here are a few tips to ace your interview:
For Every Flight Attendant Interview:
- Dress like you already have the job, but don't copy the uniform of the airline you're applying with. Wear a suit in a conservative color. This is a great opportunity to purchase a skirt or pant suit that you'll be able to use for any variety of interviews. I found my navy skirt suit at Banana Republic and I've been very happy with it. Try something like this one that's currently on sale.
- Jewelry: pearls are always a good idea.
- Accessories: personally, we all know that the sassy scarf is the signature flight attendant accessory. If you're a scarf person, wear one! I'm currently obsessed with this Kate Spade "Going Places" scarf. Heart eyes. Guys, keep it simple with a tie in a professional color and pattern. If you want to spice things up, add a coordinating pocket square.
- Hair: For the ladies, make sure your hairstyle is professional, polished, and simple. For the guys, make sure that any facial hair is neatly trimmed. Even better- be clean shaven.
- Shoes: black dress shoes. The end. Ladies, keep the heel height under 4 inches.
The Video Interview:
- Check the lighting to ensure that it doesn't wash you out on the screen, and make sure there's enough light that you're not casting weird shadows.
- Ensure your background is neutral- a plain wall, no crazy colors, not in front of a window, a mural, or a bunch of plants.
- Sit up straight.
- If the program you're using gives you the opportunity to record a test clip, DO IT. Watch it, and make corrections.
- Stick to the appearance tips I mentioned earlier, no matter how much of you is visible on camera, take this as seriously as any other interview.
The Group Interview:
- This isn't your chance to show off and prove you're better than everyone else in the room, this is your opportunity to demonstrate that you're a team player. At work, we rely intensely on our co-workers, most of whom we've just met. You need to be calm, kind, patient, and professional.
- Don't fight to outshine everyone around you- this is not your diva moment.
- Answer questions honestly and illustrate your answer with a travel story if you have one that applies.
- Support other interviewees in their answers (if appropriate) by using phrases like "I agree with Kate, travel helps us all understand the world we live in."
- If there's a group activity, actively make sure that everyone's voice is heard and contributes to the overall result.
The Individual Interview:
- This interview will likely be a segment of the events on the day when your group interview happens. Your interviewers will take you to a separate room and ask you one on one questions.
- Have a clear answer to the question: "Why do you want to be a Flight Attendant?" and "Why do you want to work for our airline?"
- Focus on your experience providing great customer service and being a team player.
- Illustrate your points with stories!
Things to Avoid:
- "I want to be a Flight Attendant because I really hate my current job."
- "I want to be a Flight Attendant because I love to travel."
- "I want to be a Flight Attendant because I hear the money is good."
- "I want to be a Flight Attendant because the uniform is cute and I hear it's easy to pick up dates on the plane."
At the end of the day, be yourself and be professional.
Good luck!
No comments