If you’ve already read about my personal take on life as a flight attendant, you may or may not still be interested in becoming one. For those of you that are, I’m here to help you as much as I can.
So,
What is the flight attendant interview process actually like?
This answer to this question is going to be kept short and sweet, while I can give you tips and pointers, I was asked by my company not to disclose the kind of information that would cause potential candidates to “pretend” to be something they aren’t in order to get hired.
As far as my recent knowledge goes, the interview process has not changed much since I got hired back in 2017. You apply online, while submitting a resume and (optional) letter. Before you ask yourself whether or not things that are given as “optional” choices are necessary, know that the relative statistic for my company throughout the past few years has been 500,000-600,000 applications submitted, and only 1,500 of those people were offered jobs. When it comes to writing a resume and cover letter, consider some of the traits I talked about above that would make you a valuable asset to the company.
For example- experience with hospitality or any job that required you to be a safety professional. We all want to travel, don’t think that including your love for traveling is going to get you anywhere. Recruiters are looking for candidates that can carry about the job they were hired to do in the most competent and professional manner, traveling is just a perk.
If the recruiters are impressed with your application, you will probably receive a follow-up for a video interview, this will be the first time recruiters get to see your physical appearance and how you present yourself.
My advice- If you want to be a flight attendant, help them see you as one. Hair up and neat, makeup done, professional clothing, and colors you would typically see on a flight attendant uniform.
This is what compliance looks like. Peep the hair, makeup, shoes and tights. Some subtle studs and a watch for jewelry, and neutral colored business clothing. I would suggest a white button down with a black pencil skirt or black business pants with a blazer. This is a visual example of the look you should portray (minus the uniform of course) for both the video and face to face interviews. For your video interview, make sure you have a clear background with no distractions to interrupt, and prepare yourself with the questions you are going to be asked by keeping the qualities that make a good flight attendant in mind.
Most questions you will be asked will ask you to describe certain situations like one in which you were challenged, and how you handled it. They will want to know your opinion on what makes a company great. And most importantly, what you have to offer as a flight attendant to make the company more great.
Before answering these questions, you must consider the universal qualities someone who wants to be a flight attendant should have have:
Versatility, Transparency, Ambition, Genuine Compassion for Others, Courage, Independence, Communication skills, Critical Thinking, and an overall logical (not emotional) approach while working. A sense a humor and optimism can never hurt either.
If you make it past the video interview, your final step will be to fly over for a face to face interview with whatever airline you have chosen. I cannot speak on this because I know each and every airline has different methods for this step. But I can speak to some basics.
You will be put in group situations. Make sure exemplify all the qualities it takes to be a good flight attendant in these, especially teamwork and communication. You may feel intimidated, but prove yourself to be confident and courageous, if given the opportunity to be a team leader or speaker, take it. Show them you have the power and charisma to command a room. Make yourself stand out.
Forget about the statistics, remember what makes you shine and show them that. Dress the way you want them to see you, as a professional, competent flight attendant. Make the vision real for them. The statistics may be discouraging knowing how little people are chosen in comparison to the number of applicants, but remember that you’ve made it this far and own that confidence.
Whether or not you are hired, I urge you all not to be discouraged. With such a low hiring rate it isn’t fair to be hard on yourself. Always keep in mind that everything happens for a reason. If it didn’t work out with one airline, you should always be willing to try another if you believe this career path is in your destiny.
I hope that this post has helped you all gain a better understanding of the job, and whether or not you think you are a good candidate to do it. I will leave this post open to comments, so that any more questions you want me to answer can be.
