As with any job, there are certain steps that you need to take to prepare yourself when applying for a job as cabin crew. Before applying for a position as cabin crew you need to ask yourself:
y Do I meet the minimum requirements for the job?
y Where do I go to apply for a job?
y Do I understand common hiring practices and procedures for the airline industry?
y What information do I need to have in order to apply for a job as cabin crew?
y What will the training be like, if I get hired?
These and many other questions will be answered when you complete this module, which will give you an overview of what you need to do and how you should prepare to land a job in the airline industry and in particular as cabin crew (or flight attendant). You will be introduced to the general application process and minimum requirements for applying on a job as well as basic personal hygiene and grooming requirements for the position of cabin crew.
Lesson Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this lesson you should be able to:
x Identify different sources of recruitment in the airline industry.
x Identify common recruitment practices.
x Identify key elements and information that should be included in resumes and applications.
x Explain the training and certification process for cabin crew (where applicable).
2.1 Landing a Job LESSON OVERVIEW
These days you can view and apply for vacant cabin crew positions online. Most major airlines have information on their websites regarding cabin crew hiring and the application process. Some airlines have links to contractors that do the hiring and recruitment for them. Traditional advertisements in local or national newspapers are still used today but mainly for large-scale hiring. To this day, the cabin crew profession is perceived to be prestigious and even glamorous. Therefore, airlines receive thousands of applicants every year and you have to be prepared to compete with many other aspiring cabin crew.
This lesson gives you a detailed idea of the various steps in the recruitment process, starting from submitting the application to being called for an interview and ending up in training. You will also be introduced to some of the skills and experiences that are required by airlines. This lesson concludes with a look at the training aspect of the cabin crew as you will be introduced to the training process and
2.1.1 Resumes and applications
Key Learning Point You will probably
participate in a group interview during the hiring process.
Depending on the airline, some will require that you fill out their application form while others may accept your resume/CV and cover letter. If possible, it is recommended to submit both. Remember to highlight the most important skills and experiences you have that fit within your customer service background.
To apply for a job you must be able to sell yourself by highlighting skills that airlines are looking for. Review your previous work or life experiences that will translate to skills you will need as cabin crew.
Mention any skills or experiences in your past that would translate well to this career such as medical background, security background, volunteer work, taking care of children or the elderly, or work in any service or customer relations business. Focus on customer service and/or jobs that involved people, even for a short duration. If you have held a waiter/waitress job during your college days, it could prove helpful to mention in your application.
In addition, completing tasks efficiently, good attendance and dependability is paramount in this industry. It would be beneficial to mention these qualities in your work history.
Airlines require an extensive background and criminal records check.
Take the time to organise and list all the places you’ve worked at and lived in. Some countries/airlines require 5 years and others may require as many as 10 years of background check.
You should also list any language, computer, or first aid courses you may have taken. If you have no experience in these areas, it is advisable to take a class or two that will contribute to these necessary skills.
Similar to applying to other professional jobs, your resume/
application should show professionalism. This includes proper use of grammar and correct spelling. Ask someone with experience to read your CV/resume and your cover letter in order to get feedback before you submit it. Remember, first impressions are very important!
2.1.2 Training and Certification
Becoming a member of the cabin crew requires extensive training.
For that reason, every reputable airline will have its own training program or will require you to complete one through their contracted training provider.
Since the aviation industry is very heavily regulated and the primary responsibilities revolve around safety for the public, each airline must maintain a training program that meets specific standards. Training
programs vary in length from 4-12 weeks. After the completion of the initial training you may be on a probation period or trial period for approximately 3-6 months.
With such relatively long training programs, the content that is covered is diverse in nature. As a trainee, expect training to include the following topics:
y Company history and orientation.
y Safety and emergency procedures.
y Drills and simulation exercises for firefighting, operating emergency equipment and ditching (you will be in a pool and required to swim and board life rafts. You will also become familiar with the survival equipment contained in the life rafts).
y First aid.
y Aircraft familiarisation (studying and understanding each type of aircraft that the airline flies, including how exits operate, the location of equipment and aircraft features).
y Customer service and how to handle passengers with special needs.
y Service (food preparation and presentation and serving standards).
y Administration (paperwork, bidding, schedules).
y Initial orientation experience (you will be sent on a short flight or two and observed by a training instructor or certified personnel.
You will assist the working crew for the flight).
The training is intense and focused. You will be tested on the material almost daily and passing grades must be maintained
throughout the training or you may fail the course. Expect to attend a full day of class as well as spending additional time in the evening studying.
After graduation, you will return every year for a refresher training (sometimes called recurrent training) to review safety and emergency procedures and other important topics related to the job.
Progress Check
TRUE FALSE
1. Group interviews are done to observe communication and listening skills with others.
2. Once an applicant has completed the online application or submitted an application, he/she will immediately be invited to a one on one interview.
3. Training programs can vary in length from 4-7 weeks.
4. After the completion of training you may be on a probation period or trial period for 3-6 months.
5. Describe the hiring process adopted by airlines.
6. What are interviewers looking for in potential candidates for the cabin crew profession?
7. List at least 6 topics covered in training sessions.
Answer Key:
1. True 2. False 3. True 4. True
5. y Fill out application on line y Telephone interview y Group interview y One-on-one interview y Medical examination y Background check y Training
6. y Customer service and or community work experience y Flexible (cope well with change), work well under pressure,
good communication skills, friendly, able to work in teams, good presence, body language and poise
7. y Company history and orientation y Safety and emergency procedures y Drills and simulation exercises y First aid
y Aircraft familiarisation y Customer service y Service
y Administration
y Initial orientation experience
Lesson Summary
This lesson explored the process that you will follow when applying for a job as cabin crew. You now can prepare properly for the application and interview process, which can include: filling out an application, an initial phone interview, group interviews that can last a day or more and one-on-one interviews. These interviews are conducted because the companies need to select only a few very qualified candidates from thousands of applicants. In the next lesson you will be introduced to the minimum requirements for qualifying as a cabin crew.
2.2 Minimum Requirements
Lesson Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this lesson you should be able to:
x Identify the minimum requirements to be
considered for a cabin crew position.
x Identify basic skills and traits needed to be considered for a cabin crew position.