Tips for Cabin Crew Interview Success

The initial Topic i wanted to treat today was to add an addendum to the last Topic.”Why you are yet to get that Cabin Crew/Flight Attendant job, based on the feedback i received on the topic. But due to popular demand, I have decided to treat today’s topic first and address that on my next post.

Within the week ended, I received calls and messages from some applicants who applied for an Airline Job posting on my social media platforms recently. Some were notified of their success to proceed to the next stage, whilst some were unsuccessful. Amongst the successful applicants, some were asking for tips for interview success.

First, I’ll like to congratulate all successful applicants and wish them all the best on the next stage. For those who were unlucky, don’t beat yourself up. Most importantly, learn from your experience. Do a self assessment. Why was I not shortlisted? What went wrong or what did i do wrong? How differently could I possibly do it next time? You don’t give up just on one denied attempt. Anyways, I will deliberate more on this in my next post. But today, i want to share some interview tips for the benefits of those attending interview. I have decided to make it open so that I can reach as many people as possible

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Here are a few tips that may be helpful.

1. DRESS WELL. Make first positive impression. Dress smart, decent and  appropriate for the occasion and Pleaseee…don’t do party dress. Wear something you are comfortable in. Corporate/Smart Casuals will do. Your grooming should be spot on!

2. MAKE-UP: Let your makeup be moderate. I have observed lately that people are not applying makeup as appropriate for occasions. You don’t wear party make up for an interview. Whilst I was in my previous Airline, the training we received on grooming was to be mindful while applying our makeup. If the first thing people see is your make up, then it needs to be toned down. Less is much.

2. SMILE: There is so much stress around already; a frown on your face will not help you. A warm smile endears you to even the meanest person. Let it be genuine though, don’t fake it.

4. STAY CALM.Naturally, when you go for interviews, you get a bit nervous. It happens to everybody. No matter how experienced. In fact, anxiety can make you forget even what you know. My advice, don’t go with the “Do or Die attitude.” This will help you stay calm as well. Don’t be anxious.

5. GO EARLY. WELL ONTIME: Getting to your interview venue late can destabilise you. The Aviation industry is a time bound one, so if you are the last  minute person, you may have to search for a job elsewhere. No excuses. The customers have bought their ticket to be transported from point A to B at a certain time.  They are not ready to hear excuses as to why the Flight attendant is unable to arrive on time for the flight. I would advise you make extra time for your trip to the interview centre, most especially with the unpredictable traffic in Lagos. It is always better to arrive earlier than late.

6. BE COURTEOUS: Greet once you enter the interview room. If your wings are spread out due to pride, you may need to clip them. Humility pays…..

7. MIND YOUR MANNERS: Do not sit down until you are asked to take a seat.

8. SIT IN A PROFESSIONAL MANNER: Do not sit as if you are in your living room. Try not to slouch.

9. BE INTERACTIVE AND RESPOND CONFIDENTLY: Try not to say “I have no idea” to any question. Say something. Think through questions quickly. Be bold to request for clarifications if you are unsure. Make your interview session interesting and leave an impression worth remembering…

10. READ ABOUT CURRENT AFFAIRS. They are not just looking for a pretty or handsome face. A combination of beauty and brains matters. How conversant are you with the happenings around the world? I once knew someone who was very ignorant of current Affairs, if you mention Donald Trump’s name, she is likely to ask you; “Who is Trump?” Imagine that level of dumbness. You need to be aware that there are some nice to know information that may not be related to your job.

11. WHENEVER YOU GO FOR INTERVIEW. GO PREPARED. Your Cv is one of the things you take along, full Length photo & copies of passport photographs, original Credentials, if licensed the Original Cabin Crew License. If eventually they don’t require any of these items, you have nothing to lose. But go prepared.

12. READ ABOUT THE AIRLINE: You need to know about the Airline you intend working for. Their name, history, mission statement, Vision and also you should be able to explain how you plan to align your skills and competencies with their Vision.

13. PROVE YOU ARE A POTENTIAL VALUE ADDING STAFF: When asked why you want to work with their Airline, don’t go telling them  is because you love to travel and see the world. Rather, you need to let them know what value you are bringing onboard and how your skills and competencies can help you with this drive. If your only reason is because you love to travel that means you may probably not fit into their vision.

14. TEAM SPIRIT: Crew Members always work in Teams. So your ability to work with others may be tested. Be prepared for group exercise. Make sure you are not passive. You may have a challenge here if you are a lone ranger.

15. ALWAYS PREPARE FOR SURPRISE: Sometimes, interviews may not always turn out the way we envisage. So always be prepared for surprises. What do I mean here? Interview may take an entirely different format. You may be drilled by the interviewers with so many questions than expected. At other times, you may just find yourself being chatted up. I was once in an interview session with our HR and our Chairman. And then came this young chap. He was dressed looking like a pastor. The moment he entered the room and greeted us, my Chairman asked, “Are you a pastor? No Sir, he responded. “So why are you dressed looking like a pastor? My boss further queried. We all laughed. Long story short, he was told to go. The guy was stunned. I am sure he was wondering if he had actually got interviewed. When he left, my boss said. Take him. That was it. He got the job. So be prepared for surprises.

You may be asked questions based on your experiences. You have to be able to give examples to support your claim.

Secondly, be ready to answer random safety related Questions. I suggest is time to flip through your manual.

How about Customer Service? Expect related questions. You should be able to give instances of how you handled Customer Service Related Issues.

Your leadership skill may be tested, to determine how well grounded you are.

Remember your personality sums up your attitude. So let it shine through. In all, show positivity.

If you found these tips helpful, please share with your friends.

best of luck!