10 tips for aspiring cabin crew

The cabin crew job is very much dreamed of by many but in reality it is quite difficult to achieve. In the meantime, there are ways to improve one’s chances of landing their dream job. Here we look at 10 tips for anyone aspiring to be an airline cabin crew.

10/10 Understand the role

Probably the most important tip of all is to really understand what the job is all about. There are many preconceived ideas and assumptions about cabin crew that are simply not true. Most people just see the uniform, the glamour, the world travel and the onboard service. This can lead to frustration and some people drop out during training when they realize it’s hard work, long hours and you have to train to deal with emergencies. Safety is our first priority, followed by passenger well-being.

9/10 Learn about the application process

It is important that you read the application carefully and make sure that you are sending the correct information that the airline wants. The requirements are long and if you do not meet them at the first stage, the application will be rejected immediately.

8/10 Find out the assessment day

Try to find out in advance how the assessment days work and read all the instructions thoroughly. Talk to other candidates if possible and find out about their experience on the day and what to expect. Prepare well and leave nothing to chance.

7/10 Research, research and research

Once you’re sure it’s the right job for you, research the airline you’ve applied to and learn as much as you can. History of the airline, how many cabin crew they have, what types of aircraft and what destinations they fly to. The hiring manager will want to know that you took the time to find such information.

6/10 Practice interview questions

Cabin crew interviews can be quite difficult, so it’s good to know what questions might be asked. These are usually based on customer service and personal experience, so it’s a good idea to practice some answers beforehand. Recruiters will be looking to see if you have the right personality and qualities to be cabin crew.

5/10 Dress the part

When you attend any appraisal or open house, be sure to dress the part and look like you’re already cabin crew. Wear business attire, look professional and well-groomed, and even copy the look of the airline you’re going to. Recruiters will keep a close eye on whether you meet their performance requirements.

4/10 Understand that this is a way of life

When you join an airline, you basically give your life to it and live life through your work. You are a representative of the company and must maintain high standards at all times. You will work long hours at all times of the day and night, with no set schedule. You’ll end up missing family events and occasions and sometimes even friends and family won’t know, but you get used to it and most cabin crew members wouldn’t change their lifestyle.

3/10 The competition is fierce

Emirates alone receives an average of 15,000 applications for cabin crew each month. In one recruitment campaign for another airline, completed over six months, 75,000 cabin crew applications were received. Of these, 8,000 candidates were invited to assessment days. After the final stages of interviews, 120 new crews were accepted for training. During training, you will lose another 10% due to performance issues or because they did not understand the role.

2/10 The airline “fits”

Many applicants choose only one airline and are disappointed when they fail. It’s rare to get the first choice airline the first time. It is important to apply to several airlines and find the right airline that suits you, not the other way around.

1/10 After failure, keep trying

Rejection can be heartbreaking, but in the airline world, it’s something you learn from. It might just not be the right airline or the wrong time. As mentioned earlier, competition is fierce and finding the right airline can be problematic. Once you’ve applied to an airline, you usually can’t reapply for another six months, so it’s always worth keeping your applications on a rotating basis until you find the right cabin crew job.