Question:

I recently applied online for a flight attendant position. Can you please tell me what I can expect if I am called for an interview? Thank you.


Answer:

Iniiital Contact

After you apply online for a flight attendant job, you may be contacted for an initial "screening."In recent years, flight attendant recruiters have been adapting to advances in technology. Many companies now use Skype or other video conferencing platforms to conduct initial long-distance interviewing. Those not employing video may use telephone interviews to screen potential applicants. After the initial screening process, recruiters will then often invite potential applicants to a live interview. These interviews are called face-to-face (F2F), follow-up, one-on-one, two-on-one or panel interviews. Oftentimes video or written testing is also employed, depending upon the airline.

The Return Interview

Your return interview can be a "follow-up," after an open house interview or Skype interview, or the second or third in a series of individual interviews. Getting called for a "second (or third) look" is a very positive sign; you are being given serious consideration for the position. You should have a great deal of confidence when preparing for your return interview. You have passed the most difficult part of the hiring process. You have been singled out from a pool of several hundred applicants and you know that they like you. Now it is your job to assure them that they have made the right decision by inviting you back.
 
One-on-One or F2F

This is the most common type of interview. Depending on the airline, it could be your first or last interview; in some cases, a one-on-one may be the only type of interview you have to experience.

Two-on-One or Panel Interview

During a two-on-one (or panel) interview, you will have to direct your attention to two people rather than one. The two-on- one interview may take place the same day as an open house interview; however, it could take place at a later date. During a two-on-one, you will be asked more specific questions than at an open interview (assuming you attend one), and it will generally take a great deal longer; some two-on-one's can last up to 3 hours!

IMPORTANT: Members should review the Interview Preparation and Interview Questions sections before attending a one-on-one, panel or return interview. AirlineCareer.com also offers a Kindle eBook on how to answer specific interview questions. Click here for more info.

Video Tests

Oftentimes, during a F2F, one-on-one, two-on-one, or group interview, you will be required to take a video test. Typically, several vignettes are shown on videotape that feature flight attendants who are forced to handle difficult in-flight situations (e.g., deal with disruptive passengers, endure medical emergencies, etc.). Your job, after watching each clip, is to critique the way each flight attendant handles the particular situation. If you are in a group environment, group discussion will be permitted followed by a group critique. Obviously, if you watch the video alone, you will need to respond using your own judgment. If you have a solid understanding of the duties and responsibilities of a flight attendant, along with the specific desirable qualities of a flight attendant, these types of tests should be fairly easy to handle.

Written Tests

At some airlines, during your first or second interview, you can expect to take a series of aptitude tests. Some of these are very similar to the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). You could be tested on a variety of subjects, including basic math, reading comprehension, spelling, and analogies. Many of the tests are timed. If you have had a great deal of success on standardized tests, you should not worry. On the other hand, if these types of tests tend to trouble you, you should pick up an aptitude test preparation guide (or comparable computer program) for assistance. Beyond aptitude tests, you might also be given motor skills and/or psychological tests.

Good luck!

  

Who's Hiring Flight Attendants?
 
This is a current listing from our website of just a few of the 39 airlines now hiring flight attendants or Inflight Managers. Note: Specific Open House Interviews and Invitation Only Interview locations, dates and airline links are now published and updated on the AirlineCareer.com homepage.

The following airlines are conducting upcoming Flight Attendant Open House Interview(s) in Apri/May, 2014 or are accepting online applications and/or resumes for flight atflight attendant or inflight management positions.

Airlines with asterisks (*) have posted Open House Interview dates.
New listings are as of this week.
 
Want specific dates and locations? Become a member of AirlineCareer.com right now and gain access to the complete 'Who's Hiring' chart on the Members' home page. Expanded information includes dates, locations, interview addresses and reporting times along with other important information. We have recently added five international airlines to our database including those listed below. Multi-national carriers hire flight attendants from most countries.