Question:

Could you please explain what a "scenario" type interview question is and how to answer this type of question. Thank-you.

Answer:

In this part of our interviewing techniques series, we continue our discussion of interviewing techniques. In the last issue, we discussed the technicalities of answering behavioral type questions and presented three examples. In this issue,we will discuss scenario type questions and recommended answers.
 
Most of the scenario questions will put you in a situation on an airplane where a passenger has a problem. Here are a few of the more common scenario questions being asked at interviews with our recommended answers.

Question 1: A passenger in the coach cabin says he noticed that the passengers in the first-class cabin were given newspapers and he would like one too.
 
Answer: You should explain to the passenger that one of the amenities offered to first class passengers is a complimentary newspaper and that in reality they are paying for that paper because of the increased ticket price. You should also say that you will do your best to accommodate him by finding a newspaper for him, perhaps from someone in the coach cabin that is finished reading their copy.

Question 2: A woman changes her infant's diaper during the meal service and asks that you dispose of the dirty diaper for her.
 
Answer: You should advise the passenger that you would be happy to dispose of the diaper at the conclusion of the meal service. You could also recommend that the passenger dispose of the diaper herself in the lavatory. In either case, you should recommend that she put the diaper inside an airsickness bag prior to disposal.

Question 3: A man is making a business call on the in-flight telephone. He complains to you that he can't hear because the baby next to him won't stop crying.
 
Answer: If the flight is not completely full, you should ask the passenger if he would like to change seats and relocate to a quieter location. If he is not willing to move, you could also ask the person with the baby if she would mind moving. If it is a full flight, you might consider having one of them trade seats with another passenger. If all else fails, you could ask the passenger with the baby to temporarily leave the man alone so he could make his call, perhaps walking the baby up and down the aisle.
 
These are just a few examples of scenario questions that you may encounter in an interview. For additional scenario questions (and answers), review our Interview Questions database of over 60 questions in the Application Center (members only).

Email your questions to: asktherecruiter@airlinecareer.com 

  

Who's Hiring Flight Attendants?
 
This is a current listing from our website of just a few of the 35 airlines now hiring flight attendants or Inflight Managers. Note: If you are an AirlineCareer.com member, you will receive this information before it is published in the ezine.

The following airlines are conducting upcoming Flight Attendant Open House Interview(s) in June/July 2013 or are accepting online applications and/or resumes for flight 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.