The application process for Cabin Crew jobs can be highly competitive, so being well-prepared for your interview will help you stand out from the crowd. Job interviews can be nerve-wracking and some people cope well under pressure better than others.
To help you perform at your best, we have put together a guide that will help you get ready for the big day. The most worrying part of any job interview is not knowing what questions the interview panel might ask, so we’ve also included some example questions to help you practice.
Research
The first stage in your preparation should be research. Read as much as you can about the airline you have been called to interview with. Whether you’re hoping to work for Ryanair, Emirates, easyJet or British Airways, you must have a full understanding of which airport bases they use, which routes they fly, and the types of aircraft they use for commercial flights.
“What do you know about the company”, is a question often asked in interviews, so having a good answer up your sleeve will help you appear prepared and enthusiastic about the airline.
If you have applied through a recruitment agency, they will usually give you all the information you need to prepare for the interview. Always ask if there is something you’re not sure about. Some agencies also offer practice interview sessions, so sign up to one of these if it’s available.
Practice
Practicing interview questions will help you provide clear and concise answers on the day. As you don’t know what the interviewer is going to ask, it is best to practice both questions specific to the role and more general interview questions. Here are some examples to help you.
Would you be willing to relocate for the role?
- This is an opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to the job.
- Explain that you are willing to change your lifestyle.
How do you respond to stressful situations?
- As a cabin crew member, you will have to keep a cool head and not make any rash decisions if any problems arise.
- Explain how you would listen to complaints attentively and offer a reasonable solution.
- Provide an example of how you have dealt with a similar situation in the past.
What languages do you speak?
- Of course many airlines are looking for flight attendants with language skills so make sure you get the chance to flag up your language skills if you have any.
Do you like children?
- Be prepared for this question as cabin crew are often required to assist with children.
- Give examples of experience you have of dealing with children.
Where do you want to be in five years time?
- This is a classic interview question and the interviewer wants to get an idea of whether you will stay with the company if they hire you.
- This is also an opportunity to show some ambition. Make sure your answer is realistic but shows that you want to improve and progress within the company.
What are your strengths?
- Make sure you have around 3 strengths prepared for this question and that they are all related to the role.
- Have examples prepared for all the strengths you want to say that you have.
Why do you want to work for this airline?
- This is where you can show off the research you have done prior to the interview.
- Explain why you want to work for them and not one of their competitors – remember that the interviewer won’t want to train someone and risk losing them to another airline.
It is best to not prepare exact answers to your questions. If you sound like you are reciting learned answers your personality won’t shine through. It is better to make some bullet points for each question and then practice talking about them as naturally as you can. Always try and give examples of how you have demonstrated particular skills when you’re giving an answer.
Cabin Crew interview attire
Make sure you have thought about what you are going to wear before the day. What you wear can make a difference in any job interview and it is especially important for cabin crew. You will be expected to look smart at all times while on duty and representing the airline, so it is important that you look smart for your interview. If you are unsure, it is always better to be overdressed than underdressed and looking sloppy.
Howtbecabincrew.com says that for women, a blazer, shirt, skirt and tights is acceptable attire. Makeup should look natural and professional, Start it with concealer and foundation to even out your skin tone and texture, then add a blush and red or nude lipstick to top it off.
Nails should be of a medium size, and nail polish should be a natural colour. Hair should be placed back into a bun or French twist if it’s longer than your shoulder line. If shorter, make sure you style it as neatly as possible. A fringe should not exceed your eyebrow line.
Wearing a light scarf around your neck can add the ‘air hostess’ touch to your look. Try to avoid wearing jewellery. If you choose to, be sure you wear no more than one ring on each hand, no chains or bracelets.
Earrings should be small, not exceeding the earlobe, stones or pearls. If wearing a watch, it should be small, with a leather or metal strap. Shoes must be stilettos, not very high, just a pair of comfortable ones that are classy, which you cane easily stand and walk in. Do not wear heels higher than 7-8cm. A purse will complete your entire look, so choose one that’s simple, preferably medium sized.
For men, a suit is recommended for your interview. Either navy blue, black or dark grey. The suit should be quality fabric that doesn’t wrinkle easily. Shirt should be white or a light colour, and perfectly ironed. If you wear cufflinks, they are acceptable.
Wear a simple, plain or coloured tie – nothing too out there pattern-wise. Accessories may consist of a black belt, black shoes and black socks. You should be clean shaved for your interview/assessment day, and wearing no other jewellery than your wedding ring, if applicable. An elegant suitcase for your documents would complete the look.
The interview
Make sure you know exactly where you are going and how long it will take you to get there. It is important to leave some extra time in case there are any travel delays on the way. Even if you arrive very early, at least you can sit wait in your car or in a nearby café until the time of your interview, rather than rushing in late.
Aim to show up to the interview itself around 5-10 minutes early. This allows time for you to sign into the building if necessary and shows that you are organised and punctual.
A classic interview tip is to greet your interviewer with a firm handshake. Equally important is to be friendly and confident as you greet them. A smile and asking them how they are will help break the ice.
Make sure you’ve brought along another copy of your CV with you. This means that you can refer to it without stumbling and you can offer it to the interviewer if they haven’t brought a copy.
Questions to ask the interviewer
As the interview is nearing the end, you will usually be asked if you have any questions about the role or the company. It is a good idea to have a handful of questions prepared. This is a great opportunity to ask some insightful questions and prove that you organised and have researched thoroughly.
Take a list of questions into the interview with you. As some of the questions are likely to have been answered naturally in the general conversation during the interview, it is a good idea to have around 10 prepared. This means that you can choose the most relevant when you are asked.
Here are some ideas for the types of questions you could ask:
- How do you measure the progress of staff in this role?
- How much training do you offer your staff?
- What is the potential for promotion in this role?
- How would you describe the company culture?
- Can you give some examples of how previous staff members have progressed from this role?
At the end of the interview
As the interview is coming to a close, remember to ask if there are any next stages in the process and what sort of timescale they are looking at for making their decision. Finally, make sure that you thank the interviewer for their time.
After the interview
Make sure you remember to follow up on the interview. If you have an email address for your interviewer, it is a good idea to thank them again for meeting with you and this is also an opportunity to ask any further questions you might have. Keep this brief and to the point.
If you aren’t successful, always ask for feedback as this will help you prepare for your next interview.
