How To Succeed in a Flight Attendant Interview

A career as a flight attendant is very popular and competitive.Airlines often hire flight attendants on a constant basis and you may find yourself dreaming of a job where you can fly from location to location, enjoying the challenges and perks along the way.Interviewing to be a flight attendant can take a long time, as you will likely need to first complete several video questionnaires, and then be interviewed in a group setting.You may be called back to do testing with a smaller group and an in-depth face to face interview after you pass the group interviews.Preparing for the interview by presenting a professional appearance and practicing your response to interview questions is essential to doing well.

Step 1: Sample interview questions can be found based on the airline.

Most airlines have the same interview questions for all applicants, but the airline you are applying to work for may have more specific requirements.You should do an online search for interview questions for the specific airline you are applying to work for and be sure to read online forums of applicants who have gone through the interview process for that airline and succeeded in landing a position.Many airlines will ask the same questions, such as: "Why do you want to join our airline?" and "What are your career goals?"Tell us more about your qualifications for this job.How did you resolve the situation?

Step 2: Write out your answers.

To prepare yourself for the interview, you should write down answers to sample questions.Try to come up with detailed, specific answers to the questions that are genuine.Use real life examples to back up your answers.If you impress the interviewers with your personality and energy, you will stand out from the other applicants.If you answer the question, "tell us about yourself", try to be specific and interesting without being too general.I am a born and bred Californian with a passion for adventure, meeting new people, and surfing on my days off.I volunteer at my local animal shelter and paint and write in my spare time.I was recognized for my excellent customer service skills in my previous job.I like to solve problems and handle stress well when I know my peers and co-workers will support me.For a question such as, "Why should we hire you?", I like having a flexible work schedule and feel this position would be a good fit for me.You can respond with a general note on your skills and qualifications, supported by a specific instance in a previous job or role where you had to demonstrate them.You could say, "I think I would make a great flight attendant because I am passionate about providing excellent customer service and making people feel welcome."I enjoy the challenge of working on my feet and being social with my peers and passengers.In my previous role, my employer would compliment me on my desire to help others and make them feel comfortable, despite high stress levels due to under-staffing or overwhelming client needs, and I think I can apply that drive and passion to this role.

Step 3: Practice answering questions from a partner.

It is one thing to write down your answers and another to be able to respond to them in person.If you want to get better at face to face interviewing, you need the help of a friend, roommate, or partner.While still providing well rounded answers, respond confidently and naturally to these questions.If you are going to respond to sample questions in person, you should have your partner sit at a table and you sit in a chair in front of the table.As you answer the sample questions, this can help you get more comfortable with the interview setting.

Step 4: Business appropriate clothing is not loud or showy.

You don't want your outfit to be too loud, bold, or showy in order to stand out in the interview.Many airlines put a lot of time and effort into their dress code, so if you are interviewing for a flight attendant job, you should wear an outfit that matches the code.Go for a suit in a neutral color, like dark blue or black, instead of bright colors.Women should wear skirts that are no higher than an inch above the knee with pantyhose and low high heels.Men should wear a suit with a shirt and shoes.

Step 5: You have to be well groomed and put together.

To present a clean, fresh professional appearance, be well groomed and put together.For men, that means clean shaven, well groomed hair, and no dangling or heavy jewelery.That means a sleek updo or a low ponytail for women.Simple makeup that includes blush, mascara, and lipstick is what women should wear.Keep your accessories minimal with stud earrings and a small watch, and don't put on any heavy makeup.A simple necklace or scarf is all you need to finish your look.

Step 6: Put your resume and cover letter in one folder.

Your resume, cover letter, and letters of reference should be organized into a single folder so you can present your appearance.If you have to bring other documents to the interview, make sure to put them in the folder.On the day of the interview, you'll be able to cut down on your stress because you won't have to read the papers.

Step 7: Get a good night of sleep.

A good night of sleep the day before an interview can help you mentally and physically prepare for the interview.You should get at least eight to nine hours of sleep if you have an early night in.You will be able to perform at your best during the interview.

Step 8: It's a good idea to show up early for the interview.

Don't be the person who is late for the interview.It's a good idea to be ten to fifteen minutes early for the interview so you can get settled and present a professional look.You should bring a folder of documents with you for the interview, as well as some mints or gum.

Step 9: Talk to the other applicants.

You might be in a waiting room with other applicants waiting for your turn, or you may be interviewing with several other people.To calm your nerves and show your friendly side, chat and be friendly with the other applicants.The ability to interact with other applicants will be an indication of your people skills.Introduce yourself and give the other applicants warm smiles.Ask the other applicants where they flew in and how they heard about the interview.Try to get to know the other applicants by joining existing conversations.Good manners and politeness will likely be noted by the reviewers as you wait.

Step 10: When you meet the interviewers, shake hands and repeat their names.

As soon as you step into the interview setting, be personable.When someone introduces themselves, repeat their name and give a firm handshake.The names of the interviewers will show you have good attention to detail.You need to show off a big smile and a genuine deposition by giving the folder of documents to the interviewers.Try to be yourself and let your personality shine through.

Step 11: Project confidence, warmth, and optimism.

Try to give off warmth and positivity when you answer questions and be assertive but not aggressive.Negative terms like "not", "no" and "never" should not be used.When faced with difficult or challenging questions, you want the reviewers to see that you can show warmth and energy.When you are answering questions, speak slowly and clearly.If you feel you are speaking too fast, take deep breaths.You can break up your speech with smiles and laughter, as you want to show that you can bring joy to the room.If you are in a group interview setting, you should raise your hand to speak and speak up, as you will need to distinguish yourself from the other applicants in the room.You should respectfully listen when the other applicants are speaking and comment on one thing another mentioned when they spoke as a jumping off point for what you are going to say.This will show you are paying attention to what other people are saying and not trying to dominate the conversation.

Step 12: Open body language is important.

Keeping your body positioned towards the interviewer or the person asking you questions, with your hands relaxed by your sides or in your lap and your legs crossed in a calm, relaxed pose is what this means.You should avoid crossing your arms over your chest or head away from the speaker.You should keep an eye on the interviewers as you speak.Don't stare at one person only during the interview, as you want to show you are conscious enough and confident enough to look at the other people in the room as well.

Step 13: End the interview in a friendly manner.

All flight attendants are expected to greet passengers.If you end the interview with a friendly thank you, you can demonstrate that you know how to do this.If you don't hear from the interviewers one week after your interview, you should follow up with them.If you have been offered a position, most airlines will notify you within a week.