By now, you’ve considered the pros and cons of being a flight attendant and have determined the FA Life is definitely for you. The next step is applying with a recruiter. Here are some things you need to know about your application and interview to increase your chances of a new career.
TIME TO APPLY
TAILOR YOUR RESUME
“I can’t tell you how many people apply to be an FA and their resume says their objective is to be an office assistant or CNA – something completely unrelated to the job for which they are applying,” said Alina Cooper, a flight attendant recruiter for CommuteAir (C5). “It’s always obvious when someone is using the same resume for a variety of jobs and it’s a red flag for us. We want applicants who understand the position and really want to do it.”
RELATABLE EXPERIENCE
Demonstrate longevity and stability by leaving out positions you held for less than 6 months (unless they are directly related to the position and then be prepared to explain the circumstances of your departure should you be selected for an interview).
Don’t panic if you’ve never been a flight attendant before, and don’t have airline experience. When describing your positions, focus on transferrable skills that could help you as a flight attendant.
“Being a flight attendant is all about customer service,” Alina explained. “Even if you’ve never worked in aviation, there’s a good chance you’ve already done a great deal of customer service. Safety is really important, too. So think about tasks you’ve completed that ensured the safety of others…lifeguarding, babysitting, following kitchen procedures, or even mopping and using a Caution Wet Floor sign.”
Use clean formatting that is easy to skim. Include key points that state your accomplishments in each position.
APPLY ONLINE
To apply to CommuteAir, the process is pretty simple. Apply on the website at https://www.commuteair.com/careers/.
Follow directions. This is an important one! Read each question and answer it completely – don’t say “See resume”, although you will have an opportunity to upload your resume as part of the application process.
After you’ve submitted your application, wait for a recruiter to contact you. To prepare for that call, spend some more time on the website and learn as much as you can about the company and being a flight attendant.
WHEN THE RECRUITER CALLS: Your Phone Screen
Phone screens are a little like first dates.
“The call is a chance for me to get a feel for the candidate and see if they are a good fit,” Alina said. “I’m looking to see how they converse with a stranger, gauge their level of enthusiasm, and see how they balance professionalism with personality. I want to see how much they know about us, about being a flight attendant, and I want to understand why they want to be one.”
She also recommends that you eliminate distractions during the call. Turn off any background noise or go to a quiet room. If the distraction is unavoidable, schedule a more appropriate time to talk with the recruiter.
“I want to have a candidate’s undivided attention. If there’s a lot going on in the background, or if they have me on speaker phone, it feels like this position isn’t their priority,” she said.
AN INVITATION TO INTERVIEW
CommuteAir’s Flight Attendants are interviewed at Hiring Events. Hiring Events begin promptly and start with a presentation about CommuteAir, followed by practice announcements, and then individual interviews.
If you’ve been invited to attend a hiring event, come prepared to interview! Be sure to bring everything the recruiter requested during your phone screen, including two forms of ID and a printed copy of your resume.
From the moment you enter the room, recruiters are evaluating how well you would represent the airline.
VIDEO INTERVIEWS
Given the circumstances of what’s going on in today’s world we have reverted to video interviews. In the video interview you will be meeting with the recruiter along with a member of the inflight department to have a deeper dive into your experience and get to know you better.
Our interviews are conducted via Microsoft Teams. It is best to get yourself acquainted with Microsoft Teams PRIOR to the interview so that way there is no hiccups or issues that arise the day of the interview. (Believe me, I have seen a lot). I would recommend toying around with the software, looking it up on YouTube, even doing a practice run so that when it comes for the interview you are set up for success.
When it comes time for the actual interview, make sure you are in a room with adequate lighting, silence your phones, and make sure once again you’re dressed for the job you want. Make sure your answers are specifically tailored towards the questions asked, it shows you really took the time to prepare for the interview.
DRESS FOR SUCCESS
“Dress for the job you want,” Alina cautioned. “If you want to be a flight attendant, look the part. You’ll make a much better impression that way.”
“I’ve seen it all. Tight mini skirts, Ugg boots, stilettos, even jeans,” Alina admitted. “None of which are appropriate. You only get one chance to make a first impression. Use your resources. Buy something new, visit a thrift store, borrow something from a friend – whatever it takes to look as professional as possible.”
THE TOUGH QUESTIONS
During your individual interview, use REAL examples. “Don’t just say what you think the recruiters want to hear. We want you to be yourself and be confident – even if you’re nervous inside,” Alina said. “We want to hear direct and complete answers, not vague ramblings or your entire life story. Give us answers relevant to what we asked, with specific examples.”
Sometimes recruiters ask unexpected questions. For example, “What type of cereal are you?”. “There’s no wrong answer,” she continued. “I’m just looking for honesty, reasoning, and how quickly you think on your feet. Plus, it helps me remember individual candidates.
Whatever you do, don’t lie during the interview.
“We do background checks. The fastest way to burn a bridge is to lie and have something you didn’t disclose appear on a background check. I’d rather know up front. You won’t necessarily be penalized for having something in your history if you disclose it during the interview, but we definitely won’t hire you if the background check is the first time we learn of it.”
Three to five days after the hiring event, recruiters will make employment offers. If selected, you’ll learn all about what comes next!
To learn more about becoming a Flight Attendant, visit: https://www.commuteair.com/flight-attendants/.
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