So you want to be a flight attendant?

Posted on 23/03/2015 by Jess O'Connor

Working at 30,000 feet, meeting people from different cultures, travelling the world… in many ways, a career as a flight attendant really is living the dream!

However, like all dreams, becoming a successful flight attendant takes hard work, commitment and dedication.

Many people turn up to interviews underprepared and can be rejected before their dream has even started. We don’t want that to happen to you!

We know how hard it can be to get a foot in the door of this competitive industry, so we asked Cynthia, a long-haul flight attendant with Air New Zealand, for some insider tips.

Do your research

According to Cynthia, you will put yourself in a much better position if you thoroughly research the airline you are applying with.

“Know how long they have been in business, who is their CEO, what destinations they fly to, what type of aircraft they fly and what sort of applicant they are looking for,” says Cynthia.

The best place to start is the airline’s website. Most international airlines will have a dedicated recruitment section, where they will answer many frequently asked questions.

Here are a few useful sites to get you started:

Becoming a Flight Attendant with Air New Zealand
Jetstar Careers
Qantas Careers

It is also a good idea to try to connect with a flight attendant. Perhaps you know of a family friend or acquaintance currently working in the industry? Take them for a coffee and pick their brains.

Be immaculately groomed

Cynthia also advises budding flight attendants to pay careful attention to their appearance. Many airlines have strict rules about grooming and require their staff to be immaculately presented at all times.

It’s important you turn up to the interview looking sharp!

For girls, this means clean trimmed nails, hair pulled back in a bun and clean, light make-up, no visible tattoos, light spray of fragrance, clean, unscuffed shoes, clothes that fit well (i.e. not too tight) and a winning smile.

For boys, Cynthia also advises clean trimmed nails, clean tidy hair, no visible tattoos and clean un-scuffed shoes, in addition to being clean shaven with a light spray of aftershave and of course, a winning smile.

Practice and prepare

All in all, the best way you can improve your chances of having a successful interview is to practice and prepare.

The International Travel College (ITC) can help you in your preparations. We are hosting a Flight Attendant Recruitment Workshop on Saturday 11 July for budding flight attendants.

This fast-paced and practical one-day workshop will teach you all you need to know about applying for a job in this competitive industry.

Written by former Air New Zealand employee Mel Fey, the Recruitment Workshop is designed to test your skills and experience.

“There’s a few surprises in there. We actually put the students through the recruitment steps, so they learn by being in that interview situation, which gives them more confidence because they are more informed about what to expect,” says Mel.

“Practice makes perfect!”

To make the most of this amazing opportunity and reserve your seat, email schools@itc.co.nz or book your ticket here.

We look forward to helping you achieve your dreams!

Posted in News | Tagged career tips, flight attendant recruitment workshop, flight attendant training |