AUGUST CABIN CREW CAREER ADVICES
By Mihaela Moise, former QR Cabin Services Director
I would like to start this article by thanking you all for the interest you show to our site. We are more than happy to answer your questions and hope my advices will help you a lot get the cabin crew job.
Alex A. sent us the following message: “Hello. I am in a good shape, athletic one, however I do suffer of scoliosis. It is not visible, but if the aviation doctor would carry an X-ray, for sure will notice it. Is it going to affect my career as a future cabin crew? What about the face sun burn signs?”
Let’s clarify your problems: If the scoliosis is not visible, that you could be hired by any airline. However, don’t forget that the flight attendant job includes a lot of physical effort: pushing full meal carts topped with alcohol bottles (30-40 kgs), bending lots of time to bring out the meal trays when distributing and collecting them. If you are “lucky” and have to be a galley operator, taking care of the aircraft kitchen, then the physical effort will be even more: you will have to pull metallic containers (20-30 kgs), move lots of boxes with juices and water to make space for other items and do all these fast. Plus don’t forget that in case you are responsible of an aircraft door, you will be the one opening and closing it, which will also put some pressure on your spine. You will always have to be aware of your body posture, to bend and stand in a correct position. During my flying experience I met lot of crew developing in time a spine problem, so I advise you to think twice before applying for this job and if you get selected, bend your knees, lower your body weight and than stand up keeping your spine straight. Never bend from your waist! Regarding the sun burn signs, it can be covered with a bit of foundation and will not be a big issue.
From Kenya, Nduta S. sent in a nice message expressing her passion about being a cabin crew. She also wanted to know how a CV should look like. I do not have work experience, since I am set to complete my university studies coming December. I will really appreciate your response.”
Thank you Nduta for trusting us and for addressing your concerns to me. I am happy to assist you in this process, to settle your future career. It is a very wise choice to finish your university degree and then to apply for the cabin crew position (don’t forget to mention it on your CV). This will help you in your future career within Qatar Airways or any other airline. First of all for this kind of job, you have to be a genuine friendly, smiley and positive person. Passengers want to have on board self-confident and friendly staff, more than any type of food that are going to eat. It will be very helpful for you to have some experience in the “customer service” area, in order to have an idea about working in the field. For example: in the hotel, as a receptionist, waiter in the restaurant, or in customers’ complaints area, etc. You need to specify in your resume, on ”work experience” field that you have worked, even part time, in one of those positions or others similar. This work experience will help you a lot during the interview when you will be required to play a group game with a scenario about ”how to deal with difficult customer and /or with a difficult situation”. Because in the real life you will deal with different kind of situations and different people, it will be easy to come up with several solutions. Also your skills should be mentioned in your CV: personal skills, social skills, language skills, computer skills, etc. I hope I have gave you some hints how to build your CV. Even if you do not have work experience, you can mention that during your University courses you have worked part time for a restaurant or as volunteer in different projects or any other experience. You can also build your CV and sent it to us for checkup.
Kiran P. is also concerned if “it is possible to apply in Belgium while i am living in Poland. And if yes what i have to do for that.”
Kiran, yes, you may apply from another country since you are willing to travel on your own expenses. Have you applied on line for this position? Have they invited you for the interview in this country or is an Opened Day, where you can go without an invitation? If yes, then do not forget your ID (passport or ID card). You have to bring with you your CV, the 2 photos (passport size and full body), to be dressed in business attire (wearing a tie) and be aware of your grooming. Good luck and please keep us updated.
Darya N. from Lithuania wanted to know if she can resign before starting the training “if I pass the final interview and I am relocated but I don’t like the place? Do I have to pay the company? What if later on I reapply if I leave on personal grounds?”
Well, you can always resign. Regarding the consequences, these are depending on each company. Before you will start the training you will sign a contract where you will see the conditions. Some of the airlines are asking the crew who are living earlier than 2 years to pay back the training costs. Or the company is deducting each month from your salary a certain amount for 2 years in order to recover the training expenses. If you resign before training or during the training for no strong reason, I am afraid you will not be accepted again. But believe me there were very few people who resigned at the very beginning. If you are a very motivated person you will enjoy this job. I said many times I will resign and I was able to resign only after 10 years. I wish you all the best!
From the far away Australia, Caitlin, a 16 years old young lady expressed her desire of working as Cabin Crew. “What should I do before that, until finishing High School?”
J I am glad to hear that you already know what you want to do in your future. To be eligible to apply for this job you have to be 18 or 21 years old (some airline are having this minimum age). You do not have to do anything else than to study, especially the languages. More languages you know (beside English) better it will be for your future career and it will help you to interact with people on board or traveling around the world. My advice for you and for all the young gentlemen and ladies is: Please graduate your high schools and after that the university. You will have time after being 21, 22 even 23 years old to apply for this job. I am advising you this because during your flight attendant career you will be promoted as Performance Officer and even Performance Manger or Instructor, Recruiter and you do not want to miss those opportunities because you have not finished your studies. Enjoy your summer vacation!
Ady has already “attended twice a Qatar interview and both times I reached the Final Interview. However one week later got negative answers. Should I try one more time?
I am sorry to hear this but I am glad to hear that you have not given up. I am very proud of you! You can apply as many times you want. I am sure the third time it will be your lucky time.
If you have any questions regarding the interview, our team will be happy to assist you during our workshops or private one-on-one coaching. I wish you a very good luck!
Gizele K., originally from Brazil but leaving in the UK had a question regarding British Airways: “If my height is 1,57m but can’t reach with my fist 2,01 m, should I still apply?”
Well, in this situation I am afraid you are not matching the company’s requirement regarding the physical condition from this point of view. The reason is you will not be able to open/ close the over bins. If you still want to try, do some yoga stretch before you can go for the interview. You never know!
Delia V. would like to have a short term contract and was asking about the “airlines offering 1 year contract or less, as I will have to get back to Romania to finish my studies.”
Most of the European airlines are offering temporary contract, from 6 months to 1 year. I advise you to apply for the low cost or charter airlines.
Tia is a former Singapore Airline cabin crew who is concerned about “having any chance to get hired by any other airline as I am already 40 years old?”
Tia, why don’t you try to apply for Qatar Airways and I am sure other airlines will be interested on your experience. Singaporean Airline is very famous for their services and grooming. All the best!
Laura heard about a situation and was eager to clarify it with us. “What is happening when a cabin crew is hurting by mistake another crew during the service? Is the crew going to get a warning letter or termination letter?”
If it happened by mistake, s/he will not get any of the letters you have mentioned. However the crew will be given a verbal warning to pay more attention in the future. I have a feeling you are working for Qatar Airways so if this is the case, the flight attendant file will be updated and if is happening again, a warning letter might be issued. Poor or irresponsible performance will not be accepted.