How to run a Cabin Crew Job Search

You know that it's the job for you. You've done all the reading, and you understand that working as a flight attendant isn't all glamour and excitement. You know there's hard work and commitment involved, and that the money - well, no one becomes a cabin crew to get rich, after all. It doesn't matter - you've got your mind made up, and you're about to embark on a flight attendant job search. Here are some tips on conducting a flight attendant job search that will help you find the jobs that you want to apply for. 

1. The major airlines are only 10% of the field for yourflight attendant job search. 

There are over 60 small and mid-size airlines in the United States - over 80 if you add Canadian based airlines as well and thousands other around the world. While the major airlines have cut back on hiring and have even furloughed flight attendants since 2001, the small airlines are thriving. If you're looking to work with fractional operators and charter services, the flight attendant job search possibilities are even broader. The jobs are out there - you just need to expand the scope of your job search beyond the Big Six. 

2. Don't overlook traditional job hunt methods in yourflight attendant job search. 

Yes, they do advertise in the local paper's help wanted sections. You'll also find recruitment ads for the airlines in industry publications, so if you're serious about finding a job as a flight attendant, get yourself subscribed to aviation newsletters and magazines. 

3. Harness the power of the Internet to get your flight attendant job search into high gear. 

Do check!!!  You'll find listings for flight attendant open houses and job openings on Monster, HotJobs! and other Internet job sites. You'll also find listings for flight attendant job opportunities on some of the major newspaper's want ad pages. 

But don't stop with the job listings on the job search engines. Because aviation is so industry specific, you'll find the biggest concentrations of job openings and listings on aviation industry specific sites. A simple search for 'flight attendant jobs' will pull up several job search sites specifically for those in aviation. Check them out carefully and join one or two. Even better, find a discussion forum for flight attendants and join that. You can post questions, read information from working flight attendants and keep your eyes peeled for announcements of open houses. 

4. Apply on the company web site. 

Many airlines now have a link for you to upload your resume when you're doing a flight attendant job search. While they may not be hiring when you check, enter your information anyway so that they can send you an invitation when they do mass job interviews and informational meetings in your area. 

5. Networking is still the number one way to find a job. 

Like any other job, it's often who you know that gets your foot in the door in a flight attendant job search. Let people know you're looking - let everyone know you're looking. You might never know that your great Aunt Lucy's next door neighbor's daughter is aflight attendant if you don't mention that you're looking for a job  working for an airline - but it just might be your ticket into the industry. 

Whatever you do, do treat your flight attendant job search seriously. Look at the ads daily, and be sure to have a professional resume and a great cover letter ready to send out to any job openings that you find.

To be continued...

Smith out

Emirates accuses Transport Canada

In July 2009 the Toronto Star carried a report about the views Transport Canada has about Emirates Airline and the Emirates response which states that the department is making "slanderous" allegations. This story is being discussed in an aviation forum on Airliners.net. The Financial Post reported Emirates CEO Tim Clark as saying the the Canadian government's approach was "ludicrous" and "protectionism of the worst kind." The Star carried an earlier report about lobbying by Emirates on 28 February 2009.

My read of the situation is that my Canadian counterparts are grappling with one of the more fundamental aeropolitical dilemmas of the last decade - how should governments (it is governments that exchange the air rights on a reciprocal basis) respond the spectacular rise of airlines from the Gulf region? They are not alone.

The home countries of the Gulf carriers are putting together an impressive number of air services arrangements that the carriers can utilise, taking advantage of their geographic location between Europe, Asia and Africa, to exploit the sixth freedom opportunities that as a consequence become available.

Many of these Gulf carriers seem intent on gaining global market share at the expense of profitability, although financial information is simply not disclosed by airlines such as Qatar Airways and Etihad. Not having to pay tax and enjoying some of the cheapest landing fees in the world at their home airports no doubt helps, as does the fact that reciprocal rights for other airlines to serve the Gulf region are often of limited value.

Slam on Singapore Airlines Crew

Hi all,

I just have to confess something, otherwise I might do something bad to anyone that comes my way. Not so long ago I went on trip to JNB (Johannesburg - for the unfamiliar ones). Heavy load, difficult pax, long block time, quite risky destination (much like LOS - not Los Angeles, but Lagos, Nigeria). I held myself together thinking constantly of a nice dry glass of south african wine, one of those from the southern valleys - drooling -  The flight went better than I expected to go, the crew kept on joking around and having fun so time just flew faster than us. We finally parked the aircraft after spending another precious 45' taxiing - I was still drooling for my fav wine- disarmed doors, hide all our cabin trolleys, coz in Jo'burg theft is at it's highest peak, disembarked every living soul and headed to our "5*" luxury hotel somewhere far, far away from downtown, where safety seems comprehensive compared to prev. mentioned. We've all got our "chambres" following the strict chain of command, unlike Europe, where LADIES GO FIRST!!! As I mentioned, putting aside the lack of common sense and international social values, my crew was GREAT! Super fellas to hang with, funny, open minded and wine lovers - my favorite characteristic- .

I don't want to seem like a heavy drinker, but I told you, I was going thru a desire kinda' feeling for that hrrrrrr wine.

So we decided to meet in the hotel provided Crew Lounge, a nice suite, designed to accommodate even the grumpiest of any species. All good and done! Before heading to the suite we all went to Nelson Mandela Square supermarket, where everyone could find any kind of liquors, wines, brandies to satisfy their needs. I was truly impressed by the huge selection on the Wines department and I chose not less than 5 bottles, more than enough for the 3 days to spend there. After getting the drinks, the nuts and the snacks, we found ourselves rushing to the spacious accommodating suite, where by the way, the couch was hugging you literary!

When we entered the Lounge, we were surprised (they were a bit rejective, although on the entrance door was clearly written "Exclusive for "my airline") to find another set of crew lazing around and after a short conversation we learned that they're SIA F/A. Nothing wrong with that! A bit wrong was that they were smoking a "weedy smelling" kind of cigarettes in a designated NO SMOKING area. We passed over that issue as well, and we quietly and gently placed our drinks in the chiller and then passed in the other room (the lounge was a three rooms suite). After spending quality time with my friends I went to get a second bottle of wine from the pantry and SHOCK!!!!! They (SIA Elite) were comfortably serving our drinks (one of them being a 21 years aged single malt Glenfiddich Scotch - which in South Africa costs a bit of a fortune). I stood there still stunned, the previous bottle that I've served having no visible effect on my behavior. I couldn't believe my eyes!!! The rage was growing into me like a freaking volcano! It wasn't about the drinks! It wasn't about the money! It wasn't even the name: Glenfiddich! It was much more than that! It was the mannerism! The sneaky way they did it! I swear that should they asked us, we'd have had nothing against sharing! The things that followed don't worth posting, but since that day I stopped looking up to THEM....:(  It all ended up in disappointment..

I joined the rest of the crew after a few minutes of hard talk and the wine testing kept going on for hours! Nothing could spoil the mood of a great group! It's like flying, you make the flight or you break the flight!

What do you guys think? Post a comment to share your opinions.

Business kids

Hi everyone! Quick question! How do you manage and keep your temper down when you are surrounded in the Business Class cabin by a very loud, crazy, freaky bunch of kids. Don't misunderstand me, I love kids and I am anxious for the moment when I'll have my own elite team, but for the moment I please my fatherly feelings playing around with my friend's pupils. So, tonight I had a short 2h30min flight, somewhere in the Far East, a cabin filled with holiday makers, and a heavy 30 seater J/C filled up with rich, spoiled and nasty lebanese kids. The oldest of them wasn't more than 9. Have you had any idea that lebanese kids can be more demanding, more rude (in a cute way), more clever and also better english speakers than their beloved parents? However, it was cute when one of them read on the menu and ordered a screwdriver, thinking that I'm gonna provide him with the tool. Instead, although I thought for a moment to get them all drunk and sleepy, I was a bit afraid of the legal consequences so I had to politely deny his quest for drinking and instead I gave him the almighty OJ!

I suppose the way to deal with them was to look into their big, round, naughty, yet innocent blue eyes and hope that the best is still to come. Surely that's it!

 It was a great experience and .... gotta go now!

Johnny Smith out!

Laviators - explained-

Like a bad case of indigestion, hopefully this fad has passed, but in March Gadling’s Heather Poole uncovered what she called the “hottest trend on the airplane since the mile high club“: airplane passengers taking self-portraits in the lavatories.

On a subsequent post Heather Poole referred to these photographers as members of the “laviators club” and posted a second slideshow of this emerging sub-genre of the self-portrait.

But is it a trend? Or is it just bored airplane passengers looking for entertainment having already finished reading the in-flight catalog and the duty free magazine?

For those of you who have absolutely no idea what this is LAVIATORS all about, read Heather's  Galley Gossip post, the hottest trend on the airplane since the mile high club, as well as what MSNBC recently wrote, The New Mile High Club is "G" Rated . And then, next time you fly, don't forget to pack a camera in a carry-on bag and whatever you do, don't be afraid to get creative! Need a few photography tips before you slide the camera into the pocket and make a move to the lav? Check out what our very own Gadling photography expert, Karen Walrond, suggests when it comes to taking a self portrait.

Swine Flu (N1H1) and what the Crew must know about it

What is it?

Swine flu is a viral infection that is typically only passed between pigs. A newly-identified A strain (H1N1) of this virus is reported to pass from person to person. The first cases were reported in Mexico, and, at the time of this writing (April 27), cases have now been confirmed in the US, Canada, and Mexico with potential cases reported in Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Spain. It is likely to spread rapidly with global travel.

Is it fatal?

Some experts have suggested that this flu strain is highly transmissible but not as serious as avian flu, for example. It may be too early to know. To date, fatalities have been reported in Mexico, but not elsewhere.

How do I know if I am infected?

Symptoms of infection include fever greater than 100.4°F [>38.0°C], cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Diarrhea and vomiting have also been associated with swine flu. If you develop these symptoms, immediately contact your primary care physician or an infectious disease specialist, and seek emergency care if needed. If you would like further information or assistance, contact your AFA Employee Assistance Program representative.

How can I protect myself?

Some countries have issued travel advisories, recommending that citizens not visit affected areas of the US, Mexico, China, Japan, and Hong Kong. The US has recommended against non-essential travel to Mexico. The protective measures outlined in this bulletin are especially important for our members who are based in affected areas, must work on flights to or from affected areas, or must work on flights connecting to those areas.

Wherever you fly, wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or alcohol wipes, particularly before eating. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. (Germs spread that way.)

If you have cuts or open sores on your hands, you should wear gloves. This will prevent you from getting infected. However, you must still remember to not touch your face when wearing gloves and to wash your hands after you take your gloves off. If your gloves get torn, remove the old gloves, wash your hands, and put on a new pair. If passengers or crew cough or sneeze while onboard, they should do so into their elbow or shoulder and wash their hands afterwards.

If you observe that a passenger has flu-like symptoms, encourage them to wear a face mask* if available and isolate them from other passengers, to the extent possible.

When you are in contact with a potentially-infected passenger, AFA recommends that you wear a face mask, gloves, and eye protection. AFA is urging the airlines and the FAA to require that such protective equipment be provided.

If you are pregnant, you are at increased risk of influenza-related complications and your immunity can be suppressed. It is especially important for you to avoid exposure.

Avoid close contact with people and with potentially infected surfaces, to the extent possible.

Encourage your airline and pilots to turn up the air packs to "high" whenever possible, especially during ground operations when risk of infection is highest because people are active and in closer contact with each other when stowing bags. Maximizing the airflow to the cabin can reduce your risk of exposure to airborne viruses.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you stay home if you have flu-like symptoms, especially if you live in an area where swine flu infections have been reported. This is to protect you and to control the spread of disease. AFA is writing to its member airlines and the FAA to urge them to suspend airline policies that discourage flight attendants from calling in sick in light of this CDC recommendation and emerging pandemic.

What else is AFA doing?

In response to the US Health and Human Services declaration that Swine Influenza has created a public health emergency nationwide, AFA has formally requested that the Federal Aviation Administration issue an emergency order requiring the airlines to:

1. Provide non-latex gloves and appropriate masks* to flight attendants, at least on trips to, from, and within areas that are at increased risk. Allow flight attendants to choose whether or not they wear these gloves/masks. At the very least, allow flight attendants to wear their own gloves/masks, without discipline;

2. Ensure that aircraft are equipped with proper and sufficient hand washing materials, and emphasize the importance of regular and thorough hand washing, and not touching one's face, to crew and passengers.

3. Develop, implement, and enforce passenger-screening as recommended by the WHO, CDC, or the relevant national health officials.

4. Tell flight attendants what steps to take if a passenger shows symptoms.

Are you a wannabe? Feeling like joining Emirates? There you go!

Surfing around I realized that many people are interested in joining an airline, however, they didn't manage to find out any Insight reviews from actual cabin crew, or, if found these are vague and imprecise, people being to bored or lazy (why not) to actually give them explicit details. On this post I'll try to answer some of those questions and maybe to give those answers a positive, personal touch. I’ll try to give a detailed timetable of how you could get a job working for Emirates, but that is only based on my knowledge and my friends experiences. There are probably other ways to join the team, but I’ll explain the most common one, the one that applies to any wannabees out there. 

Ok, the first questions you ask yourself BEFORE joining ANY airline company, targeting a Cabin Crew/flight attendant job are :

• Is it really want I want to do?
• Am I able to spend hours straight with make-up, shoes and customers to please in an aircraft ?
• Will I be able to adapt and to live in a foreign country (especially in Arabia) or not ?
• Being on the move 24/7, regardless of holidays, birthdays, mother's day  bothers me ?
• Does a strict/standard driven atmosphere bores you already ?
• D you find complicated/ unacceptable to wear an uniform ?
• Always smiling doesn’t represent you ?
• You like working in a team ?
• You like meeting new people every day ?
• You like moving around ?
• You like the customer service industry ?
• You like satisfying others might it be colleagues or customers ?
• You like learning new cultures ?
• You speak TWO languages ?

Those aren’t the only questions but if the answer is yes to all of those, then you have the kind of profile most of airline companies are looking for.

Ok, so we’ve been through the first screening, or “self-screening”. Many screenings are to come in the future of your application with Emirates. The next step is to apply for an Open Day/Assessment Day with the airline. Those Open Days are regurlarly held in major cities where Emirates operates. Held around twice a year depending on the country, this can vary and I won’t be able to give you any information towards that. Now that you’re ok with the pros & cons of being a flight attendant / Stewardess / Cabin Crew you can start applying online.

Go to http://www.emiratesgroupcareers.com and look for the box in which a link is named “Register your interest here if there are no suitable vacancies”. Read the whole pages, they will give you basic information on working with them, living in Dubai etc etc. You’ll also have to comply with those requirements :

• Minimum age 21 years at the time of application.
• Minimum arm reach of 212 cms (on tip toes), which will enable you to reach emergency equipment on all aircraft types.
• Educated to at least high school standard.
• Medically fit to meet aircrew requirements.
• Fluent in written and spoken English (fluency in another language is an asset).
• Previous experience in the service/hospitality industry is an advantage.
• Finally, you will be the sort of person who has the natural ability to provide excellent service within a team environment.

Then click the given link (Click “register”), and you’ll be taken to the online application form… You’ll have to create a Cabin Crew Application that they’ll refer to until you are actually successful to join. Fill in every single thing they ask (red star next to a field means it is required information). It will take you quite some time. Never close the window until you’ve completed the whole form or you’re information won’t be saved.

After you’ve completed the form you’ll receive a automatic confirmation email with your reference number, password and what have you… The waiting begins here. Hold on because Emirates will take your patience to the limits, and that is just the beginning. If you fit in what they are looking for they will send you an invitation to a Open/Assessment Day nearest to your home. You’ll be given a date, time & place. Usually a conference center or hotel with conference rooms near a international airport.

For the Open Day you will need to bring along with you :

• Updated CV (Curriculum Vitae) > Now, on the CV, make it clear and un-cluttered, if you’ve had any previous customer service experience then this is a very good idea to have at the top of your resume. Remember, if you haven’t got any previous customer service experience it is not a problem, you’ll probably strike them with something else ! If they think they can train you in customer service they WILL DO IT !
• 6 Passport Size Photographs > business attire, neatly groomed, looking gorgeous, no scarfs, light make-up for women, non for men ! and most importantly SMILE (even french citizens should smile on those Passport photos). A genuine smile will make the difference when your file is in that pile.
• 2 Full Sized (10×15 cm) Photographs in Business Attire > Suit, white shirt, tie and shoes for men / Knee length skirt or dress with skin coloured stockings (no scarf) for women. Those photographs will be presented a round table of judges back in Dubai as per the recruitment officer I had, so keep SMILING, give the best of you !
• 2 casual Full Sized (10×15 cm) Photographs > those photos must be of you in a natural setting, casually dressed, not smoking nor drinking. Alone is best, if you haven’t got any alone, then ones where the recruitment officer can recognize you.
• Photocopy of your Passport
• Photocopies of School Certificates
• PENS and I’m not joking.

That’s all you’ll need to bring. Get ready for those days, as they’ll be testing your patience, nerves and your will of becoming a Cabin Crew.

2 or 3 days before the actual day, gather everything you need in a safe place, so you don’t have to run around and search for that piece of paper. Get your hair cut if needed. You’ll also need to know where you’ll be going on the day, where the hotel is situated, how long it takes to get there etc etc. You don’t want to arrive late ot not at all after all this prep !

On the day. Wake nice and early. EAT EAT EAT your breakfast ! Have a hella good shower, don’t forget to bring nibbles/sandwich with you and a bottle of any kind of soft you want : you’ll thank me later. Get ready for a very long day. Then jet off to the given location. I suggest you get there 30-45 minutes earlier (say 8.30 am) in order to get in line with the first attendees. You’ll then be in the first group and will be able to leave earlier that day…etc…

If you haven’t had your coffee yet, it’s time. Mind you 4 star hotels aren’t cheap, and that’s where the Open Day will be held. You’ll notice when you have that expensive coffee that you’re not the only one attending the Open Day. Many people tend to show up, like the day I was there, 215 showed up. That is why you need to get in early. Get to know the people around you, make contact. Stay polite though. They will be the only people you’ll see for the next three days if you’re successfull in every stage (I’m gonna break them down in the next paragraph), and possibly some of them will become your colleagues in Dubai !

The Day begins at 9.00 am sharp, very really earlier than that (there have been occasions in Europe)  :

1. They will call everyone in the conference room to drop CV/resume & photos. Remember as you’re doing that to smile and be polite, answer the recruitment officer looking in the eyes etc etc, give a good first impression. Be organised with your papers. Say thank you. Take a seat and wait till everyone as given theirs.
2. The 2 recruitment officers will then give you an introduction to the company and on how the day will go on, show a video and then proceed to a first screening of your resume & height reach (212 cm on tip-toes without shoes). You will have approximately 2 minutes to convince them. She will call your number and will watch your allure as you walk to him/her. He/she will ask you a quick question on something that interests them in your CV, why you speak such and such language and maybe something about customer service. This is where your ability to speak english will be tested, your genuine smile will make the difference and your general attitude will strike. Take it easy, do not stress, there is no need at this point. Answer quickly, ask to repeat if you need to. Be short, specific and open. Keep looking at the person when he/she speaks, make sure she knows you’re listenning. Don’t over do it. Say thank you when she says she’s done with you. Go back to your seat. and then wait, and wait more… until the officers have finished screening everyone.
3. Everyone will be invited to leave the room for the officer to pick out the successfull ones. You’ll then be all invited back in for the results. You’ll either get a “Congratulations, you have successfully passed this stage of the….” or a “We regret we cannot…”. This will be the procedure between each screening or assessment.
4. The successfull ones will be invited back into the conference room for an other screening. This time depending on the number of applicants, you may be divided into two groups. They will invite you to fill in a PF16 or Personality Test. This is basically a test to sum up your personality (it has no impact on your success of the screening. You’ll then be invited to pass and english test. Now this test will be decisive. You’ll be given 45 minutes to complete it. It will be an understanding and essay type of test. Nothing too complicated, but requires quite a decent level in English to complete.
5. You’ll then get the usual Congrats / Regrets procedure…
6. If you’re successful you’ll be invited to the assessment groups. You’ll be given a group number in which you’ll have to evolve within a group discussion on a given topic/situation. The aim here is to see if you’re likely to develop and react well in a group/team. There’s no right or wrong answers, you only have to dose your contribution to the group in a good way, politely with confidence and without interupting your colleagues. Reacting to their opinions and balancing with your… Recap, recentre the discussion if necessary, you and your team will have to focus on the objective given by the recruitment officer. She will taken notes during the whole process and she will then ask if you have all agreed on the situation/topic and will invite you to wait outside while she takes a decision.
7. You’ll go through the”congrats/regrets” part again.
8. After that if you’re successfull, you’ll be invited the following days for a private 2-to-1 or one2one Final Interview with the recruitment officers where they will ask you multiple questions about previous work experience and hobbies etc etc. The usual basic interview. They will also put you into situations like “what was the worst customer you had to wait at your restaurant” for example.
9. That is the last hurdle in the Open Day. More waiting is to come. You’ll be notified by email if you have not succeeded or by phone if you’ve passed.

By That time it’s nearly bed time or even more.

Once you get your Phone Call (4-6 weeks later) saying you successfully passed your final interview, she will send you details on the medical handbook you’ll have to provide prior to joining, the date you supposed to be flying in Dubai and the Contract. Yes because you’re not technically hired until you pass the medicals. So you’ll have quite an extensive list of medical stuff to do :

1. HIV report
2. Haemoglobin Count
3. A Detailed Chest X Ray report about heart and lungs.
4. Audiogram report & graph (graph is very important for approval of such)
5. Cervical smear test report (for females only – if applicable)
6. Dental certificate
7. Vaccination certificate with the initial course date.
8. Eye test: we require you to do an eye test whether you are wearing glasses/contact lenses or not

You’ll have to scan and send those medicals via email as soon as you have completed them. And guess what, it’s not over ! You’ll also have to scan & send the signed contract, yours & your relatives passports, birth certificates.

After that you’ll get another call saying you passed the medicals and ready to join.

After receiving the Final Approval call, you’ll be notified by email of the date & time of you leaving flight to Dubai. Emirates wont cover the costs of transportation from your home to the designated ALD airport (ALD “annual leave destination”, the destination you’re entitled to for 1 annual free ticket). You’ll also have to scan and email your “Letter of acceptance of resignation” from your present employer or notify by email Emirates if you’re unemployed.

On joining Emirates (joining starts the day you leave for Dubai with e-Ticket & visa), you will have to give a list of documents listed below 

• Passport & Entry Permit (With date of arrival & stamp on it)
• Original Medical & Dental reports with X-rays
• 20 passport size photographs with blue background (polaroïd & digital not accepted)
• 4 photographs (size 3′x3.5′) without spectacles nor headgear (GCAA requirement)
• Original & one set of photocopies of educational/professional qualification certificates for verification purposes only
• Documentary evidence in English :
  - Copies of Passport & Birth certificates from your parents, spouse, brothers and sisters or other benificiaries (if unable to submit those when joining you have the option to hand them in to the HR office within 3 months after joining).

This e-mail came on to my friend within the last week before his departure. You should send them your Letter Of Resignation from your employer. And generally a few days later you’ll get your e-Ticket and Visa. They will be sent by mail so watch your inbox. Once that received you’ll have to confirm you have received them, a simple email will be enough.

Welcome

Welcome to my blog!

In days and weeks and months, possibly years to come, I'll keep you guys up to date with my experiences, hopefully I'll manage to keep you interested, exchange opinions and build a network. After all, why are we around here?! Also, if there are any new wannabes around the place, why not share with them impressions over the industry, offer them tips and advices, and enhance over the enthusiasm of being a proud Flight Attendant, regardless of the company you're flying for...

Here are some of my first thoughts...

I think the best thing about being cabin crew is that you get to see the world. For free. You get to spend up to 24 hours with fabulous and gorgeous people. For free. You get to see the world from 40,000 feet up every single day. For free. You get to be social and talk to random and generally lovely people. For free. You get to smile every single day, for free. In fact, they pay you! For all these things and more, you get paid. What more can you ask for?! What more do you want?!