Being ready to apply to be Cabin Crew
Using your self-isolation time positively!
Were you hoping to apply for a Cabin Crew Job before the recent pandemic put things on hold?
We’re here to show you how to use your time whilst self-isolating to be ready to apply for a position as soon as recruitment opens for the airline of your dreams!
Please remember though, take the time to make sure you settle into your new temporary period of isolation and don’t pressure yourself into rushing into things too fast – there have been huge changes for us all over the past few weeks and you will understandably need time to adapt!
A few things to consider before you apply for a Cabin Crew Job
Make sure you meet the requirements – both in general and for the specific airline you want to apply to!
The most basic requirements are:
- You must be over the age of 18
- You must be eligible to work and live in the country in which you’ll be based
- You’ll need to be physically fit enough to pass the medical tests
Certain airlines have stricter requirements however.
The most common of these are:
- You might need to be over 21 for certain airlines
- You’ll have to meet the height and reach requirements for your chosen airline
- You must not have any visible tattoos whilst in uniform
- You’ll need to be physically fit to pass the medical tests
Make sure you’re realistic about the airlines you apply to. For example, if you don’t meet the height requirements for a certain airline, then unfortunately there’s not much pain in applying as you will only be asked to leave the process during the height check at the Assessment Day.
Similarly with tattoos there will generally be a check performed in the assessment process – don’t try to be dishonest or hide them. Some airlines have a clause giving them the right to dismiss you instantly if you’re found to have lied about this, or tried hide the tattoos with makeup.
Do I have the right qualifications to apply for a Cabin Crew Job?!
Airlines don’t generally ask for formal, or ‘paper’ qualifications. However most will state that they expect you to have the ability to pass the verbal and numerical psychometric ability tests – the level of education they expect is GCSE Maths and English or equivalent.
If you’re concerned then check out your eLearning options to bring your qualifications up to speed!
In general your personality, character and attitude are what’s important however!
Languages are incredibly desirable for cabin crew – why not build on your high-school qualifications, or start a new language from scratch? There are some great apps and online courses out there!
You could consider an online cabin crew course – the skills you’ll learn could really make you stand out in the application and assessment process!
Practical Things to Do!
Here are our top tips for things you can do at home:
- Have all of your documents together ready and prepared, and know where they are! This includes things like your ID, passport, right to work paperwork if relevant, and any educational certificates.
- Update your CV and write out a cover letter – not all airlines will ask for this but it’s best to be prepared!
- Sort out the details for your referees – and CHECK with them that they’re happy to provide references!
- Clean up your social media! It’s becoming more and more common for employers to ‘screen’ promising candidates online, so get into the habit of making sure that there’s nothing posted online that could go against your application.
- Get a head start with knowing the role requirements inside out, practicing answers to the ability tests, and knowing what to expect at the assessment day and interview! It’s never too early to prepare.
- Research the airlines you’re keen to work for, and the cabin crew role in general. Take a look at some of our airline guides and articles on crew life as a starting point!
- Stay active. Cabin Crew need to be physically fit enough to be on their feet for most of the day, and there are plenty of free and fabulous workouts that you can do at home with no equipment.
- Take time to look after your mental health too. Rest and relax when you need to during this time, and find strategies that work for you with coping with anxiety.
Doing something positive and taking real, measurable steps towards your dream career can also be great for your mental wellbeing, giving you a renewed sense of purpose and confidence!</strong