The assessment day is by far the hardest part of the whole recruitment process, it can be gruelling, competitive and very challenging.
The best way to increase your chances of making it through and being chosen as cabin crew for your chosen airline is to go there fully prepared.
What should you bring and wear?
Confidence!!! Your best weapon is not to be afraid (a little bit nervous is fine though, and normal!) and to try to relax and enjoy the experience.
So, you should come dressed to impress.
- A smart skirt suit for ladies, with a blouse, hosiery and closed-toe, low to medium height heels.
- A smart trouser suit for the men, with a shirt and complementary but subtle tie, and formal work shoes.
Jewellery and accessories should be kept to the absolute minimum – wedding or engagement ring, and a smart but simple watch – if anything!
If you wear contact lenses these are your best option, but if you wear glasses opt for a simple and conservative frame.
Make up should be visible but not overdone. Nails should be clean and neatly manicured – no bright polish, it’s safest to stick to nude or clear.
We must add here that personal hygiene is paramount and is one of the key factors the recruiters are looking for.
Spray on some perfume/cologne and deodorant (without it being too overpowering) one squirt on the neck and one on the wrists should suffice.
Think cabin crew – you will be assessed on whether you fit into the parameters of what the airline’s ideal crew member should look like.
You should bring with you:
- Valid passport
- Copy of your CV and cover letter
- Pen and notepad
- Make up for quick touch ups
- Lipstick to refresh before the personal interview
- Small tester size bottle of your perfume
- Small mirror
- Toothbrush or breath mints/spray (never chewing gum!)
Other Tips
- Get to the assessment location early. You don’t have to wait by the door or lobby entrance, close by in a cafeteria is fine.
- Compose yourself, take deep breaths and enter with a smile.
- During the assessment day integrate yourself, get involved, talk to people, communicate and be friendly.
- Though it may seem that the other candidates are at this moment rivals, they are also potential work colleagues sharing the same experience as you.
- Even if it seems like the recruiters aren’t watching, trust me they are.
- Practice interview questions and answers, with your friends and family and in front of a mirror, especially if English isn’t your first language. Also practice in your second language if you stated in your application that you spoke another one.
- Research, research and research! Know everything you can about your potential future company. You don’t need to show off, but be prepared to answer any type of question they might throw at you.
Don’t give up
Not every airline is looking for your exact profile and skillset, you might just not be the perfect fit for them.
Don’t let that get to you!
Stay positive and keep looking around for new vacancies being posted online. Many airlines are constantly looking for new crew.
Small tip here – airlines are most actively looking to hire in March and April so that the successful candidates can do their training courses before the start of summer and be ready for the peak season.
It’s just a question of time if you are well prepared and maintain a positive attitude!
