What to Wear for your Cabin Crew Assessment Day

It’s no secret that if you want to work for an airline as a member of cabin crew, you have to meet a specific set of requirements beforehand.

During the assessment day, where your skills will be put to the test, employers will also be looking at how you present yourself. This includes how approachable you are, your body language, and (very importantly) how you dress.

Why is what I wear important?

Airlines want to hire cabin crew member who can best represent them. Therefore, as the person who is front facing customers on each flight, they are searching for those who can deliver a clean, professional look.

If you’ve ever seen candidates heading off to a cabin crew assessment day, you’ll likely see these candidates wearing an outfit very similar to what the uniform of the airline is. This is so they can emulate the polished look required to work as cabin crew.

Below, we have a more detailed look at what you should wear for your assessment day if you want to look the part.

Think ahead!

Overall, the dress code for an airline assessment is ‘business attire’, although you may be provided with more guidance ahead of the big day.

But what exactly is business attire?

Think about what you are going to wear beforehand.

What you wear can make a difference in any job interview and it is especially important for cabin crew. You will be expected to look smart at all times while on duty and representing the airline, so it is important that you look smart for your interview. If you are unsure, it is always better to be overdressed than underdressed and looking sloppy.

For women

For women, a blazer, shirt, skirt and tights is acceptable attire.

Makeup should look natural and professional.

Start your look with concealer and foundation to even out your skin tone and texture, then add a blush and red or nude lipstick to top it off. Nails should be of a medium size, and nail polish should be a natural colour. Hair should be placed back into a bun or French twist if it’s longer than your shoulder line. If shorter, make sure you style it as neatly as possible. A fringe should not exceed your eyebrow line.

Wearing a light scarf around your neck can add the ‘air hostess’ touch to your look.

Try to avoid wearing jewellery. If you choose to, be sure you wear no more than one ring on each hand, no chains or bracelets. Earrings should be small, not exceeding the earlobe, stones or pearls. If wearing a watch, it should be small, with a leather or metal strap.

You can also opt to add a few enamel pins as a final touch. Enamel pins are a great way to show your personality while still keeping a professional look. You can easily find them online or in certain stores. However, make sure not to overdo it, as this can make you look like you’re trying too hard.

Shoes must be stilettos, not very high, just a pair of comfortable ones that are classy, which you can easily stand and walk in. Do not wear heels higher than 7-8cm. If you’re carrying a bag, try to choose one that’s simple, preferably medium sized.

For men

For men, a suit is recommended for your interview. Either navy blue, black or dark grey. The suit should be quality fabric that doesn’t wrinkle easily.

Shirt should be white or a light colour, and perfectly ironed.

If you wear cufflinks, they are acceptable. Wear a simple, plain or coloured tie – nothing too out there pattern-wise. Accessories may consist of a black belt, black shoes and black socks. You should be clean shaven for your interview/assessment day, and wearing no other jewellery than your wedding ring, if applicable. An elegant suitcase for your documents would complete the look.

First impressions last, so don’t give a potential employer a reason to believe you would to represent their airline in the best manner. Think ahead, plan ahead, and be ready to impress on your assessment day.

If you would like more advice for cabin crew jobs, visit Aviation Job Search’s blog here.