Why and How to Tailor Your Cabin Crew Application for Each Airline

We cannot overemphasise how important it is to tailor your Cabin Crew application to the airline you are applying to…yet SO many applicants don’t! And then fall at the first hurdle when applying for their dream job. The major airlines get thousands of applicants for every available job so they can afford to be picky. With so many factors to consider, from physical standards to brand alignment, it’s essential to know how to stand out. Here’s how you can specifically enhance your chances of success—complete with actionable examples for each point.

1. Height, Reach, and Medical Standards

Airlines have strict physical requirements to ensure safety and efficiency. For example, British Airways requires a functional reach of 212 cm, while Emirates mandates a minimum height of 160 cm without shoes.

Medical fitness is another essential factor, as the job demands long hours, irregular schedules, and physical endurance. Most airlines will ask for a medical assessment, including vision tests and general health evaluations.

What You Can Do:

• Double-check the specific physical requirements for your chosen airline. Falling short of these could disqualify you before your Cabin Crew application is even reviewed.
• Practice Your Reach: If you’re close to the minimum height or reach requirement, practice stretching to improve flexibility and arm reach over time.
• Book a Medical Assessment: Before applying, schedule a basic medical check-up to confirm you meet fitness requirements, ensuring no surprises during the hiring process.

2. Language and Communication Skills

Fluency in English is typically a must, but airlines like Qatar Airways or Lufthansa often value additional language skills for routes covering multilingual regions.

What You Can Do:

• Take a Language Course: Enrol in a conversational class for a second or third language, such as Spanish or Mandarin, depending on your target airline’s routes.
• Improve Pronunciation: If English isn’t your first language, apps like HelloTalk or Italki can help refine your fluency and pronunciation.
• Highlight your language skills on your CV and consider taking proficiency tests, such as IELTS, if English isn’t your first language.

3. Cultural Alignment and Brand Values

Airlines prioritise candidates who resonate with their unique culture. Virgin Atlantic, for instance, emphasises friendliness and creativity, while Singapore Airlines seeks polished professionalism.

What You Can Do:

• Research Thoroughly: Study the airline’s website, social media, and customer reviews. For Virgin Atlantic, mention your experience providing upbeat customer service in creative ways during your cover letter or interview.
• Tailor Your Look: For airlines like Emirates, which emphasise elegance, ensure your attire for open days reflects their high grooming standards, such as a classic, well-fitted suit.
• Incorporate language that aligns with the airline’s values in your cover letter and prepare examples that demonstrate your fit during interviews.

4. Relevant Experience and Certifications

Customer service experience is invaluable, but some certifications can also set you apart. Ryanair, for example, appreciates prior first-aid knowledge or customer-facing roles.

What You Can Do:

• Get Certified: Take a first-aid course through organisations like the British Red Cross to showcase your preparedness for in-flight emergencies.
• Highlight Transferable Skills: If you’ve worked in hospitality, mention how you handled high-pressure situations or resolved customer complaints effectively.

5. Grooming and Presentation

Grooming is more than just looking neat—it reflects how you align with the airline’s brand. Emirates, for instance, has guidelines for hairstyles, makeup, and professional dress. Airlines such as Virgin have more relaxed grooming policies and encourage individualism, even allowing visible tattoos.

What You Can Do:

• Follow Their Example: Watch official airline videos or recruitment guides to mimic their standards. For Emirates, practice a polished hairstyle and light makeup before attending an open day.
• Invest in Wardrobe Basics: Purchase a professional, well-fitted outfit for interviews and open days to create a strong first impression.

Tailor Your Application for Success

A tailored application really is your ticket to success in the competitive world of cabin crew recruitment. By addressing the specific requirements of your chosen airline and preparing your Cabin Crew application with their brand in mind, you’ll demonstrate the dedication and alignment recruiters are looking for.

Want to make the process easier? Visit Cabin Crew Wings, your ultimate resource for products, services and information for those dreaming of becoming Cabin Crew and not willing to leave it to chance! With tailored guidance and expert advice, you’ll have everything you need to take off in your new career.