Interviewing is a very essential part of finding a job. It establishes the connection between the potential job candidate and those making the hiring decision. As a major step in the cabin crew pre-employment screening process, the job interview is where employers eliminate applicants who are not appropriate for the job or the situation. Here we share some tips on what are the mistakes that flight attendant applicants make.
It is a major victory to be invited to a job interview and be one of the few “job candidates.” Regrettably, mistakes are committed by potential applicants during the interview. One wrong action or word, and you are OUT – and the result can a be very a stressful situation for the job seeker. You end up going over the whole interview conversation, trying to remember every word you said or every move you did, hoping to figure out what you could have done better to obtain the job.
Interview Tips: Top Cabin Crew Mistakes
Let us look at some of the most popular mistakes and what you could do to increase your chances at getting that job.
1. Arriving Late
Punctuality is of primary importance in the airline industry. Being late shows disrespect for the employer and the opportunity at being considered for a job.
Prepare a night before to avoid any unexpected situations. Be dressed appropriately for the job and the organization. Search Google Maps to find the exact location of the interview venue. Make sure you are early. Ideally, arrive at least ten to fifteen minutes early. Treat everyone, from the people in the parking lot or on the public transportation to the receptionist and the hiring personnel with courtesy. Turn off your cellphone.
Show enthusiasm and confidence by giving a firm yet friendly handshake to make a great first encounter. Be familiar with the interviewer’s name; show you are comfortable using names in conversations; and build proper rapport. Remember that the first impression lasts and is a very important one.
2. Going to the interview with a poor portfolio (Curriculum Vitae and Photos)
Be well prepared for the interview. It is very important not to leave any blank in the Curriculum Vitae and application form. Many applicants post pictures online and ask opinions if they are appropriate for an interview for one airline or another.
In preparing your CV, focus on medical and aviation background, and any work for charity organization. Do not forget to add to your CV a passport photograph and be dressed in business attire.
Know the airline requirements. Invest in a professional photoshoot or in a studio with a photographer that can edit photos. After all, it is a small price to pay for the success of your interview and is an investment into your future.
3. Not listening to the Recruiter’s suggestions
Not paying attention to the interviewer may lead you to miss out on important information. The recruiters will give you useful information throughout the interview from details about the company, structure history, and its evolution. You may appear uninterested or ignorant and this becomes obvious to them. If you are not interested in them, most employers certainly are definitely not going to be interested in hiring you.
Be able to answer questions to show that you were focusing and interested when information was being presented to you. Ask at least once, and this can have an impact on their choice. Ask for details about the job — what opportunities are there for development, when would you know the results of the interview, etc.
As bad as having no questions is asking the wrong questions. Ask intelligent questions that indicate you have done some research about the company. Ask about updates on the company or what is new about the airlines such as the delivery of new planes and their latest awards.
4. Negative Body Language
If you never smile, have a limp handshake, and avoid making eye contact with the people you meet at the employer’s location, and especially with the interviewer, you will come across as too shy, too strange, or simply not interested.
Display enthusiasm and interest confident and positive body language. Use minimal hand gestures while talking. Exude confidence and positive body language. Do not slouch and do not fold your arms. Avoid crossing your legs while seated.
Show that you are happy to be there. Relax and keep smiling. Look at your interviewer in the eye then maintain comfortable eye contact. Nod your head as a form of acknowledgement to show that you are interested and a good listener. Skip saying, “Yes, ma’am” and “Yes, sir”. Do not worry too much and be confident.
5. Discussing money as a priority.
During the initial interview, asking questions about raises, promotions, vacation, and benefits are not usually well taken. Make sure you have all the details regarding the package offered and all or most of the conditions. It is inappropriate to ask about salary and vacation entitlements. Nobody wants an employee who is only concerned with the personal benefits before even contributing to the company.
There is a time during the interview that the Recruiter will give you time to ask questions. Never discuss benefits and salary unless it was brought up and asked by the interviewer to do so.
6. Closed-Ended or One-Worded Responses
Do your research using the right sources and know what to expect. Do not respond to the interviewer’s questions with just a simple“yes” or “no”. Build lively conversations by telling a short positive story. Describe your answers using words that draw out emotions. Add some spontaneity and speak out from your own life experiences.
Stay away from cliche answers like,”I enjoy meeting new people” or “I want to travel the world and discover new cultures” and so on. Instead, focus on the professional goals that will benefit the company while also contributing to your own personal and professional growth.
7. Making Derogatory Comments
When asked why you want to leave your current job, avoid saying anything negative about your previous company or colleagues, or how bad your previous or current employer was. The recruiter may even encourage you to do so. Make sure never to put them in a bad light. Instead, speak well of your previous employer and mention only what is positive.
Even if you were laid off or you ended your job unpleasantly, focus on the opportunity that awaits you at the next potential job and what you aim to achieve in your professional life. Mention how the airline you are interviewing with provides that platform, while your previous employer does not meet your long-term goals you are aspiring for although it is a wonderful place to work for and you have learned a lot.
8. Arrogant and Know-it-all
Coming across as knowing everything about the airline business and assuming that you will be hired does not help. Thinking that the Curriculum Vitae is good, you have the background and education necessary will land you the flight attendant job.
You want to be perceived as confident and determined but avoid being mistaken as too arrogant. The bottom line is that everyone is on the same level playing field.
9. Discussing Politics
Never discuss politics, religious view, or other sensitive topics even if you think the interviewer shares your views and opinions. These topics are never to be brought up since you may have colleagues as well as passengers from different backgrounds with opposing views and sensitivities.
10. Best Friend
The interview requires you to buid rapport but remember that the interviewer is not your best-friend-in-the-making. Maintain your boundaries and avoid getting too casual right from the start. Do not try to be too entertaining or amusing, unless you are interviewing for a job as a host or hostess or even as a comedian. Take the interview seriously.
11. Isolating from other candidates
Although other applicants may be seen as rivals, recruiters will discern your capacity to interrelate with strangers. If you find it hard to deal with people, you might be seen as one who will have difficulty adapting to a multicultural environment or be approachable by passengers. Socialize, be friendly, and be approachable. Smile and be pleasant to everybody. Interact and talk with other people. If not, it may not come across to the recruiters well.
12. Interrupting other people
Interrupting your interviewer does not work too well. Do not interrupt anybody talking at all so as not to appear rude. Do not seat back at the back and laugh at people or say terrible remarks. Also avoid chewing gum or smoking or bringing food and drink while waiting to be interviewed even while at the lobby.
Note that you are being watched the whole time so be mindful with your manners. Be professional at all times. Remember, for you to land the cabin crew job, prepare thoroughly, do your research, and understand how to deal with everything from the interviewer’s perspective.
It is not you who will decide whether the interview is going well or not. What really matters is that you give much thought to the requirements,what the airlines is looking for, and how you should respond to certain situations. Be smart, and always show your best.