One of our regular readers – Mel, posted a link that shows Emirates is opening their application again for Cabin Crew position. It’s been a while that we waited for this.

(more…)

It’s been 7 months now that Emirates hasn’t posted any update with regards to their global assessment.

I’m sure aspiring cabin crews have been loosing hope to get the job of their dream. (more…)

Saw this one article in Yahoo this morning and it just caught my attention. Obviously, since my brother is currently working as a flight attendant.

According to this anonymous flight attendant here are the 7 ways to annoy them. As indicated in the article, the flight attendant has worked for a well-known commercial airline for 12 years. According to her these are passengers’ behavior that irritates her.

1. Bring your pet on the plane & then act like an animal.
2. Shove your bag into the first bin you see & then walk to your seat in the back of the plane. (more…)

Still, Emirates Airline is not posting new schedules for their Global Assessment & Open Days. I know that many aspiring cabin crews are waiting for this, but it seems that Emirates are still on the “recession” phase. (more…)

The post – Becoming Emirates Cabin Crew (Part1) recently received an inquiry about expired passport.

hi there!! really frustrated right now… Im filipino but im here in united states. kasalukuyang hinihintay maging american citizen (on process of becoming an American citizen). im tourism grad. in phil. but i have a big problem.

*my passport expired january 2008… having a hard time getting one, may bago na kase, electronic na (the new one) hahaha!! and since electronic you need appearance. im from ohio and need to travel to new york or washington,.. do you think i can still apply online even if i put expired passport????? (more…)

One reader dropped me a message in email regarding his situation. He’s about to attend an Emirates Selection Day but he has some concern with his current job which may not be related to the position of Cabin Crew.

As I was creating my reply to his second message this afternoon, I realized that there’s a lot aspiring cabin crew who doesn’t have work experience directly related to Customer Service. It is indeed a very rampant situation that looses the applicant’s confidence during the interview session, especially when being asked about the work history details.

The first stage in the Emirates Selection Day, applicants were being asked about their current/previous job while they’re reaching this poster in the wall. As what MGA experienced & I clearly explained in my previous post BECOMING EMIRATES CABIN CREW – SELECTION DAY.

This guy told me he’s an actor now & he finds it hard to correlate with the position his applying for. Which is true, right? If you will see a resume hand over to you applying to be a Cabin Crew & working experience is in stage. Then, you will probably have a doubt to hire him.

Don’t loose hope!

I knew some cabin crews who was hired & doesn’t have a customer related experience. Such experience is a plus to your resume but it doesn’t mean that you will be limited on that. I’m telling you, if you just know how you are going to sell yourself on such initial Q&A. I bet you will pass the first stage & you will have a chance to show what else you got on other stages.

Being an actor is giving life to different characters. Basically, means you need to be flexible on these changes & immediately adapt into a new picture or scenario. If you miss this or already forgotten, I just want to remind you people that being flexible is a skill. Not all people can easily adapt in changes especially if changes are a lot & drastic.

The same thing in the aircraft’s situation – not all passengers are alike. They have different way to say or asked on the things they need. In this sense, your skill is required on how to dwell on these various customers’ attitude.

Once you were being asked about your current job or your previous job that’s not related to customer service then highlights your skills. Your skills that will be a good instrument on being a cabin crew staff. Let the interviewer realize that you have this attitude for excellence in everything you do.

There are various reasons for the employer to hire you and one of them is….

Skills, Abilities and Marketable Qualities: A detailed examination of your skills and experience. This section should include the name of the skill area; the performance or behavior, knowledge, or personal traits that contribute to your success in that skill area; your background and specific experiences that demonstrate your application of the skill.

*check “cat.5:Annie in Support: Dream to Fly”for more links

HOMEPAGE

EK Cabin Crew girls are required to wear red lipstick on their work. Proper grooming that includes make-up application is included in the training and the very famous red lipstick is strictly mentioned there that it is A MUST  to wear that.

I know it’s too red to wear but its one of the sacrifices you need to take for this fabulous career.

I’ve been seeing/hearing a lot of disapproval for this red lipstick. Neither I, doesn’t wear red lipstick except for a situation that I need to be Marilyn Monroe’s costume. I know for sure the EK has a technical explanation for this not-so-famous red lipstick issue. Since I haven’t attended a formal EK training & for sure this thing was not included in men’s module where MGA was included, the reason behind this red lipstick is indeed a puzzle to me.

Correct me if I’m wrong girls but this is how I see it.

Red color highlights the shape of the lips, so in any instances that the girl will open her mouth, the people in front of her will easily recognized that she’s trying to say something. Other than that, listener also refers to the opening of the mouth to fully understand what has been said.

Considering EK’s multi-national passengers requires the effectiveness of cabin crew’s communication. It may be easy to speak English but adapting on its different accent gives more complication. It will take sometime for others to fully understand other people’s English language specially if they have different accent. Maybe the red lipstick will somehow contribute for the cabin crew to communicate effectively with the passengers.

On the other hand, red lipstick will not just contribute on uniformity among the girls rather it gives an elegant look too. We may not see it now since there’s a lot of colors created in the world of make-up but come to think of it, in any evening event red lipstick is always there.

*check “cat.5: Annie in Support: Dream to Fly” for more related links

HOMEPAGE

A friend forwarded me an email of the latest headline in Daily Mail – THE BABY BORN AT 30,000FT ON HOLIDAY FLIGHT WHO WEIGHED JUST 1LB.

We knew that this kind of incident is not that much unusual now a days. Just this year, same thing happened on one Filipina who gave birth to a child with a help of Filipino doctor on board. My friend Riz was so lucky to witness such extraordinary experience. She was on the business class trip & seated near to the Filipino doctor.

Well, what catches me this time is that the baby weighed only 1lb. It’s the flight supervisor Carol Miller who helped the 25 weeks pregnant Nicola Delemere. The flight supervisor described as “Alfie’s Angel” used a drinking straw to clear the boy’s lungs, before carrying out mouth-to-mouth resuscitation & heart massage for half an hour. She relied on her basic medical training, a retired nurse & ambulance driver were also there to offer advice. As the airplane arrived in Gatwick Airport, Alfie was taken straight to hospital. Yesterday, four months after the extraordinary mid-air drama, he was at home with his parents in Scunthorpe. Although still requiring oxygen & weighing only 5lb 5oz, his parents expect him to grow up to a normal, healthy boy.

We all knew that during a period of giving birth to a child, two lives are on stake – the child & the mother. Considering how delicate such situation & will happen in mid-air adds more complication. Kudos! To Ms. Carol who took her basic medical training seriously & was able to save the lives of Baby Alfie & Mother Nicola.

Situation like this should enlighten those people who doesn’t consider Cabin Crew/Flight Attendant as a serious job nor a career path. There are still people who believes that being a cabin crew is such an easy job & doesn’t require knowledge or serious trainings other than to push carts of meals & juices.

Just an insight, EK itself conducts an average of 5 weeks training for newly hired cabin crew members. For an instance, during that training period a certain applicant fails a module, he/she entitles to repeat the training again. He/She needs to wait for the new batch. There’s also times that one applicant will send back home because he/she wasn’t able to pass on those exams.

I have a friend, currently a flight attendant in one airline in the Middle East. He finished a bachelor degree. His mother was very disappointed when she was informed of this job. Until now, his mother is still pushing him to try some other jobs that may in-line with his degree. But my friend is very persistant with this dream job. He knew that its more than just being a good looking host on air.

On my previous flights as well, there was never an instance that 100% passengers follow on what the cabin crew’s direction. It’s just quit disappointing on how others treat these people & not realizing that they’re taking responsibilities on the lives of the passengers.

We should at least be responsible enough to fasten our own seat belt when the red light is on!

*check “cat.5: Annie in Support: Dream to Fly” for more related links

HOMEPAGE

You’ve seen my previous post “Becoming Cabin Crew“?

Now, that we have a hint where to start in this aviation career, this post will give you an idea how such airline conducts their recruitment procedure.

In behalf of my brother-MGA, we want to give you an overview how he was able to reach the training period of Emirates Airlines. If you’re eyeing for this airline, then this will be a good guide for your future application.

Emirates Airlines conducts mass hiring in selected country. Since, Emirates is from UAE, they’re mostly conducting mass hiring in their nearby countries like Bahrain. As frequent as twice a year they are having this schedule of recruitment. They are usually posting it in the local newspaper or on their website.

If you already have a target date to attend on their mass hiring, then it is advisable to fill-up the on-line application form Emirates. Be sure to have your detailed resume & family information with you upon filling-up this form, because this will require a lot of information. Anyway, if you missed certain info, you can update your data from time to time. You just need to remember your application number (account information – email & password). If you pass the entire application process, you will be using this filled-up form too.

Preparation for the Selection Date…

Appearance – Pleasing personality is one of the requirements for the position of cabin crew. It is an advantage if you will show yourself in a very neat & pleasing appearance on that day. As much as possible you shouldn’t have that much pimples in your face & you’re arms should be free from allergies or scars. For girls, apply some make-up on your face. Don’t wear too heavy make-up. Just apply some colors on your face that you will feel comfortable & beautiful as well. Tie your hair as if you’re already a flight attendant. For boys, have a haircut on the day before the selection date. You need to be careful as well in choosing the accessories that you’re going to use – accessories from shoes to jewelries. This LINK will give you more précised information in choosing the right attire for the big day. As for me, nothing goes wrong in aligning your personal appearance into two words – NEAT & PROFESSIONAL. Remember, first impression lasts!

These are some important things Mark considered upon the preparation for the recruitment day;

1 – Got a hair cut the day before the recruitment date.

2 – Prepare the suit. Find the right color combination of Polo & neck tie.

(Tip: Light colors give a light impression to the dresser.)

3 – Clean the face. Shave mustache if necessary. Have a concealer that perfectly matches the color of your face. This will be a great help in covering dark spots on the face. For men, asked somebody to teach you how to apply concealer on your face.

4 – Visit a dentist & clean the teeth on the day before the selection date.

(Tip: It always feels good to smile, when you knew that you have white & clean teeth.)

5 – Clean your fingernails.

Documents – Emirates will ask you to submit resume (with passport picture), passport copy & whole body picture on the selection date. Now, with these pictures, it is also an advantage if you will set a specific date for yourself to have a nice photo shoot. Well, digital picture might be a great help in some point but don’t edit the picture that much. For the whole body picture, you should wear as if you’re going to their selection day itself. Do not make an unusual pose on the picture. Just stand straight, relax & smile.

The resume must emphasize that you are capable for cabin crew’s major responsibility – high standard of customer service. Like the impression you want to set on the recruitment day, the resume should go along with that too.

This is the format what Mark did in his resume. He specified his major responsibilities in his job details & his achievements as well. Since you’re applying for flight attendant position, then, responsibility & achievements should have connections with the flight attendants’ duties & responsibilities.

Research & Study – Many of us presents ourselves in a job application event without “proper” preparation. MGA & I have been in job haunting experience for so many times & we realized how important it is to do certain preparation beyond a normal one.

When MGA, got a schedule for this Emirates Selection Day, we took time to searched some important information in the net that we felt would be needed. Well, it’s not really hard to analyze what would be needed on the selection day (or in any particular job application event). This list has been our guide every time we’re doing this process;

1 – Company’s basic information – This includes certain information on the history, core values & mission/vision. Know the idea, how this company performs in its industry. In such way, if they will ask you in the interview about your career objective/goal, you can in-line it in the company’s future objective too. Remember, companies will hire for someone who they feel will be a better contributor on their team.

2 – Details on the position you’re applying to – This, I may say the most important one. This is usually the subject in the job interview procedure. So, as an applicant, it is better if you fully understand the duties/responsibilities of the job position that you’re eyeing for. You may also want to include an idea of the salary range for that position. Most of the companies include in their questionnaire the salary range an applicant is looking for, & most of the times applicants where confused on how to deal in this question. It is better if you we’re able to gather an idea for the salary. In that way, if they will throw you a question regarding this, you know where to start your negotiation.

3 – Sample of interview Questions - Internet has been the most powerful tool when you’re looking for certain information. Just includes these words in the search engine – SAMPLE, INTERVIEW QUESTION (specifically for that JOB POSITION) – & holla! You’ll definitely find a link that will lead you on those questionnaires. Print it, read, study the questions /answers & finally, PRACTICE!

I found a perfect site for the aviation career – ALWAS BE PREPARED FOR INTERVIEW . This was just MGA’s reference as he prepares himself for the Emirates’ selection day. With regards to Emirates information, we just refer to their EMIRATES GROUP CAREERS site.

Related Posts

• Becoming a Cabin Crew
• Becoming EMIRATES Cabin Crew – Selection Day
• Becoming EMIRATES Cabin Crew – Application Procedure

The lifestyle and job of a Cabin Crew member is undoubtedly one of the best careers you can aspire to.

The endless opportunities and exciting prospects make this one of the top 10 jobs people dream of becoming. Though, not all of us know exactly the best strategy to enter in this so exciting career.

I am writing this post, not because I am a successful cabin crew today and even before. I wrote this post in behalf of my brother, who recently was able to get-in in the industry of aviation. By now that I am completing this post, my brother is near to finish the 5 weeks training in United Arab Emirates and soon be on board by next month. He had some rejections with the 2 popular airlines in the Phil’s. Finally, he was able to make it! And this time it’s an international airline. During the application, we were together with the entire procedures. From searching, studying & actual application process, I was with him. It’s really pretty exciting and totally worth it.

Middle East may not sound good as a starting point to enter in this Cabin Crew Career but, yes it is! A lot of people are transferring to Middle East for a certain land based job but in reality these people are targeting the famous international airlines of different countries here in Middle East.

When I was with my brother during the pre-screening application for Emirates Airlines, I was able to chat with some applicants and I was shocked that most of them transferred in Middle East to start up their dream of becoming cabin crew. They will initially accept a land-based job but they will look forward to the mass hiring of these airlines. Famous airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad and Gulf Air are conducting an average mass hiring twice a year, specifically in Kingdom of Bahrain & UAE.

This mass hiring does really have a different approach, not in terms of the airline’s hiring procedures but in terms of the competition that’s happening within the applicants.

A certain company that conducts a mass hiring has already a target number of applicants to hire. Unless, nevertheless that certain batch of applicants doesn’t meet their requirements, then it will affect their target number of applicants.

What land-based job will be a good starting point?

Cabin Crew’s major responsibility evolves in customer service. It is a responsible job and involves everything from the anticipation and understanding of each of the customer’s needs, providing the highest standard of comfort and customer care, to the safety and security of the passengers and aircraft. So, land based jobs such as guest relation officer, receptionist, waitress/waiter, bellboy, guest attendant and the like, would be a great training ground for customer care industry.

Related Posts

• Becoming EMIRATES Cabin Crew (Part I)
• Becoming EMIRATES Cabin Crew – Selection Day
• Becoming EMIRATES Cabin Crew – Application Procedure