A FEW THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOIW ABOUT BEING CABIN CREW
The career of a cabin crew member is considered by many to be a highly glamorous one and therefore it has a highly competitive selection process. Nevertheless, there is a down side which you are probably aware of but you need to know this before you apply.
You will, for the majority of time, be living out of a suitcase and working long hours. You will also fi nd that you’ll be away from loved ones for long periods of time, dependant on the airline you want to work for. Are you prepared to be away from friends, family and partner for weekend upon weekend? Are you prepared for working unsociable hours and eating when you are supposed to be sleeping, and sleeping when you should be eating?
These are all things that you need to consider and be aware of before applying. You’ll no doubt be asked questions about the negative aspects of the job during the selection interview. Therefore, you need to be aware of what the negative aspects are, but more importantly, how to convince the panel that they are not a problem for you.
THE QUALITIES AND ATTRIBUTES OF CABIN CREW
These are extremely important to your role as a cabin crew member and the selection panel will be looking closely to see if you have them. Some of the qualities and attributes you will have naturally, but some of them will have to be acquired through practice and self awareness.
Being DEPENDABLE is an important asset, especially when working as a team. Can the airline depend on you to turn up on time, or help out in any situation without being asked?
Do you take a PRIDE in your appearance and LOOK GOOD at all times, paying close attention to this important attribute?
What are your COMMUNICATION SKILLS like and are you an effective LISTENER?
Do you have a SENSE OF HUMOUR that is relevant and do you have a CARING ATTITUDE?
Are you MATURE and ORGANISED and can you demonstrate this to the selection panel?
Within the Canin Crew application form you may also be asked to complete a section in relation to customer service and where you have demonstrated this in a previous or current role.
The question may be posed in a manner similar to the following:
“Give an example of where you have provided excellent customer service.”
Of course, each and every one of us has different work experiences that we can draw from, but this an extremely important section of the application form and it is important that you demonstrate the required qualities here.
The following is an example of the type of response the panel are seeking. Read the sample answer first and then decide how it made you feel. Does it make you feel that the person has demonstrated care and empathy for the customer’s situation and was it resolved to a satisfactory conclusion?
Your customer service example is important and it could be the difference between making or not making it through to the next stage.
Make sure you take your time when preparing your response.
The following sample response to this type of Cabin Crew application form question was successful:
“Whilst working as a sales representative for my current employer I received a telephone call from an unhappy customer. Whilst listening to his concerns, I could sense that he was beginning to regret placing an order with our company. Before talking to him about the situation, I tried to realise how stressful it must be for him to be in this situation. I tried to
think about what I could do to help reduce his worries and resolve the situation to his satisfaction.
I informed him that I fully understood his concerns and I reassured him that I would do everything possible to help him. As soon as I told him this I could sense how thrilled he was to know that I would be helping him. I immediately dispatched another order whilst on the phone to him, making sure that the order would be delivered that same day. I also told him that I would call him later that day to make sure he was happy with the new order
.
Later that day I telephoned the gentleman to check everything was to his satisfaction. The sound in his voice was very rewarding and I realised that with just a little help I had made such a difference to his day making him feel like a valued customer."
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Good luck!
Nicola Sanderson
Cabin Crew Recruitment Expert
