Thursday, June 23, 2016

How to Become a Flight Attendant Square one: Applying

How the flight attendant hiring process works
You first have to APPLY to get a shot at becoming a flight attendant. People always tell me that they always dreamed of becoming one, but never took the time to even apply! You will never know if you don’t try. Try for as many and as often as you can. HERE is a website where you can find more info on airlines that are currently taking applicants and more info on how to apply for each individual airline. 
Some airlines will call you for a phone interview while others will first invite you to an open house. Some airlines have open houses that are invite only while others allow anyone to come to their open houses. Treat the open house as you would a serious interview.
Airline Requirements
          For most airlines you have to be 21 although a few may still allow you to apply at 18. Airlines require a basic height which seems to be getting shorter and shorter these days! Weight is no longer listed but you must be able to buckle yourself in a jump seat. You need to have a PASSPORT and a high school GED although many flight attendants have college experience or a major, just as many go into being a flight attendant as soon as they turn 21 with only a GED. Don’t stress so much about knowing another language if it is an American airline you are applying with. Sometimes knowing another one can help but many times it is not a requirement. You can read up on different requirements for languages and height on each individual airlines website.
Preparing your resume and cover letter
Your main job as a flight attendant is to be a safety professional. It is great to share any information from your previous experience that proves you could be responsible in case an emergency happened. Another important aspect for the job is that you need to have great customer service and be kind and approachable. Any previous experience that deals with safety or customer service is something that should be listed.
When I wrote my cover letter and re-did my resume to focus on getting a flight attendant job, I researched many example cover letters and resumes on google. I didn’t copy them, but it is interesting to see how the examples used their previous experience to fit in with the duties of a flight attendant. 
Where to find Flight Attendant job openings

Thank goodness for google! Always be on the lookout for who is hiring. The more applications you send out, the more chances you have of getting a call for a shot at getting invited to an open house or getting a phone interview! If you know anyone who is a flight attendant or works at an airline, getting them to refer you can be of great benefit to you. Still apply to other airlines even if you do get referred to one. If you don’t know anyone who can refer you, don’t worry! Just be diligent with applying.