Free Confessions of a Hostie 3 by Danielle Hugh

and
subsequent interviews - should she be lucky enough to be 'at the
right place at the right time' to get an interview.
    It was a while ago when I did my multitudes
of applications and I admit I'm a bit rusty, however I have a
hostie-friend involved in our company's recruitment and training.
He has shared many tips and stories with me. I am probably better
placed than most to offer advice. Even so, Holly is more intent on
telling me how good she is and how much experience she has, than
taking advantage of my expertise.
    She already knows the job inside out, I think
to myself - being tongue-in-cheek. She's 21, been on three flights
in her life, and she has heard a couple of stories about life as an
international hostie through the eyes of her aunt.
    Of course she knows it all, I sarcastically
think to myself.
    Out of respect for my friend, I sit and
listen to the world according to
Holly . I think Helen is a tad embarrassed by Holly's
self-centered approach. Before Holly can add another 'I am...' to
the list, Helen steps in. She tries to get Holly back on track:
    Maybe Danielle can give you some tips on what
the airlines expect?
    Maybe you should ask Danielle about what
questions they might ask in an interview?
    Maybe Danielle can help you with some
grooming advice and what to wear to an interview?
     
    Helen really wants me to help Holly. She is
not a bad kid, she's just a bit caught up in her own importance.
The first thing to remember when applying for a job with an airline
is to be aware that they don't need you. Hundreds, if not
thousands, will apply for the handful of positions. Everyone is a
Holly. Whether she gets the job or not, the airline will go on.
    I don't tell Holly this. I am not there to
annihilate her ego.
    The great thing about listening to somebody
intent on telling their life story at break-neck speed is:
eventually they will run out of self-indulgent things to talk about
- or slow down to a more acceptable pace. In due course Holly heeds
her auntie's advice to ask questions about the interview processes.
I've talked before to aspiring hosties, so I know how to
respond.
     
    I'll share my tips as I did with Holly:
    The first thing about wanting to be a flight
attendant is simple: you really WANT to be a flight attendant. It
is that easy, but you need to know what the job is really about;
know it and then really want it. That means knowing the negatives
as well as the positives. What someone may think the job is (like
Holly) and the reality may be worlds apart.
    Before applying read carefully the guidelines
and stipulations for the application processes. Airlines usually
have a website outlining the qualifications required and the format
of the résumés and submission forms they prefer. Don't deviate from
their suggestions. Be regimented, be professional.
     
    If you are fortunate to get an interview,
these are my suggestions:
    1) Dress as closely as you can to the uniform of the
airline interviewing you. Make sure your grooming is immaculate and
conservative. If you want to be a flight attendant, you need to
look (and act) like you belong.
    2) Be early - and be 'switched on' from the time you
arrive until you leave. I've heard of instances where a 'dummy
applicant' will be amongst the many other applicants. This 'dummy'
is a company employee monitoring and reporting back on the group of
hopefuls. Rarely will you have a one-on-one interview at the
initial interview stages. Often it is a group session. Remember
there are many aspiring flight attendants with only a few
positions. Most won't make the cut.
    3) Be polite and sociable with everyone, not loud
and gregarious, but pleasant and interested. By the end of the
interview you should have sore cheeks from smiling.
    4) Your résumé should tell the interviewers how
perfect your qualifications are for the job. Don't say how good you
are. Be humble, be sincere.
    5) If you are involved in a group session, often
interacting with other candidates, then don't be