Why this matters:
Most flight attendants start their careers on reserve — rather than work a set schedule, they’re kept on call in case more senior flight attendants get sick or cannot report for duty. Crew on reserve play a crucial role in helping airlines avoid costly delays and cancellations. Punctual and reliable flight attendants are essential for ensuring uninterrupted operations.
What to listen for:
- A keen understanding of the significance and requirements of reserve duty
- A clear plan for responding to standby call-outs and reporting for duty within the airline’s established time frame
- Willingness to maintain living quarters in their assigned home base
Why this matters:
All flight attendant’s must be comfortable with caring for others who may be sick or injured and supporting medical personnel, such as doctors or nurses, during serious medical emergencies. It’s important to know that your candidate will be able to retain composure and provide appropriate care and support when needed.
What to listen for:
- Examples of situations in which they’ve provided assistance to people in need
- An excellent grasp of their role as first aiders onboard
- A compassionate and caring personality
Why this matters:
Flight attendants play a vital role in ensuring great customer experiences. Ideal candidates will demonstrate exceptional communication skills and a strong command of positive verbal and body language. The answer to this question will provide you with an insight into your candidate’s customer service experience — plus how they can be expected to interact with your passengers.
What to listen for:
- A solid understanding of the importance of positive inflight experiences in aviation
- An emphasis on connecting with people and creating a great first impression
- Confidence in their ability to transfer their customer service skills into a new role
Why this matters:
From medical emergencies to aircraft malfunctions, flight attendants must be prepared to act as first responders in myriad situations. Your applicant’s answer should illustrate their ability to rein in their panic response to stay calm and in command. They should demonstrate an aptitude for quick decision-making and maintaining team cohesion during stressful situations.
What to listen for:
- Ability to remain serene during high-stress situations and instill calm in others
- Examples where they assisted during emergencies or tense situations
- An aptness for quick and effective action without supervision
Why this matters:
Procedures are the lifeblood of safe and consistent flight operations. Flight attendants are expected to meticulously follow procedures in almost all situations — from food and drink service to emergency scenarios like fires or evacuations. This question will test your applicant’s appreciation for rules and how they approach questioning flawed procedures and authority.
What to listen for:
- Examples demonstrating that they can comply with rules and follow instructions
- A willingness to provide feedback and participate in improving procedures
- A good understanding of how chains of command work
Why this matters:
Unruly passengers are one of the biggest challenges flight attendants will encounter on the job. This question will test your candidate’s ability to balance diplomacy and good judgment with assertiveness. Your candidate’s example should emphasize the importance of de-escalation during conflict and evidence an inclination to remain calm and professional under duress.
What to listen for:
- A focus on empathizing and making the other party feel heard
- Use of respectful language when describing the difficult customer
- An attempt to make amends and offer a solution
Why this matters:
Great teamwork is at the heart of safe and smooth operations in aviation. Whenever they report for duty flight attendants are expected to put all differences aside to work as a team and ensure the safety and well-being of each other. This requires stellar communication skills, a high level of adaptability, and the ability to get along and work with a diverse and constantly changing group of people.
What to listen for:
- Signs that your candidate thrives in a team setting and has a solid understanding of the importance of teamwork in aviation
- Evidence of positive relationships with past coworkers and superiors
- An enthusiastic attitude about working with people from diverse backgrounds
Why this matters:
Flight attendants are responsible for preventing and reporting any activity or behavior that could threaten the safety of their crew, the aircraft, and other passengers. This requires vigilance, continuous situational awareness, and outstanding team communication. Great candidates will have a track record of handling delicate situations with tact and discretion.
What to listen for:
- An observant and detail-oriented approach to people and their work
- An acumen for reading people and identifying suspicious behavior
- A solid understanding of their role in ensuring the safety of people and operations
Why this matters:
Adjusting to disruptive schedules is one of the hardest parts of working as a flight attendant. Aside from plenty of time away from home, the job demands long hours and working nights, weekends, and holidays. Your candidate should be aware that, more than a job, being a flight attendant is a lifestyle. A positive mindset, flexibility, and adaptability are all keys to success in this role.
What to listen for:
- A clear picture of the job’s unique demands
- Reference to stress and fatigue management strategies
- A focus on maintaining good physical and mental health
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