On the face of it, this seems like a fairly easy question – and one that you are sure to be asked. Everyone has their own personal reasons why they want to become Cabin Crew. It might be because you love to travel. Perhaps you are passionate about aviation. Or maybe you’re excited about the challenge of giving an amazing service at 35,000 feet.
Whatever your reason for wanting to become Cabin Crew it is no more or less valid than anyone else’s. That being said, the airline recruiter is looking for candidates with certain behavioural traits. This question is a good way of testing to see if you match those traits.
Keep in mind, when you answer this question that you need to prove to the recruiter that you are pursuing this fantastic career for all the right reasons. Your eyes are wide open and you know what to expect.
Admit the Good Stuff Straight Away
You might as well admit straight away that the lifestyle, destinations, hotel stays and travel perks appeal to you. The recruiter was likely a member of Cabin Crew and she knows more than anyone the advantages that come with being a flight attendant. And just like you, they probably saw it as a glamorous and exciting job.
But here’s your chance to prove you’ve done your homework. Being Cabin Crew isn’t just about visiting global cities, lounging on beaches and partying into the early hours. Tell the recruiter that you recognise the hard work that is involved – the long anti-social hours, the important safety aspects of the role, the teamwork and sacrifices that are part and parcel of being Cabin Crew.
Align Your Reasons to Key Cabin Crew Competencies
Clearly, simply admitting that the Cabin Crew lifestyle is appealing isn’t going to be enough. Now is the time to prove you have the skills, qualities and competencies to make an excellent Flight Attendant. Do this by aligning your reasons for wanting to become Cabin Crew with the key competencies of the job:
- I’m passionate about delivering excellent customer service.
- I have a natural connection with customers. I understand their individual needs (empathy).
- Always seeking ways to go above and beyond to help customers.
- Love working in teams and helping colleagues.
- I’m naturally responsible and safety conscious.
- Calm and composed in a crisis.
- An excellent listener and communicator.
- Friendly and positive – even after the longest and hardest of shifts.
The list could go on and on but this gives you an idea of what to start thinking about. For a full list of key Cabin Crew competencies, check out this article: The Best Qualities to Highlight in Your Cabin Crew Application Resume
Tell a Story
Now, most of the competencies that you’ll list could probably be done in a lot of different jobs – in a hotel, restaurant, call centre or shop. So why do you want to perform these skills as Cabin Crew and not on the ground?
Tell a story about the first time you wanted to become Cabin Crew. For many people, this might be a time they were a passenger onboard a plane and they’ve seen Cabin Crew deliver an excellent service. But it could also be a situation you heard about or read in the news.
- How did it make you feel?
- Did you aspire to provide the same amazing service?
- Would you also love to help passengers in such a kind way?
Don’t be tempted to make this bit up. It has to be genuine and come from the heart. You want the story to truly resonate with the recruiter. You’ll probably have a standout moment from the first time you aspired to become Cabin Crew. Channel those same feelings when you tell the story to the recruiter.
What Makes Cabin Crew Different
If you’re not comfortable telling a story, think about the things that make the role of Cabin Crew different from any normal customer service job.
- The unique and varied mix of passengers on every flight.
- The different emotions being felt by passengers (from newly married honeymooners to grieving widowers. Frequent business travellers to once a year holidaymakers).
- Working with a different team every day.
- The important safety functions of Cabin Crew.
Again, this is just a short list as an example.
The Bottom Line
Why do you want to become Cabin Crew?
It’s okay to admit the lifestyle and benefits appeal to you. But acknowledge the hard work and downsides of the job as well. List the key Cabin Crew competencies that you possess. Tell a story about the first time you realised you wanted to become Cabin Crew. List the unique aspects of the job that appeal to you.
It’s easy to think this question is all about you. In reality, it’s more about the advantages you can bring to the airline.
