Interview tips to help you land your dream job

After months of deliberation, you’ve finally spruced up your resume and hit that ‘apply now’ button on the Emirates Group Careers website to -hopefully- become Emirates Cabin Crew. You’ve received an invitation to the Assessment Day nearest to you, and it’s only a few weeks away. Now what?!

Last week, I answered your questions about Emirates recruitment process and how to go about applying for the position of Cabin Crew. It was well received, and you told me that you would like to know more about the selection process. How does the recruitment team select the best candidates for the job?

I can’t give all those secrets away, but what I can do is share some interview tips I’ve acquired over the years that have helped me to be successful. Without saying too much about the Emirates recruitment process, I will try to use examples from when I attended an Emirates Assessment Day to best explain these tips to you.

**Please be advised that I am speaking from my personal experience and not on behalf of the company itself**

Let’s get started!

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Prior to attending an Emirates Assessment Day, it is important to do your research and understand the Emirates brand. This image was taken at the training college, where the Emirates slogan, Hello Tomorrow, is displayed on the wall.

Tip #1. Always do your research!

When applying for any job, it is important to familiarize yourself with the company and incorporate this knowledge into your interview. It shows that you are generally interested in the position being offered. It is also a good idea to review the job description of the opportunity again prior to your interview so you are able to prove to the potential employer that you are what they’re looking for.

For example, on the Emirates Group Careers website it states that Cabin Crew must posses the following qualities: professional, empathetic, progressive, visionary, cosmopolitan. If you are successful in the Emirates recruitment process, this is what you will be required to represent.

Tip #2. Look the part. First impressions matter!

In any interview, before you get the chance to introduce yourself, you are being judged. From your appearance to your body language, it is important to be professional the second you walk through the doors.

For example, Emirates is a prestigious airline. Therefore, you need to be able to prove that you can represent the brand well. Simple things like showing up on time, being well groomed and dressed appropriately will leave a good impression with any employer.

Tip #3. As Drake says, ‘know yourself’

Reviewing your résumé and previous work experience (if you have any) prior meeting with a potential employer is always a good idea. I’m not saying try to prepare your answers ahead of time, but you should always know what is on your application in case it is referenced during your interview.

You may not be able to mention your previous work experience directly to a recruiter at an Emirates Assessment Day, but the activities you complete as a part of the selection programme may require certain skills that you’ve used in the past.

Tip #4. Ask questions!

I was always told it is important to ask questions at the end of any interview to show you are interested in the position. During an Emirates Assessment Day, you will have the opportunity to ask plenty. NO, this is not the opportunity to ask about how much money you will make. Consider using this time to ask the recruitment team more information about the job, the culture and the goals of the company. Keep in mind that as much as you may want the position you have applied for, you need to figure out if it is right for you.

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Always believe in yourself. I have been through the Emirates Cabin Crew recruitment process twice and here I am, a year after I first applied, walking across the stage at the Emirates training college having successfully completed all of the required courses.

To sum it all up…

The best thing you can really do in any interview is to be yourself. I’m a huge believer in “if it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be”. Having gone through the Emirates recruitment process twice, I know that it can be disheartening if you aren’t successful. The important thing is that you learn from the experience, and if you are truly passionate about the position, believe in yourself and try again!

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Got a question for me? I’m always happy to try and answer it for you! Feel free to “leave a reply” to this blog post or reach out to me on social media:

Twitter: @KelseyBelleTO

Facebook: @LipstickAndLuggage

Instagram: @LipstickAndLuggage

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Disclaimer: My posts are my personal views and and do not represent the views of my company.

Layover life: Singapore & Melbourne

Hey guys! My apologies for the delay in getting this post to you. I have been off sick for a week and haven’t been that active online. But I’m back, and I’ve got two new destinations to tell you about!

A week or so ago, I was given my first multi-sector flight. The trip was 6 days long, and took me from Dubai to Singapore, Singapore to Melbourne, Melbourne to Singapore, and Singapore back to Dubai.

Some background information- at the end of each sector, Cabin Crew are entitled to a rest break or layover. This time is allocated to us based on our destination and other factors such as the length of the flight we are operating, the departure schedule of the route etc., BUT is usually around 24 hours long. During this time, we are given a hotel room to stay in and are free to do as we like. (Within limits, of course).

That being said, I had the pleasure of spending time in both Singapore and Melbourne. Here’s what I got up to:

Singapore 

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Gardens by the Bay – OCBC Skyway

When travelling, I try not to plan my day in advance. This is because I find that I have more fun when I go with the flow, instead of stressing over how many activities I can cram into a short period of time.

Singapore has a lot to offer, so I knew that whatever I got up to was going to be an adventure. After speaking with the staff at my hotel and some fellow Cabin Crew, a group of us decided to walk around downtown. This eventually led us to the Gardens by the Bay– which I highly recommend visiting if you ever get the chance!

Gardens by the Bay is a nature park spanning 101 hectares (250 acres). It is part of a strategy by the Singapore government to transform Singapore from a “Garden City” to a “City in a Garden”. Capturing the essence of the region, the goal of this project is to raise the quality of life by enhancing greenery and flora in the city.

The gardens were stunning and the the OCBC Skyway within it provided us with some amazing views- which, of course, made for some great instagram photos!

Aside from the gardens, we also visited the Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands Hotel and Clarke Quay area of the city.

Melbourne

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Taking in the street art at Flinders Lane and Cocker Alley

I’ve said this before in previous posts, but Australia reminds me of my home back in Canada! From the weather, to the architecture, to the people, I really love it here. This was my second time visiting the country, and I happened to be in Melbourne on Australia Day!

Australia Day is the official National Day of Australia and occurs on the 26th of January. Some history for you- it marks the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet of British Ships at Port Jackson, New South Wales, and the raising of the Flag of Great Britain at Sydney Cove. To celebrate, tons of events are held across the country.

While in Melbourne, a group of us stumbled upon the annual Australian Day Parade when we were touring the downtown core. The streets were full of people decked out in Aussie gear and everyone was having a great time.

Keeping with the festive Australian vibe, following the parade we decided to check out some of the street art that Melbourne is known for. We walked around Flinders Lane and Cocker Alley, and ended up visiting the Fitzroy Gardens on our way back to the hotel.

If you ever get the chance to visit Melbourne, I highly recommend signing up for a street art tour. I wasn’t able to join one given the short time I was in the city for, but I wish someone would had been with us to speak to some of the work we saw!

Next Up

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In the coming days I will be heading to Frankfurt, Germany followed by Manchester, United Kingdom. I haven’t been to Europe in years, so I’m really looking forward to spending time there.

Remember- if you have any questions pleaseeeeeee feel free to ask me by leaving a reply below. I’ll try my best to respond to you as soon as I can. Thanks for following!

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Twitter: @KelseyBelleTO

Facebook: @LipstickAndLuggage

Instagram: @LipstickAndLuggage

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Disclaimer: My posts are my personal views and and do not represent the views of my company.

 

Emirates Instagram Contest

This week, Emirates reached 1 million followers on Instagram. To celebrate being the first airline to hit this milestone and the largest transportation brand on this social media platform, Emirates is giving away some amazing prizes!

To participate, upload a photo or video on your Instagram account featuring Emirates, using the hashtag #ILoveEmirates and @Emirates. Make sure your entry is public to be eligible!

One winner will receive two return Economy Class tickets on Emirates, and five winners will receive one goodie bag each with Emirates Official Store products and merchandise.

The competition closes on 16 February and the winners will be selected by lucky draw. For terms and conditions about the contest, please click here.

Good luck!

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Twitter: @KelseyBelleTO

Facebook: @LipstickAndLuggage

Instagram: @LipstickAndLuggage

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Disclaimer: My posts are my personal views and and do not represent the views of my company.

February Roster

It’s hard to believe that it’s already my fourth month with Emirates. Time sure flies when you’re having fun!

My roster for the month of February consists of:

  • Manchester, United Kingdom
  • Frankfurt, Germany
  • Colombo, Sri Lanka
  • Washington, D.C., United States

I’m off sick for the next week, which is why I only have four flights scheduled. Despite this, February is still going to be a good month! I’m really excited to visit these new destinations.

Buckle up, adventure calls!

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Twitter: @KelseyBelleTO

Facebook: @LipstickAndLuggage

Instagram: @LipstickAndLuggage

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Disclaimer: My posts are my personal views and and do not represent the views of my company.

How I Became Emirates Cabin Crew

In July 2015, I found myself scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed. A friend of mine, we’ll call her Julie, had posted pictures of a recent trip to Paris that peaked my interest. After scrolling through her album, it became apparent that this wasn’t just a trip- it was a layover. Julie was Cabin Crew for Emirates and her job involved travelling the world.

After speaking with Julie and conducting some research online, I decided take a leap of faith and apply to Emirates with the hope of being just like her. Thankfully, this crazy dream of mine came true.

When I share with people that I am Emirates Cabin Crew, I am often asked -how did you apply, or how can I apply too? So today, I am going to share with you my experience with the Emirates Cabin Crew hiring process, and some of the current requirements for the position.

Prior to applying to Emirates, I read the requirements on the Emirates Group Careers website. As of right now, Emirates Cabin Crew must:

  • Be at least 21 years of age at the time of joining
  • Have an arm reach of 212 cm while standing on tiptoes
  • Have a minimum height of 160 cm
  • Be a high school graduate (Grade 12)
  • Have fluency in English (Written and Spoken)
  • Have no visible tattoos while in Emirates Cabin Crew uniform (cosmetic and bandage coverings not permitted)
  • Must be physically fit to meet the Emirates Cabin Crew requirements

I encourage you to read the requirements online too, as they may have changed since I posted them above.

If you meet the requirements, there are four steps that I became familiar with in the hiring process that you should be aware of. These have been detailed below along with my personal experiences:

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STEP 1: APPLY ONLINE

Using the Emirates Group Careers website, I submitted an online application. This was because I was hoping to receive an invitation to their Assessment Day. Emirates Cabin Crew Assessment Days are by invitation only. In order to be considered, you must apply online. Spaces are limited, so I figured this would mean that less people would attend and thus, my odds at landing the position would (hopefully) be better!

There is also the option to submit your résumé/CV to Emirates on an Open Day. Open Days are information sessions that give you the opportunity to find out what it’s like to work as Emirates Cabin Crew. They allow you to meet the recruitment team and begin the process of starting your new career with Emirates. If you’ve got what it takes, following the Open Day, you’ll be invited to attend the Emirates Cabin Crew screening and assessment process.

In some countries Emirates may work with a recruitment agency, and the process to apply may differ as a result. For this reason, again, I encourage you to check the Emirates Group Careers website. There you will also find a list of all Assessment Days.

When I submitted my application online, I found out that I had been shortlisted for an Assessment Day a week or so later by email. This could be because they were recruiting in my area at this time, so if you don’t hear back right away do not be worried.

For more information on Open Days and Assessment Days, click here.

STEP 2: SCREENING, ASSESSMENT AND SELECTION PROCESS

During the screening, assessment and selection process, the recruitment staff discuss and identify the most suitable candidates for the role.

On my Assessment Day, candidates completed several group activities to help the recruitment team make their selection. They slowly eliminated candidates throughout the day (after each activity), and at the end of this process, I was asked to come back for a final interview the following day. Following my final interview, I found out I was successful 3 weeks later.

Step 3: POST SCREENING, ASSESSMENT AND SELECTION PROCESS // THE GOLDEN CALL

If you are successful after interview or assessment you will receive an email, phone call or letter from the recruitment staff advising you of the outcome. I personally received what Cabin Crew refer to this as the golden call – a phone call from Human Resources Employee Services (HRES).

If you are unsuccessful after interview or assessment, you will receive a computer generated letter advising you of the outcome. 

Please note- I was unsuccessful the first time I applied, but was successful the next. If becoming Cabin Crew with Emirates is something you are passionate about, keep trying! You can apply every 6 months.

Step 4: JOINING FORMALITIES

Following my golden call, I was contacted again by the Human Resources Employee Services to make the necessary arrangements to deliver my employment contract and relevant documentation.

It took me about a month to get everything I needed together following my golden call. HRES was very helpful and assisted me with the process.

To give you a sense of timing, my interview was in June 2015 and I moved to Dubai in November this same year. My moving process was delayed on my personal account because I was finishing a postgraduate certificate and my program concluded at the end of October.

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I hope this post has helped to provide some clarity about the Emirates Cabin Crew application process. Remember, although this was my experience, I encourage you to visit the Emirates Group Careers website as the process may have changed since I was recruited.

If you have any further questions, please send them my way and I will try my best to answer them for you!

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Twitter: @KelseyBelleTO #lipstickluggageCA

Facebook: facebook.com/kelseybelleTO

Instagram: @LipstickAndLuggage

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Disclaimer: My posts are my personal views and and do not represent the views of my company.

My First Layover: Sydney, Australia

This week was my first operational flight on the A380, and it was a lot of fun! I flew direct from DXB-SYD and had a 24 hour layover in Sydney’s downtown core before heading back home.

Sydney is the capital of New South Wales and one of Australia’s largest cities. Known for its harbourfront Opera House and infamous Bondi Beach, you can guess where my new friends and I ended up going.

We also wandered through the Royal Botanic Gardens, the State Library of New South Wales and St. Mary’s Cathedral.

The city itself reminded me of my home in Toronto, except that it was quieter given that there weren’t as many people on the streets. Curious about this, I spoke to the concierge when we returned to our hotel. He claimed that it had a lot to do with the weather. It’s currently summer there, but we happened to be out on a cooler day. (In my opinion, it didn’t feel cool at all. It felt like summer back in Canada. But I guess that’s saying something)!

I really enjoyed my time in Australia and am excited to return at the end of the month. I am rostered for a multi-sector (DXB-SIN, SIN-MEL, MEL-SIN, SIN-DXB) and will be in Melbourne for Australian Day!

That being said, be sure to fasten your seat belts. My next trip is going to be a good one!

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Twitter: @KelseyBelleTO

Facebook: @LipstickAndLuggage

Instagram: @LipstickAndLuggage

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Disclaimer: My posts are my personal views and and do not represent the views of my company

My first flight!

Today was an experience I will never forget! I had my first “supy” flight as Emirates Cabin Crew, flying between DXB and BLR (Dubai, UAE-Bangalore, India).

Supy” is a term we use that means non-operational. My role on board was therefore to observe the Cabin Crew and familiarize myself with the aircraft (Boeing 777-300).

This flight was also a turnaround, meaning that upon our arrival to BLR from DXB, all passengers disembarked and new passengers boarded because we were returning to DXB later that same day.

Although as a “supy” I was not required to assist with the service, I decided to help out anyway. I had the pleasure of working alongside a very supportive team and  was also blessed with the opportunity to sit in the flight deck for take off and landing.

Sitting in the flight deck and looking out the windows at the horizon was absolutely memorizing. I know my job as a Cabin Crew isn’t going to be an easy one, but when I think about where I came from and how few people get to do what I do, I feel nothing but thankful.12491798_10153378800976270_8688454060600386488_o

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Want to see more pictures? Follow me on social media!

Twitter: @KelseyBelleTO

Facebook: @LipstickAndLuggage

Instagram: @LipstickAndLuggage

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Disclaimer: My posts are my personal views and and do not represent the views of my company

“Buckle up, adventure calls”

Happy New Year!

I couldn’t have ended 2015 on a better note. Thursday was my last day of service training and my peers voted for my friend Melissa and I to represent them on our batch’s last practical assessment- a simulated flight to Doha. The passengers on this simulated flight included our instructors, new joiners and of course, our batchmates themselves (who we’ve worked with throughout our Emirates training). It was an honour to be selected for this and a privilege to work alongside three of our good friends too- Ryan, Tony and Alex! (centre back, from L to R).

Here we are following our “arrival” to DOH from DXB. Our instructor, Antonio, acted as our Purser (centre). An instructor from the guys batch, Andre, acted as our Cabin Supervisor (left). It went really well and I’m so thankful for the opportunity.

Looking forward to 2016!

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Want to see more pictures? Follow me on social media!

Twitter: @KelseyBelleTO

Facebook: @LipstickAndLuggage

Instagram: @LipstickAndLuggage

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Disclaimer: My posts are my personal views and and do not represent the views of my company

My first roster

The last two weeks of training college have been incredible. It’s so hard to believe that in just a few weeks, I’ll get to start flying!

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My first roster -which is a term we use as another way of saying schedule- consists of the following destinations:

  • Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
  • Bangalore, Karnataka, India
  • Karrachi, Pakistan
  • Sydney, Australia
  • Dammam, Saudi Arabia
  • Doha, Qatar
  • Changi, Singapore

I’m really looking forward to having layovers in Australia and Singapore. A layover in my terminology refers to the rest period cabin crew receive between flights.

My flights to Singapore and Australia are considered to be multi-sector. This means that they will be broken up into segments. For example, I’ll start my day in Dubai and fly to Singapore (DXB-SIN). When I reach Singapore, after my layover, I’ll fly to Melbourne (SIN-MEL). Following my layover in Melbourne, I’ll return to Singapore (MEL-SIN), and then I’ll head back to Dubai after another rest period (SIN-DXB).

The first two flights that I’ll be on are called soupy flights. To my understanding, “soupy” is a slang term for supervision. My duties on those flights will be to familiarize myself with the aircraft, and to watch how the cabin crew conduct their service.

I’m really looking forward to the weeks ahead, and I hope you’ll continue to follow me on my journey.

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Want to see more pictures? Follow me on social media!

Twitter: @KelseyBelleTO

Facebook: @LipstickAndLuggage

Instagram: @LipstickAndLuggage

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Disclaimer: My posts are my personal views and and do not represent the views of my company

Merry Christmas from Dubai!

This is the first time I’ve been away from my family for the holidays, but I’m thankful that I got the chance to spend time with the amazing friends that I’ve made here in Dubai. Some people don’t have anyone to share their holidays with, so I feel extremely blessed to have these people in my life!

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas, and of course, a Happy New Year!

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Image: The Emirates Aviation College got in the Christmas spirit and “decked the halls” of the building’s cafeteria.

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Want to see more pictures? Follow me on social media!

Twitter: @KelseyBelleTO

Facebook: @LipstickAndLuggage

Instagram: @LipstickAndLuggage

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Disclaimer: My posts are my personal views and and do not represent the views of my company