Episode 20: Passing the EK Open Day in 2023!
It’s no secret that Emirates Airlines is highly respected all over the world. This is why millions of hopefuls show up every week in cities all over the world hoping to get selected as Cabin Crew.
But… with such slim rates of acceptance, how can you prepare?
In this week’s episode, I share my personal experience at the Open Day. I give you all the information I was looking for before I went, because I couldn’t find it myself!
Hopefully, you’ll get the golden call, like I did!
First, in the video I share my tips for being a Flight Attendant period. This is certainly a glamorous job, where a face of beautiful makeup, luxury hotels, international travel and a cosmopolitan lifestyle are the norm. However, it requires a certain kind of person and if you think it’s all fun and games, you might be in for a rude awakening!
Here are a few qualities any crew should have (and I run through why more in the video):
Cool-headedness (because flying certainly has its share of drama!)
Punctuality (because the flight or recruiter isn’t waiting for you!)
Open to cultures/ new people (racists or close-minded crew begone!)
Healthy Lifestyle (because your health will suffer!)
Situational Awareness (because you need to be ready for everything!)
Sound like you? Great! Let’s talk about the day of.
Metty was my Open Day friend and gave me a granola bar because I didn’t eat! Pack snacks & make friends when you go!
What to Bring to Your Open Day/ Assessment Day
If you uploaded these documents online you should be okay, but be sure to keep a copy on hand or on your phone just in case you need to take another photo or there’s some tech issues.
Your Phone - with Data or Wifi
A Copy of Your CV / Resume
(Not sure how to make your CV? Stay tuned for an upcoming video!)
Proof of COVID Vaccination
A Copy of Your Passport
A Headshot Photo
A Proof of Graduation (Secondary or Post-Secondary)
Special Course Graduation Diplomas (Languages or Service/ Hospitality Training)
DEAL-BREAKERS
All cabin crew must fit this criteria to proceed.
Read more official Emirates crew criteria on the website here.
Minimum height requirements: 160 cm with a reach of 212 cm
No tattoos or scars in areas visible when in uniform (see link above)
Over 21 (or turning 21 soon)
1 year of customer service experience
English at a conversational level
Willingness to serve alcohol
Take a look at these photos of my open day, example documents, and more!
Also, keep reading to learn more about preparing for your interview day!
I won’t be sharing the actual interview questions because:
A) I’m not sure it’s allowed, and
B) You really don’t need them.
Most flight attendant interviews are not knowledge tests, they’re personality tests. The recruiters are looking for candidates who have the qualities that I mentioned above. Emirates especially is looking for confident crew who can handle pressure with grace, as they are a luxury airline. So it’s not what questions they ask, it’s how you answer them.
As long as you fit the basic requirements above, you have as good a chance as anyone if you showcase your personality in a great way!
Tips you do need to know are these:
The Interviews Are Long
You will be interviewed for round after round all day if you make it to the end. I arrived for a 9 AM start and left after 5:30 PM. There are occasional breaks so that you can get a coffee, a water, or go to the restroom and where cuts are announced but there are only a few. There’s one lunch break in the afternoon.
This means you should eat a full breakfast and bring small snacks with you in your purse. Trust me, you’ll thank me later! You don’t want to mess up your chance because you’re starving. If nerves won’t let you eat, bring food with you for later on in the day.
Practice Confident, Positive Thoughts
Everyone that day will be nervous. Everyone will want the job but many people will be telling themselves negative thoughts, especially the closer you get to the final rounds. Trust me, once people are getting cut in large numbers, the energy in the room will change and everyone will be chatting about the things they did wrong, overthinking or having doubts.
Ignore that noise, and practice positive thinking because it will help you stay focused. Tell yourself the job is yours, and it will be! As the saying goes, “whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re usually right!”
Be A Team Player and Listen
In the group discussions, genuinely be a team player and help the others. On my Open Day, I made sure to genuinely be listening and helping the others in my group. Why not?
If you both look good you look better! Genuine teamwork is more impressive to a recruiter than someone just trying to look good. Don’t be selfish, be a team player.
Listening can also take you further than speaking sometimes. When it came to the final interview, which was a one-on-one, I made sure to listen to the recruiter more than I spoke. Firstly, to learn about the job and about her, but also because people love a good listener. I’m sure this left a better impression on her than if I was talking about myself non-stop. We actually got along so well I knew she had sent in positive notes about me to the company.
Shine Bright Like A Diamond
Confidently speak up when called to speak. Make sure the recruiters can always see you when you are presenting. Step forward if you have to. Project your voice. Show everyone in the room why you’re the obvious choice. Now is not the time to be shy!
Unlike many airlines, Emirates is looking for leaders as well as team players. Know how to showcase your leadership skills clearly.
I left Toronto two months after the golden call, in order to put affairs like my apartment and job resignation in order. Be sure to know ahead of time how long you will need because they will ask you!
Before You Leave
Before you leave your home country, you will have to complete formalities like medical checks, vaccination records and ID photos (see left). Be sure to give yourself time to say goodbye to your loved ones too!
And that’s it! I hope this video and article helped you. I know it would have helped me too, which is why I’ve taken the time to do all this.
If you have any questions, comment on the video and I’ll get to it as soon as I can!
Also, be sure to subscribe to my channel for more.
Best of luck to you and remember - dreams are supposed to come true!
Hope yours do too xx
