Airline Jobs 101 - Launching Your Flight Attendant Career

If you are interested in becoming a airline fight attendant, you can choose between regional carriers, major airlines, or charter services. Working as a flight attendant for a regional carrier means that you will be working close to home, while a position with a major airline will give you the opportunity to travel internationally. Charter airlines are smaller services that cater to corporate or individual clients who want the flexibility to fly on their own schedule.

Once you have narrowed down the type of airline you would like to work for, go online and visit each one's website. This is a great way to get some background information about the company's history, destinations they serve, and available job openings for flight attendants. To find out how to apply for a position as a flight attendant, click on the "Careers," "Jobs," or "About Us" section of the site.

Follow the instructions on the website about how to apply for a position. A potential employer always appreciates when candidates demonstrate they are able to follow instructions correctly. If you are asked to fill in an online form, then do so. Most of them will allow you to submit your resume as well. Some employers prefer that you submit a resume and a cover letter by e-mail, and a few still request that job applicants contact them by regular mail.

A flight attendant career will appeal to someone who enjoys traveling, is friendly and outgoing, and has a positive attitude. Excellent people skills are a necessity for this type of position, since you will be dealing with the public. Being flexible is a major asset to flight attendant applicants, since new hires will likely start by filling in where needed, as opposed to having a set flight schedule each week.

The ability to remain calm and focused in difficult situations is also important; the flight attendant is responsible for passenger safety while they are on board the aircraft. For example, if the passengers needed to be evacuated from the plane, the flight attendants take charge of the situation and direct passengers to the nearest exit.

When you are called for an interview with an airline for a flight attendant position, you should dress neatly and conservatively. Wearing a dark-colored suit is considered appropriate. Check your shoes for run-down heels and have them repaired, if necessary, before your meeting.

This is not the occasion for women to experiment with an extreme hairstyle or heavy makeup. You want your prospective employer to be able to see you in the role of a flight attendant, so stick to a classic hairstyle and use a light touch when applying your makeup. Male applicants should keep their hair short, and if they wear a beard or a mustache, they should be neatly trimmed.

Jewelry should be kept to a minimum. A wedding ring (or wedding set) for women is appropriate, along with a watch. If you choose to wear earrings, a simple metallic or pearl stud will make a better impression than large or dangly styles.

At the interview, you will want to demonstrate your people skills. Don't forget to smile, and do mention situations where you were able to remain patient in difficult situations. If you can, describe a situation where you were able to stay calm in an emergency.

If the interview goes well, you will be invited to attend a training session to start your new career as a flight attendant. If you are not hired at this point, you can apply at another airline or wait six months and reapply to your first choice of employer. It's a tough job market, currently, but airlines are still advertising flight attendant jobs online.