OPEN DAY

An airline open day is a recruitment event where potential candidates can attend and learn more about the airline, the cabin crew job, and the recruitment process. These events are typically hosted by airlines that are actively seeking to hire new cabin crew members, and they provide an opportunity for candidates to meet with recruiters and learn more about the airline’s hiring process.

During an airline open day, candidates will typically have the opportunity to:

  • Learn about the airline and its culture
  • Meet with recruiters and other airline staff members
  • Attend presentations or information sessions about the cabin crew job
  • Participate in group activities or assessments
  • Ask questions about the job and the recruitment process
  • Submit their resume or application for consideration

Each airline’s open day may be structured slightly differently, but the overall goal is to provide a chance for candidates to learn more about the job and the airline, and to give them an opportunity to showcase their skills and qualifications to recruiters. Attending an airline open day can be a great way to jumpstart your career as a cabin crew member, and can help you to stand out from other applicants in the recruitment process.

Who can attend?

In general, cabin crew open days are open to the public, which means that anyone who meets the basic requirements can attend. However, there may be specific criteria that the airline is looking for in potential candidates, such as age, height, language proficiency, or work experience. These requirements can vary depending on the airline and the job, so it’s important to check the airline’s website or recruitment materials for details.

Some general requirements that most airlines look for in cabin crew candidates include:

  1. Minimum age: The minimum age for cabin crew in the middle east is 21 years old

  2. Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is usually required

  3. Language proficiency: Most airlines require that cabin crew be fluent in English, as it is the language used for safety and emergency procedures. Additional language skills can also be an asset

  4. Customer service skills: Cabin crew are expected to provide excellent customer service, so experience in customer service or hospitality can be an advantage

  5. Physical fitness: Cabin crew must be able to meet the physical demands of the job, which can include long hours standing and walking, lifting and carrying baggage, and being able to reach and operate emergency equipment

Overall, as long as you meet the basic requirements and have an interest in pursuing a career as cabin crew, you are generally eligible to attend an airline cabin crew open day.

 

How to present yourself?

Presenting yourself in a positive and professional manner at an airline cabin crew open day is important to make a good first impression on the recruiters. Here are some tips to help you present yourself effectively:

  1. Dress professionally: Dress in business attire, such as a suit, dress, or professional skirt and blouse. This will help you to look polished and put together, and to make a positive impression on the recruiters.

    Ladies should have a skirt reaching their knees or shortly under their knees, a blouse and a jacket. Stockings in color skin and closed shoes with high heels, make sure you have a decent make-up, and adjust your hair, preferably in a bun.

    Gentlemen, suit with shirt and tie, polished shoes. Short cut and neatly trimmed hair (minimal gel) with a perfectly shaven face.

  2. Be punctual: Arrive early to the event to allow time for registration and to get settled. Being punctual will show the recruiters that you are responsible and dependable.

  3. Be confident: Approach the recruiters with confidence, smile, and make eye contact. This will show the recruiters that you are enthusiastic and engaged in the recruitment process.

  4. Be prepared: Bring a copy of your resume, a pen and notepad, and any other materials that you may need, such as language certificates. This will show the recruiters that you are organized and prepared.

  5. Be articulate: Speak clearly and concisely, and be prepared to answer any questions the recruiters may ask. Avoid using slang or informal language, and be respectful and professional at all times.

  6. Showcase your skills and experience: When participating in group activities or interviews, highlight your relevant skills and experience, and demonstrate how they can be applied to the cabin crew role.

  7. Follow up: After the event, consider sending a thank you note or email to the recruiters to show your appreciation and to keep your name fresh in their minds.

Overall, presenting yourself professionally and positively at an airline cabin crew open day is essential to make a good first impression and to increase your chances of being selected for further recruitment stages.

 

How long does it take?

The start will be published on the airline’s website. 9:00 am means that the presentation will begin at 9:00 am. It is advisable to arrive at least 30 minutes in advance.

Find your way to the conference room and meet the other candidates. If you arrive late, you will be told that you can go home. If you are unable to come in time for the Open Day, what are the chances you will get on time for your flights?

 

Process

While the exact format of an open day can vary depending on the airline, here is a general overview of what you might expect:

  • Introduction: The event typically begins with an introduction from the airline’s recruiters, who will provide a brief overview of the airline and the cabin crew job
  • Presentation: The recruiters may then give a presentation that goes into more detail about the job requirements, the application process, and what the airline is looking for in potential candidates.
  • Q&A session: After the presentation, the recruiters will usually open the floor for a question-and-answer session, allowing attendees to ask any questions they may have about the job or the recruitment process.
  • After the presentation, there will be a CV drop-off. You will individually hand over your CV to the recruiter. He/she will look at it, and ask you some questions about your resume (experience, education, etc.). 
  • Assessment activities: Depending on the airline, there may be some assessment activities that candidates will be asked to participate in, such as group discussions, role-playing scenarios, or language proficiency tests.
  • One-on-one interviews: For some airlines, candidates who pass the initial assessment activities may be invited to a one-on-one interview with a recruiter, where they will have the opportunity to discuss their qualifications and experience.
  • Application process: At the end of the event, recruiters will typically provide information on how to apply for the job, including how to submit an application and what to expect in the recruitment process.

Overall, attending an airline cabin crew open day can be a great way to learn more about the job and the airline, as well as to meet and network with recruiters and other potential candidates. It’s important to come prepared, dressed professionally, and ready to ask questions and participate in the assessment activities.

 

Required Documents

You are required to bring your updated CV and photographs. The exact type and size of the photos can be found on the official airlines’ website. Some airlines require additional documents, so always check the latest updates on the airline’s official website. 

 

Advantages

The advantage is that everyone will get the same chance to impress the recruiter. If you know how to make a great first impression, it’s your chance to succeed. Even if you have less experience than other candidates, you could be selected to participate in the assessment day, thanks to your charisma.

Here are some more advantages:

  1. Opportunity to meet recruiters: Cabin crew open days provide an opportunity for candidates to meet with recruiters in person and ask questions about the recruitment process, the company, and the role of a cabin crew member. This can be a great way to make a positive impression and gain insights that might not be available online.

  2. Ability to showcase personal attributes: In-person open days can also provide an opportunity for candidates to showcase their personal attributes, such as their communication skills, enthusiasm, and professionalism. This can help recruiters get a sense of the candidate’s personality and how they might fit within the company culture.

  3. Networking opportunities: Cabin crew open days can also provide networking opportunities for candidates to connect with other aspiring cabin crew members, share experiences, and learn from each other.

  4. Insights into the company: Attending an open day can provide insights into the company culture, the type of people who work there, and the benefits and opportunities that may be available for employees. This can help candidates determine if the company is a good fit for them and their career goals.

  5. Faster application process: In some cases, candidates who attend open days may be able to complete parts of the application process on the spot, such as taking part in group activities, completing a pre-screening questionnaire, or even interviewing with recruiters. This can speed up the recruitment process and may result in a job offer more quickly.

Overall, attending an airlines cabin crew open day can provide many advantages for candidates looking to pursue a career in this field. It’s an excellent opportunity to showcase skills and personality, learn about the company culture, and connect with recruiters and other aspiring cabin crew members.

 

Disadvantages

Attending an airline cabin crew open day can be a great opportunity to learn about the airline, the cabin crew job, and the recruitment process. However, there are some potential disadvantages to consider before attending:

  1. Limited availability: Open days are often scheduled for specific dates and times, which may not be convenient for everyone. If you’re not available on the scheduled day, you may miss out on the opportunity to attend.

  2. Large crowds: Open days can attract large numbers of people, which can lead to long waiting times, overcrowding, and difficulty in getting one-on-one attention from recruiters.

  3. High competition: Because open days are open to the public, they often attract a large number of candidates, which can make the competition for a position more intense.

  4. Limited interaction: Due to the high number of attendees, it may be difficult to get the individual attention you need to stand out in the recruitment process.

  5. Limited information: Open days typically provide general information about the airline and the job, but may not provide in-depth details about the specific requirements and expectations of the job.

  6. Cost: Depending on the location and travel requirements, attending an open day can be expensive, particularly if you need to travel to a different city or country to attend.

Overall, attending an open day can be a valuable experience, but it’s important to consider these potential disadvantages and weigh them against the potential benefits before deciding to attend. It’s also a good idea to do your research and gather as much information as possible before attending to make the most of the opportunity.

In some cities, more than 1,000 applicants can attend the Open Day. The day might get very long and tiring.

If your CV was not selected during the Open Day, you can attend the next one after six months. This is the official rule of Emirates and Etihad, but they are people who attend other Open Days earlier than six months.

Read more: Assessment Day - What to expect