A Step-by-Step Guide to the Cabin Crew Assessment Day Experience
What is a Cabin Crew Assessment Day?
A Cabin Crew Assessment Day is a rigorous recruitment process airlines use to find the best candidates for cabin crew roles. This process includes various assessments designed to evaluate your skills, knowledge, and ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment.
The day typically begins with an introduction to the airline and the cabin crew role, followed by group activities and individual tasks. You may be asked to participate in role-plays, group discussions, and problem-solving exercises. These tests assess your communication, customer service, and emergency response skills.
Competition is fierce, with candidates being judged on criteria like appearance, personality, language proficiency, and relevant experience. The process can last several hours or even a full day, with successful candidates moving on to final interviews or further evaluations.
If you’re shortlisted, expect to attend an assessment day with 80-100 other candidates, of which only 15-20 will be selected based on the airline’s needs.
The Assessment Day Process
Once you receive an invitation from the airline, you’ll get all the necessary details about the assessment day. If the start time is 9:00 AM, be punctual—aviation values on-time performance. Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes early.
You’ll be welcomed by airline representatives who will present a brief overview of the company, its history, and its future plans. After the presentation, the assessments begin. The structure and content of these tests can vary depending on the airline.
Reach Test
As a future flight attendant, you must be able to reach high places in the aircraft cabin, where emergency equipment is stored. The reach test requires you to reach a height of 212 cm. Men can keep their shoes on, but cannot rise on their toes, while women must remove their shoes but may stand on their toes.
Rule: If you reach the mark, you continue. If not, you’re eliminated from the process.
English Test
Fluency in English is essential for cabin crew. The English test assesses your grammar and comprehension skills through multiple-choice questions. The test lasts about 20 minutes, so work quickly and accurately. The questions are straightforward, but time management is key.
Impromptu Speech
This test evaluates your English fluency and your ability to respond to unexpected questions—similar to situations you may encounter on a flight. You’ll be asked a random question and must answer immediately.
Sample Questions:
- Is it good to be young?
- What makes people smoke?
- What kind of superpower would you like?
- Are manners important in the workplace?
- When did you take responsibility for someone else’s mistake?
Stay calm, avoid panicking, and answer confidently. Watch your body language and facial expressions—these are often scrutinized. Always remember to smile!
Group Exercise
Candidates are split into groups of 8-10 for this exercise. Group tasks are popular with recruiters as they provide an effective way to assess a large number of candidates quickly.
Key Skills Assessed:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Decision-making
- Time management
- Stress management
- Presentation
What to Expect:
- Your group will receive instructions and a problem to solve.
- You’ll get a list of items that might help.
- Your team must agree on which items to use.
- The task must be completed within 15-20 minutes.
- You may be asked to present your solution as a team.
Enjoy this exercise, stay relaxed, and focus on collaboration rather than the outcome. Be polite, let others speak, and find the right moment to share your ideas. Remember, you’re being assessed individually, so make sure to showcase your best qualities.
Final Interview
The final step of the assessment day is the interview. This one-on-one session with two recruiters is your opportunity to shine. One recruiter will ask questions, while the other takes notes.
Expect a mix of competency and behavioral questions, where you must provide detailed examples demonstrating the skills and qualities required for the cabin crew role.
Use the STAR Technique:
- Situation: Describe the context.
- Task: Explain your role.
- Action: Detail the actions you took.
- Result: Share the outcome and what you learned.
Frame your answers as stories, allowing the recruiter to visualize your experiences. If interrupted, don’t be thrown off; this is often to guide you. Listen carefully and ensure you’ve highlighted all relevant qualities.
Preparation is key to success. Remember the 5P rule: Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. The interview can last anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the candidate.
Final Thoughts
Securing a cabin crew position is competitive, with Emirates receiving 15,000 applications monthly. Don’t let these numbers intimidate you—let them motivate you. Thorough preparation will set you apart and bring you closer to achieving your dream job.
Take the time to prepare, practice, and polish your skills to maximize your chances of success on assessment day.