For passengers on planes and ships, cabin crew members are usually the only point of contact. That is why at the time of hiring them, they are scrutinized quite extensively.
During the interview process, a cabin crew member will be asked questions to determine how much is known about providing passenger services and ensuring their security.
A set of interview questions and answers designed for this position is provided here for reference purposes:
30 Common Cabin Crew Interview Questions and Answers
1. Why do you want to work for our airline?
I am aware that this airline has a reputation for being the best as far as services, cultural diversity, and contribution to the aviation industry are concerned. I am interested in working here as I feel that I will be able to contribute to your organization while keeping in mind its high reputation.
2. Tell me about your dream job.
My dream job is working for an organization where I can provide my services to passengers while traveling the world. This job gives me a great reason to look forward to working each day.
3. What type of skills should a cabin crew member possess?
Cabin crew members need to be intelligent, quick, and friendly. They also need to possess critical thinking skills and be able to remain calm in emergencies and during conflicts.
4. Do you work better alone, or in a team?
I work equally well both ways. I love working with people when required, and enjoy my work as much when asked to work independently.
5. How would your coworkers describe you?
I am sure that my coworkers would say that I am an easygoing person who goes the extra mile to help them, and passengers out.
6. Cabin crew members should be great multitaskers. Why?
Up in the air, cabin crew members are masters of all trades. They seat passengers, give them constant smiles, ensure that all passengers are comfortable, serve food and beverages and calm down scared passengers – sometimes all at once. They are definitely great multitaskers.
7. As a cabin crew, what are your strongest personal attributes?
I am a confident individual who remains friendly and firm at the same time. I am also observant and possess exceptional critical thinking skills. Additionally, customer service orientation is my forte.
8. Tell me about when you helped someone.
Working as a cabin crew member means that you are always helping someone out. However, there was a time when a passenger fell ill while we were thousands of miles up in the air. It seemed as if she was choking. I put myself in high drive and immediately made an effort to dislodge whatever was in her throat. I believe that I saved her life.
9. Tell me about the most fun that you have ever had in this work.
I find fun in my work every day. However, there was a time when a popular singer was on board the flight that I was servicing. When the other passengers recognized him, it became quite a festive situation with all of us singing all the way to our destination. That was quite enjoyable.
10. What are your strengths?
I am a team player, who can effectively provide personalized services to passengers. Also, I can easily adapt in a fast-paced environment, and contribute almost immediately.
11. What are your weaknesses?
Since I want everything to be perfect, I often miss out on a lot of things since I worry much. However, I am doing my best to curb this strive for perfection, and I am happy to state that I have been quite successful.
12. Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a coworker who wasn’t doing their share of work?
Quite recently, I was working on a flight where there were only 2 cabin crew members. It was a small plane, and the destination was quite near. However, for 2 consecutive weeks on that particular route, my coworker would sit on her chair and play games on her cell phone. Initially, I let it go. When 2 weeks had passed, I had no choice but to talk to her to get her act together, as I was getting tired and frustrated with so much work.
13. Tell me about a time when you misjudged a person.
It is a bit embarrassing to recount that I once misjudged a passenger by his appearance. I mentioned my concerns to a coworker, saying that my gut feeling said that there was something off about him. But the poor man was completely harmless. It was through this experience that I learned that judging people by what they look like is not a good thing to do.
14. Tell us of a challenge that you faced recently, and overcame as well.
After an onboard incident, I was so traumatized that I refused to board a plane for 3 weeks. However, my colleagues and supervisors were very supportive and gradually made me comfortable with flying again.
15. Tell me about a time when you resolved a conflict.
A midair brawl broke out between 2 passengers. There was a lot of racism involved, and it was escalating quickly. A coworker and I intervened and placed both passengers on different ends of the plane. That solved the problem.
16. Have you ever worked with someone you didn’t like? If yes, how did you handle it?
I have been lucky to have worked with like-minded people mostly. There was this one pilot who was not very pleasant. However, I kept to myself and did not make a fuss when he was rude. I kept my peace, thinking that I will only report it if it escalated. It didn’t.
17. Would you say that you can easily handle high-pressure situations?
I would. I am great at handling pressure. Since I am a calm individual, it makes it easy for me to handle adverse situations.
18. What particular skills do you possess which make you an excellent person to hire as a cabin crew member?
I am a friendly individual, who always has a smile on my face. I am specifically trained in providing passenger services, such as serving refreshments, helping passengers find their seats, and providing emergency handling information. I am also great at handling midair and ground emergencies.
19. What motivated you to do your best on the job?
I feel motivated when my work is appreciated. I thrive on work well done.
20. Can you cope with working long hours midair?
I have been on many international flights. The longest haul was 26 hours, with a 2-hour break. I cope well when working long hours midair.
21. How long do you expect to work with us, if hired?
I worked for my previous employer for 6 years. This shows that I am a loyal individual, who does not go when the going gets tough. I hope to work with you for as long as possible.
22. What steps did you take to prepare for this interview?
I subscribed to your airline’s newsletter quite some time ago. This is how I have kept up to date with what is going on in your organization, and the milestones that it has achieved. I have also researched aviation news items.
23. Are you applying to more than one airline? What would you do if you were given more than one offer?
I would carefully choose where I want to work. It all depends on what position aligns with my career aspirations. At this point in time, your airline seems to be the right place for me.
24. Why should we hire you and not anyone else?
I feel that I am the right person to hire due to many reasons. The primary reason is that my skills and qualifications are perfectly aligned with your requirements. I am a well-organized individual, who goes the extra mile to ensure passenger satisfaction. I am also a good contender for this job as I get along with people quite well.
25. What would you do if a passenger who was scared of flying panicked midair?
I am able to calm down passengers when they get anxious during a flight or panic. I would calmly tell them that the plane is completely safe, and give them facts and figures too. But before all this, I would ask them if they are alright, and if there is anything that I can do to make this easier for them.
26. Tell me of a time when you had to deal with an unhappy passenger.
Passenger satisfaction is not always possible, despite our best efforts at times. There was this time when a passenger was constantly complaining because we wouldn’t serve her more alcohol. She was above the max limit. She yelled and screamed, but I kept my cool. Eventually, I managed to calm her down.
27. On a scale of 1 to 10, how important are pre-flight checks? Why?
Pre-flight checks are extremely important. They stand at a perfect 10. This is because it is important to ensure that previous passengers or any other person have not left any dangerous materials behind. It is also important to conduct pre-flight checks to make sure that any potentially hazardous situations do not transpire.
28. What is your experience with special needs passengers?
I was recently on a plane where 150 passengers from a special school were on board. It was quite an enriching experience, as I got to assist many of them, making them comfortable while in transit.
29. What are your future career aspirations? OR What are your 5-year plans?
At the moment, I am concentrating on learning the work. Eventually, I would like to work in a trainer capacity, where I can train and develop cabin crew members to work in an efficient manner.
30. Do you have any questions for me?
As a matter of fact, yes. I would like to know what your airline values the most. Also, what is the most important thing that you expect from a newly hired crew member?