Landing a job as a Cabin Crew member with Emirates is a dream come true for many. The consensus out there is that the number of successful applicants is low, and if you go through, it feels like you have won the lottery.
That is true, however, there are a couple of things that the successful candidates have checked off.
The recruiters at Emirates are looking for specific qualities, and below is a simple guide to help you understand what they want and how to shine:
The “Emirates Look” and Image:
- Look Good, Feel Good: Emirates uses their cabin crew as their brand ambassadors, so appearance matters. Aim for a polished and professional look. Makeup and the right formal attire can easily help you achieve this. How you carry yourself – your walk and talk – also contributes to this “attractive” image.
- Flawless Skin: Recruiters often look for clear skin. While it might seem superficial, having severe acne might unfortunately hinder your chances.
- Natural Hair: Stick to natural hair colors. Avoid wild colors like pink, blue, or red, and keep highlights subtle, if any.
- Be Presentable: Wearing formal attire to the recruitment event is a significant plus.
Your Application and CV:
- Simple and Effective CV: Keep your CV concise (1-2 pages max) and easy to read. Highlight any customer service experience, as this is highly valued. Ensure there are no spelling errors. If you have gaps in your resume, be ready to explain them.
Related: How Much Do Emirates Cabin Crew Make Per Month?
Communication Skills:
- Fluent English is Key: Great English language skills are a must, along with strong communication abilities. Most passengers have an understanding of English, so this is a top priority for recruiters.
- Positive Body Language: Your body language speaks volumes. Maintain a positive posture, smile, and make eye contact with everyone. Walk and sit with confidence.
- Females: Ensure your makeup, nails, and hair are impeccably done.
- Males: Be clean-shaven for the event.
Personal Factors (Keep in Mind):
- Single and No Kids (Potentially a Plus): While Emirates does hire married individuals, there’s a perception that they might prefer younger, single candidates who can readily commit to the demands of the job. Because it can be quite hectic. There might also be an unspoken preference for candidates under 32 years old. Not really unspoken.
- Nationality: Be aware that there might be unmentioned preferences or restrictions based on your nationality due to the UAE’s international relations.
During Group Assessments:
- Be a Team Player: Participate actively but don’t dominate the conversation. Use inclusive language like, “I agree,” “Do you all agree?” and “What does everyone think?” Show that you can work effectively in a group by saying things like, “We as a group think this way.”
- Find the Right Balance: Recruiters look for a balance between extroversion and introversion. Avoid being overly loud or too shy.
Interviews:
- Prepare Your Stories: Have anecdotes ready from your work or educational background to illustrate your skills and experiences.
- Communicate Confidently and Naturally: Speak with confidence and let the conversation flow naturally. Avoid appearing stressed or nervous, as this might suggest you can’t handle pressure.
- Flawless Photos: Ensure the photos you submit with your application are high-quality and minimally edited.
Physical Requirements:
- Height and Reach: You need to be at least 160cm tall and able to reach 212cm (even while on tiptoes) to access emergency equipment and overhead compartments. Being taller than 160cm is advantageous.
Related: What Are The requirements For Being an Emirates Cabin Crew?
Beyond Your Control:
- Connecting with Recruiters: Sometimes, despite having all the qualifications, there might not be a personal connection with the recruiter. This “gut feeling” can unfortunately lead to rejection.
- Luck and Quotas: Recruiters often have quotas based on nationality, age group, or other factors for specific recruitment events. Being lucky enough to fit into these categories is something you can’t control.
Key Skills Recruiters Look For:
- Flexibility
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Customer Service Orientation
- Problem-Solving
- Attention to Detail
- Adaptability
- Leadership
- Interpersonal Skills
These skills will be assessed throughout the entire recruitment event.
Other Important Points:
- No Visible Tattoos or Birthmarks: Emirates prefers a clean image, so visible tattoos, deep birthmarks, or prominent scars might be a concern.
- Cheerful and Social: Coming across as a happy and sociable person is a big plus.
- Remain Calm Under Pressure: Recruiters want to see that you can stay calm in stressful situations.
- Wear Many Hats: Be prepared to go above and beyond your core duties, such as assisting parents with children on board.
- Quick Thinker: Be ready to share stories and examples of how you would handle different situations.
- Healthy: Having a good health record is important, as frequent sick days are not ideal.
- Articulate: Express yourself clearly and effectively.
Related: The Benefits of Being an Emirates Cabin Crew
The Online Application
So, there are two ways to get an audience with the recruiters. The first one is the online application, while the second one is attending one of their open days, which they hold in certain cities across the world. You need to regularly check their official website for more information.
However, on the online application form, here is something to take note of:
- “Why Emirates?” The first question on the application form is crucial. Avoid generic answers about travel. Instead, focus on your career aspirations and incorporate Emirates’ key values: Curiosity, Professionalism, Empathy, Progressive thinking, Cosmopolitan outlook, a passion for customer satisfaction, embracing other cultures, a positive attitude, a natural ability to provide excellent service in a team environment, and the ability to deal with people from many cultures. This is your cover letter, so make it count!
If you are interested in becoming an Emirates cabin crew member, we wish you all the best. You can also check out more information about such jobs in our category, Cabin Crew.
