Hey all
I went for an assessment day this Thursday. Unfortunately I didn't make it after the group discussion but i thought i'd let all of those who are about to go for their assessment days, what they can expect.
Firstly when they tell you to bring all the documentation they are being dead serious so ensure you have everything!!!!
It is:
-3 coloured photocopies of your passport
-4 passport style photo's (white background, conservative clothing, no jewellery)
- 1 Full length photo (Professional attire)
- Copies of School, work etc certificates
- Copy of updated CV
- 2 reference letters
Wow compared to Emirates assessment day, Etihad was just so much more accomodating and generally nicer!!
Firstly we were all seated and told a bit about the days agenda etc.
We were all then required to do a reach test of 214cm. This is 2cm higher than Emirates but to me it is the same as they have a piece of paper stuck on the wall which is about 2cm wide and the top reaches 214cm and you are only required to touch the paper. We were then allocated our reference number for the day and had to hand in a copy of our CV and 1 passport photo.
After having the full introduction to the airline and living in ABU DHABI half of the group stepped outside to have a one-on-one interview with a recruiter while the other half did a 20 minute English test. The test is really not that tough. You are often required to look at a list of words and place it into a paragraph so that it makes sense. We were also required to write a letter of only 40 words answering some questions. Each section of the test has different instructions so
READ THE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY!!If i'm not mistaken you need to get 29/35 to pass. Its filling in words such as "when, where, we, is, are" etc
During the one on one interview, they are looking to see if you show something that they looking for(Not sure what it is exactly but don't be over eager. Always be polite and don't talk to much. Just wait to be asked the questions)They asked me what am I currently doing and what customer service experience do I have etc. We were then asked to select a object from the carpet an explain why you chose it. They were:
- a mobile phone
- a bottle of water
- a newspaper
- a pen with a writing pad
I selected the newspaper as I feel it connects the world, its unpredicatable, caters for all needs, changes on a daily basis, informational etc. You are also asked whether you have any questions for them. I asked how does the VISA's work especially for a country like the USA just to make more conversation
I think its important to be humble and always thank them for this opportunity and greet them nicely and by name!
After a very long waiting period once all the interviews were finished, we were asked to enter the room and they called out the names and numbers of the candidates that was selected to proceed.
We were then invited to have the most divine 3 course meal at this 5 star hotel with the recruiters. Out of about 45 candidates, 22 made it through to this next stage. They really make you more at ease and comfortable during lunch but remember to always keep a professional manner and
REMEMBER ASPECTS OF TEAMWORK for example not interupting people while they talk, including people and calling them by their names as the recruiters are
ALWAYS watching even though its so much more relaxed.
Once lunch was completed we were asked to go to another room where the chairs were set out in a "U" shape. This is the unprepared speech time. They give you a topic on a card and 1 minute to think about it and 1 minute to talk about it. They literally time you for that minute. I personally think what they are looking for here are people that can keep talking constantly about the topic with no pauses, not using "ummms", staying focused on the topic, uses formal language (not slang e.g. like I'm a
sucker for romance"). Some of the topics included:
- what is the best movie you have ever seen
- what is your dreamjob besides being a cabin crew member
- your best vacation
- your favourite pet when you were young
- a festival from your country
- your dream vacation
- a favourite book you've read
- hobbies/ sport
I think you get the idea
its nothing you can prepare for, only ensure your calm, confident and not fidgeting the whole time and lookat everyone in the room. I think its a good idea if you pull your chair back so you not standing in front of the people that is sitting besides you.
Now the next stage for us is was the group discussion where I unfortunately got cut . The funny thing is that my entire group besides 1 got cut, and only 1 person from the other group got cut!!!So I can tell you alot about what
NOT TO DO!!
We were given the topic "Etihad wants to recruit new cabin crew and have come up with a list of characteristics that they would like a cabin crew to have. Decide out of the 15 which 5 you consider the most important and which 5 the less important. I can honestly say that this was just a disaster!!!I was so embarressed by my "teams" teamwork I felt like walking out the room!!
Things they were doing was saying things like "I think" which is a big no no, having 10 conversations at once, interupting one another, not taking people's suggestions, and generally just arguing. The atmosphere was just stressful and no team work was evident. My best friend in the other group said that before they started she told them all that this is about teamwork and its important to have one conversation etc and it worked. They came up with a team name "Unity" - which is what Etihad means in English, were never shouting, listened to every1's opinions, included everyone, and would actually take a vote to come to a decision!
For reporting back they generally asked the people who were the most quiet in the groups to report back - they didn't make it
The recruiters told us to think about whether we listened to everyone, included everyone, were'nt to quiet etc so we might understand why we got eliminated. I think my reason was maybe being to quiet, as my group really gave me no chanve what so ever to speak .I eventually had to wave my hand like I was in school!!!WHAT A DISASTER!!!
We sadly went through the same elimination process, and my group was shocked at how we all got eliminated. I really wasn't, but it sucks cause my best friend made it through and after being there for over 10 hours already, all I could do was go to the car and sob
But anyhow, this is not about me, its about you!!!
My friend said that after that, they had to fill in lots of documentations etc and was told about the whole process.finally they had their one on one interview. She was asked questions such as "Why Etihad?" - be specific to charateristics of Etihad, "Worst customer experience" - know the story well, they'll catch you out if you not sure, "What qualities do you have that will be an asset", "What do you think will be the most difficult part about moving to ABU DHABI and going through with all of this etc".
They will now have all their answers to these questions sent to ABU DHABI where they will look at the CVs, references and notes taken on them and will be informed in 3 - 4 weeks whether they are successful. They are required to join within 8 weeks from that date onwards and complete their medicals!
Even though I never made it, it was an amazing experience where I met such good people!!!Etihad is truely a lovely company to work for and I wish all of you the best of luck for your interviews.
REMEMBER: iTS NOT ABOUT THE COMPETITION. THEY CAN TAKE AS MANY PEOPLE AS THEY LIKE SO THE PEOPLE THERE ON THAT DAY, ARE NOT COMPETING WITH YOU!!EVERY MAN FOR THEMSELVES AND IF THEY SEE WHAT THEY LIKE YOU'LL DO GREAT!!!SO BE SOCIABLE AND GET TO KNOW THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU, THEY MIGHT BE YOUR FLAT MATE ONE DAY
Lastly take lots of PENS!!! The day was about 13 hours long so be prepared!!
I have tried to be accurate as possible with the occurances of that day. It may be different in another country but this is what I experienced.
All the best and if its meant to be, God will help and guide you!
Kind regards,
Lee
Its my pleasure 
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