EMIRATES - Wannabees & Recruitment

[EKwannabe]

Open day

Hey guys..
good luck to all those who are going to attend assesment and open days with EK.
i agree with OzyOs, keep calm, keep smiling...assume your every move is being watched, when youre waiting in the foyer, talk to the people around you, there are hundreds of positions, so dont get competetive with people.
make sure you think before you speak, its youre delivery that is most important. sometimes, you might get a big loud mouth who just wont shut up, or a cow who comes up with the most absurd suggestions!(its true!) dont roll your eyes, or interrupt, just agree, "what a great idea, Thank you, but do you think...?etc"
DO NOT TAKE A SMOKE BREAK at any point during the day! even if youre gagging for it!
and smile always! i think the recruiters already make up most of their minds when they first talk to you for about a minute or two, so smile, try to keep it calm and casual...when they ask you a question, dont narrrate an epic, and if you have a sense of humor try to use it wisely, especially in a group discussion, you really dont want to sound brattish ..
this helps?

[EKwannabe]

rockerplz

Originally Posted by rockerlpz

Hi, I live in South America, and IŽd really to go an Emirates interview, I heard a rumor that MAYBE there was going to be an interview in Argentina in february, but I entered the Emirates website and I didnŽt see Arg. in the list of the countries that will be visited by them... , does anyone know if the Argentina interviews session will actually take place in february?, IŽll be looking forward for your answers


THANK YOU

hi rocker,
i was interviewed in dubai, and i remember a guy from argentina being there, i think he was cc with aerogal? if you can make a trip, try to tell them that youre happy to attend an interview in dubai..dont wait for EK to come to SA.

[OzyOS]

Hey there ands, the reports that you had written about you sound great! The fact that they also touch on teamwork etc even better . It just gives them a different edge about you....cover all angles I say, because those last few days/weeks waiting to hear from EK can be intense (feels like your on a thread, and although you want the phone to ring, you dont as well just incase there is bad news on the end )and you will take comfort that you were assessed on every aspect that you presented to them.....from what I can read you have the right attitude and I think you will do just fine

Regarding photo's, I took one standard head shot and one standard full length shot with me (in business attire). I took these at home against a blank white wall, and they were fine as EK never asked for any other pictures (except the smaller ones done which was after I had landed the job to bring with me to Dubai) I know a lot of people go to such expense to have these pictures done professionally and if you have that type of money then great, but its definitely not going to dictate whether you get the job or not if the pictures were done by a professional or by yourself.

As long as the pictures are clear/good resolution, its fine. Anyway, EK will let you know if the ones you submitted aren't exactly what they need (again doesnt mean you wont get the job....sorry to keep repeating myself, but you would be suprised how many people believe that they didnt get the job because their pictures wern't good enough for EK, which is a complete myth)

Oh yeah, nearly forgot! Also take with you a few photo's that are of you in your 'natural surroundings'. By this I mean, not business attire, but when you were on holiday, doing a sport you love, enjoying any activity. Its a new thing EK are doing (to see what you are like outside of work activities.....to actually see your personality more) These pictures still need to be acceptable, by which i mean, not in swimmers, no alcohol in picture, still covered up in all the right places (as this is still a muslim country) so if you have time to prepare these, excellent, if not then if you get through the process they will probably contact you when they are sorting through your details over here and ask you to email some through......but if you can prepare them earlier, you come across very organised

I also gave them (with my resume on the first day) the copies of my passport etc, which when it came to my final one on one interview, they made a comment of thanking me for being organised.....every little bit counts

Ok, (I apologise for having written so much) but If I can throw out as much information as i know, then hopefully it will see all of you here sooner than later!!

If you need anything else, ask away and I will do my best to answer!

Cheers

[ands]

OzyOS

OzyOS

Thanks again for putting all of the effort into writing such a detailed response and including really relevant information.

I'll take along the pictures I submitted with my online application. I'm glad to hear they don't have to be taken by a professional, because I just borrowed a really good digital camera and its owner (who luckily was willing to take numerous photos so I could select the ones that looked the best) and found a white wall in my house. I figured that if Emirates interviewed me and wanted something else they would let me know, and then I would go out and spend the money to have them taken professionally. But i think the person who took my photos should consider a career in studio photography, because I thought they turned out really well.

And also, thanks for the information regarding the other photos. I'll have to start hitting my friends up and rummaging through my family's albums. I actually quite like the idea of these photos. I mean, anyone can smile and look friendly and professional in a studio, but i think 'normal' photographs would really give an insight into what someone is 'really' like.

Another wave of questions (sorry, they keep on coming to me intermittently)...

Would it be easier to have all of the documents (copies of passport, degree, photos, etc) in some form of folder (or plastic sleave), or would this be annoying for the interviewers? I think a folder would appear a little more polite and organised (rather than handing over a whole pile of papers), but then i don't want to disrupt any existing systems they may have (eg photos on top, CV underneath, ...).

Also, (bearing in mind this is my first ever 'proper' interview) is it acceptable to bring a bag. I'm thinking along the lines of a shoulder bag rather than a hand bag (being male) or a backpack (not wanting to look like a student)? I will likely have to catch the train to the interview and it would just be easier having everything 'contained'.

[EKwannabe]

ANDS

Hi Ands,
A holiday picture probably would be best for your casual picture, and preferably something youre alone in. (not in a bunch of lads hanging out etc)
Try to carry just a smart folder that has all your documents, a backpack wouldnt match your business attire.
They wont take your folder, just the documents.
try to take references if you can.

[Casablanca85]

For those who are going to an open day and who are thinking that they will make it through!!! I wish you the best! It would be very good if you could take all the necessary documents along with you to the interview, because than they will contact you earlier with the results! What you need are 2 reference letters, 4 passport-sized photographs (if you are succesfull you have to submit 20 more in sky-blue), 1 full-length photo, which should be in focus with a smiling, and as it is also said a casual full-lenght photograph! It is of course new that EK requires this one! I can encourage you: Everybody who is from his national way nice and helpful will make it through! I am very sure about it! You have to show them that you are exactly the person they are looking for! If you are ready to travel I would also recommend to attend an openday in a city where you might think that not so many people will come - this will make your chances better for you! Do not prefer capitals like London or paris, there you will find soooo many people and it is difficult for you! i was in francfort and the room was full enough:-)
Please also note that they select you when you first talk to them when handing over your CV! I saw it!!!!!!!!! they write notes "recommended, and not recommended" believe me!!!You have to do lost of group activities and an English-test, and at the end you have to fill a form for the UAe Entry, and a special Cabin Crew Application Form, and as said before a nice psycho-test! Those who need help - i will give my best to help you joining "us":-))))))
The best regards to you!

[OzyOS]

Hey again ands!

No worries about asking questions, this is what this website is here for

Pretty much what EKwannabe said is true, i would have to say no to the backpack aswell (bless your heart) but if you could get your hands on one of those document folders that buisness men carry with them, that would be perfect for storing your documentation whilst keeping a professional image. (or any document folder, in black preferably)

Im pretty sure they will want 2 casual pictures (one in full length as well) Holiday is great for one, but I would try and mix it up a little to show another sides of yourself. And again what EKwannabe said, try and make sure the pictures are on your own, or with one other at the most. Both of my pic's contained another person, and these were fine...just make sure to outline (write on the back) which one is you

oki doki, time to hit the sack, just out of curiosity, when is your interview ands? You will have to make sure you let us know how you go (which I am sure will be fine, EK are always desperate for male Cabin Crew, and its an actual crewing requirment that atleast one male is onboard every flight that takes off! So the ball is already in your court )

Cheers

[ands]

Thanks to all

EKwannabe, Casablanca85 and OzyOS

Thank you so much for all of your advice and help. So many details that I (and I am guessing most other applicants) would not have considered. So again, thanks for the insights.

The Open Day is in mid-February (in SYD). Definitely plenty of time to prepare. And of course i'll let you know how I go; it's the least I could do after all your help!

I am definitely wary of giving a professional rather than student image. Considering i've just finished uni, i don't want to give the impression that i'm only applying for a position as cabin crew because i "couldn't think of anything else to do" or thought it would be "something different for a year". Hopefully my stable employment history and the fact that I am not seeking work in the field that i studied (both of which i can prove) will communicate my commitment.

OzyOS
You mentioned about the application number that you can write on your forms on the Open Day. Is this the same as the reference number that you use to recall your application?

Also, with the reports (from uni) that i mentioned, would it be worthwhile highlighting the sections i feel are relevant (eg those dealing with communication, teamwork, etc) to save the recruiters the time of reading through the rest of the report? I don't want to seem presumptuous or communicate the message that "I know exactly what you are looking for!"

Thanks also for debunking a lot of the myths that people create about EK's recruitment. The amount of times i have read on these forums that "A friend's sister who knows someone whose Aunty lives next door to a person whose daughter works for EK told me that EK are only hiring left-handed females with light brown hair that were born in the UK during the month of September". The more you read the more you start to think, "well maybe they are only recruiting...".

I am presuming that those of you who provided all of the advice are either current/training/wannabe EK crew. So i'll cover all the basis here by whishing you good flights/good marks/good luck!

[hazzelika]

Keeping calm and Make up for Interview

Hi OzyOs,

Thanks a lot for the tips. I am glad that I do not have to worry too much about the make-up. I realised that Emirates Interview procedure is different from one country to another . In Malaysia, the interviewer is a Singaporean ( a represantative for Emirates for the first round).Actually in the briefing I attended, he said that most of us there wear very minimal make-up and not even one of us have the make-up standard of EK. I was shocked and I really didn't think it should matter.

Hey Ands,

Thanks for showing me how to keep calm. I guess.. when you want something so badly you can end up screwing things up. I decided to make other plans if I don't get EK and not to think too much about it.

To the rest , here are some notes on the Criterea they are looking for:

-Attitude and spoken English.
-Grooming ( clean and tidy).
-Listening Skills.
-Diplomacy.

ALL THE BEST!

hazzelika

[Sta_Power]

Been there, dont that!

Hello everyone!

Its been a while since i last posted anything on this forum. Let me start off by wishing luck to all those who have GAD's & OD's coming up! Be calm & be smart!

Reading this forum really helped calm my nerves & prepared me for the activities that one can expect on the assessment day (mine was on the 16th of Jan, btw).

In my experience, the entire day was more of a learning experience rather than anything else. I met some lovely girls who genuinly had the skills to get along with others (a people's person so to speak) and then some not so genuine people (who actually just faked being nice because the interviewers were watching them!).

And the surprising part is that 99% of the 'not-so-genuine' people are the one who actually got though to the final interview. So i guess that EK must be changing the requirements of who to hire.

Also, please dont be too bothered about your make up or shoes, just make sure:

1. you are neat & clean (50% of the final applicants werent even dressed in normal business attire)
2. SMILE but dont over do it.
3. make sure you add to a discussion and BE HEARD(dont be pushy, big difference between the two!!). I know this goes against whatever was said before in this forum, but this was my observation!

Lastly, very important, the interviewer will make up her mind about you in the first 5-8 seconds she sees you so thats basically your chance to impress her, should she not be impressed, no matter what you say after that it doesnt matter! Remember EK received 18,000 applications for CC every month (thats alot compared to other airlines)

Just in case you are wondering, we were 126 applicant that were invited for the GAD, only 6 were selected. I felt really bad for some of them who should have really gotten a chance to fly because those are the kind of people most of us would like to be with on a 16 hour flight at 30,000 feet!People who are professional, friendly and have a genuine interest in helping others!! oh well c'est la vie... life is life!

I didnt mean to be a damp towel & sound bitter but I want everyone going for the interview to be ready and PLEASE remember that if you dont get in now, its not the end of the world! Keep the faith....

[OzyOS]

Hi ya ands!

You had me in stitches regarding the whole "A friend's sister who knows someone whose Aunty ......" thing, nice one

Regarding your Q, yes the application No# is infact the reference No# you are talking about.

The interviews vary slightly from country to country, but i can give you an insight on what mine entailed, last year.

I turned up for the 'Open day' (affectionatly known as the "Cattle call") and was ushered into a large reception room. Big tip here is to make sure you are there early, as there are usually heaps of people that turn up and becasue you all cant fit into the reception room at once, you get split into 2 groups. so stay at the front to make sure you get into the first group that goes through. Otherwise you will be waiting around for half the day to go in, rather than finishing with half the day up your sleeve!

Once inside we were spoken to about living and working in dubai. They try here to paint as realisitc view as they can, because they dont want to mis-lead anyone on what the job will truely be like, as many have very misconstruded ideas about Cabin Crew.

After the discussion, they show you a video, to give you more of an insight to living in Dubai and working as CC for EK, but alas! Here is the link to the You Tube website so you can watch it earlier if you want
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcwKtl8yzoY its in 2 parts.....enjoy

Once the video is over, they try to answer as many Q's as they can, so its a good time to get noticed by asking a Q!

After the Question session, they then get you to fill out a form (when your reference No# will come in handy...make sure to have a pen on you) and then they will ask you to all hand in the copy of your resumes (when I handed in the copy with letters etc) You will only have a minute with the recruiter to hand in your resume, so if nothing else...keep smiling!

We were told that if through to the group interview the next day we would recieve a phone call that afternoon.Which thankfully I did

The group interviews were, i have to say, mentally exhausting by the end of it. If you manage to make it through the entire rounds, its a full day of being watched and evaluated (so make sure to have a full breakfast before you go to keep up stamina). The recruiters are lovely, and they try to make it as painless as they can for you, but at the end of the day, they have a job to do and a target to meet of being able to sort out who they want for the position.

If I remember correctly, I had about 3-4 group sessions in the day. The recruiters put you in groups and give you questions like 'who would you nominate for the nobel peace prize'? or 'Do you think information is too accessable on the internet'? (im sure the Q's will be different at your interview), but try to remeber that they are not looking for the person that can come up with the most correct or best answers. They are looking for people that work well within their group, encouraging each other and being respectful to each other, not too loud and pushy, yet not too quiet and shy....you do need to participate, but how you do so, is what will get you through to the next stage.

I had one guy, tell me that he "completely disagreed with my point of view" which is fine, but how he put that information across wasnt. He should have said something like " i understand what you are saying, but if i may suggest something a bit different......." this way he still would have been able to make his point, but in a respectful, non-conflicting manner......and suprise, suprise.....he didnt make it through to the next stage. (in my previous job I was cabin crew, inflight trainer and took part in recruitment as well)

After each round you will recieve a letter indicating whether you have progressed to the next stage....take a deep breath, say a prayer the open the piece of paper

Once through all the stages successfully, we were told to pick an interview time that suited us most for our one on one. Mine was the following day, others were a few days after.

If you want more help regarding the type of interview Q's you could possibly be asked, feel free to PM me and I will happily put a few together for you to practise with, because th more prepared you are, the more words and information you have to draw on, the more confident you will be and less tongue tied when under pressure!.

I have to say, it is all worth it in the end. i am absolutely loving living here in Dubai and love flying for Emirates. They look after you from the moment you step off that plane!

My husband and i have been living abroad for over 3 years now and wouldnt have it any other way, its so much fun and interesting.(we are off to try sand dune boarding next week...hilarious!!)

To be realistic though, there are moments that you can experience where your emotions are up and down ( I call it the 'rollercoaster') because one minute you can love it and the next want to go home. This is completely natural, and my advise is to just ride it out.....it get sooooo much better and you eventually find your place

Ok, enough rambling from me....signing out!

Cheers

[worldwaiting]

Hi! I just have a question. I've applied to a local airline here in my country and didnt make it because they said my lower teeth are slightly misaligned. It's not obvious when I smile but they said good teeth was one of their requirements

I plan to apply for Emirates but would like to know if they are also strict about such things as well?

[OzyOS]

Hi there Worldwaiting

Just read your post and I have to say I was absolutely shocked with how this airline has treated you! And with that, i say your far better off not working with an airline that can be so unreasonable and judgemental....probably a blessing in disguise

I would love to know what airline it is that you are talking about because its unusual that they gave you a reason for not employing you. Most airlines dont give reasons due to the fact that they 1- takes too much time explaining to each individual why they didnt make the cut and 2- being sued for discrimination reasons (I know other countries may be different regarding the 2nd point though)

I really do feel for you worldwaiting as they have taken a direct blow to your self esteem, which as far as Im concerned is unacceptable and highly unprofessional! But dont you let that stop you from doing what you want because of a few slightly mis-aligned lower teeth and one airlines ridiculous and narrow minded opinion.

Yes it is true that Emirates also have aesthetic requirements that they want you to adhere to, but if a few slightly mis-aligned lower teeth are your only concern, then you have nothing to worry about.

I have seen a number of girls/guys that dont have the absolute perfect set of chompers here. As long as they are clean, not too stained and give off a pleasant smile, thats all that is needed.

Hope I have helped you a bit and I wish you the best of luck

Jo85 Congratulations on your success! Now the real fun beings

Cheers

[Aiskilus]

EK Interview

Hello everyone


Speaking of aesthetic requirements, I have some pimple/acne scars left on my face during my teen years... it's not really deep scars neither pit scars... my face is just not flawless like anybody else ... but mine is clean (pimple free), though . I've seen cabin crews sufferring from breakout (both cheeks and forehead) in a local airline here in the Philippines and I would like to ask if Emirates is strict regarding this. Also, I'm a 25 year old lad, I'm kinda thinking if it's OK to wear a little make up (foundation, concealer). What do think guys? Hee Hee

-=▲!$KiLuZ=-

[sue-pergirl]

Conditions

Hi all- I'm about to head over in Feb and have a few questions for those already there....

Do EK provide your work luggage as part of your uniform?

Are there existing internet conx in the accomodation? Is it ADSL?

What is the accomodation like? Is it one building dedicated to crew? Are there other facilities in the building like pool, gym, restaurant?

THANKS FOR ANY ADVICE!! SO EXCITED NOW.....

[ands]

hazzelika

I'm glad that my advice made sense. You are always more than your job. I know that not being very satisfied in your job can really affect the way you feel generally, but you can often draw from other areas of your life. And if you don't get a position with EK, at least you can reapply. I am sure there are careers (and employers) out there that only give you one chance.

Aiskilus

I totally empathise with wanting to present the best possible 'image' on the day. However, being male myself, i wouldn't wear any type of make up. I imagine Emirates are one of the more conservative airlines when it comes to physical appearance, and i doubt that males would be allowed to wear make up.

Anyway, by the sounds of it, your scars aren't that bad. And, i bet that you are the only one that notices them. It's like when you notice that you have a stain on your t-shirt (of course, you only ever notice about 5 minutes after you've left the house), and you spend the whole day walking around thinking that everyone is looking at this huge stain. In actual fact, they probably haven't even noticed it.

I think it is best to turn up on the day and be you. You don't want to present an unblemished face (thanks to make up) only to be offered a job and having to apply make up for the rest of the time you work with EK just to make sure you meet the company's grooming standards.

It would be the same as someone who is usually a grumpy person presenting themself as really friendly on the day of the assessment. If such a person were to be offered a position based on this false image, they are going to be pretty miserable when they are expected to actually be friendly as a part of their job!

Jo85
Congratulations!

[worldwaiting]

Thanks so much for the kind and ecouraging reply, OzyOs.

I'm not comfortable posting the name of the airline here in the public forum, but you may PM me about if if you like. During the screening, each girl was individually called and assessed physcially.When it was my turn, they asked me a question or two, then asked me to smile for them. When I did smile they sort of pulled in closer to scrutinize my teeth etc. and then that's when they told me that they couldnt accept me because of that.

Anyhow, I was actually not offended and welcomed the remark as I prefer knowing what I did wrong so I can improve on it for applications to other airlines, such as Emirates, for example.

The girl who went before me passed the smile test but when they asked her to remove her stockings, they remarked that she had varicose veins.

[OzyOS]

Hi Worldwaiting, keep us update on your progress regarding your EK application. With the girl who had varicose veins, I can kind of see where the airline could be coming from with those as they can be dangerous when flying as you are in a higher risk catergory for DVT (deep vein thrombosis), so I think with Varicose veins, she might have a problem with every airline she tries to fly for....poor chicken.

Hi as well to sue-pergirl, to try and answer some Q's for you, EK supplies you with your entire uniform (including luggage)

Depending on where EK will place you for housing, I cant really say for sure that there will be existing internet connection available. Usually if your lucky enough to move in with someone who is already established here, then they might already have the internet connection available (wireless) for you to use and then you just go halves in the cost. They have all internet connection available here. I just had broadban wireless installed and it works fantastic in mine and my flatmates room. It can take some time to have it installed from when you arrive as you will need to take a copy of your residence visa, which unfortunately you wont get until you finish your ground school.

The accomodation is great (especially for the fact that its free!) my location is fantastic and i am very happy with it all.

You can be placed in an apartment with either one or 2 flatmates. The bedrooms are very spacious and you will all have your own bathrooms (being a girl.....absolute must for me!!!) Before you move here, they will ask you to fill out a housing questionare, this is to find out whether you smoke or not, have any pets, and make any special requests (within reason ofcourse). The accomodation is placed all over Dubai, but the most common residential building that they are filling at present is the millenium tower on sheikh Zayed Rd, and on this main road is where alot of the accomodation buildings are also placed.

The accomodation should also have a gym and pool facilities, but unfortunately cant promise state of the art facilities for all accomodation buildings. But not to worry as when you graduate, you will be given an airline membership card, that will give you great discounts on certain health clubs, bars, retaurants etc (the gym down the road from me is fantastic, with state of the art equipment and with the airline membership card, we get to use it for free!)

So there you have it, hope I have been able to help.

Cheers

[helfsich]

Accomodation

Hey guys, hope you're all doing well. Just a few things I'd like to add...

With regards to internet connection, even though you may have to wait until you get your residence visa to get broadband installed, in the meantime if you have a landline phone (which EK provide anyway) you can use the Etisalat dial up. It's slow, but it does the job, and you only really use it for emails to family and friends when you're in training college.

Also, on the second day of interviews, and they ask you whether or not you're a smoker, PLEASE answer this correctly, and do not say that you're a non-smoker when you actually are in the hopes that it will increase your chances of getting the job. The recruiters don't take the habit into account when selecting crew, this question is purely used to find suitable housemates. I have been placed with 2 smokers because of this, which is very stressful seeing as though I'm asthmatic.

If you are placed into one of the older apartments, with 3 housemates, and you're assigned either a 'B' or 'C' bedroom, you'll probably share a bathroom. If it's just a 2 bedroom apartment then you have you're own bathroom, but size tends to vary greatly. This is only relavant to the buildings on Shiekh Zayed Rd and the Gahoud area though, in all the new buildings such as Government and Millenium Tower the crew have their own individual bathrooms/ensuites.

Worldwaiting - I can wholeheartedly assure you EK don't do the smile test and the vein check at recuitment. So long as you have a big bright and warming smile during the interview you'll make the recruiter's day.

[lilrach]

AM i too short??

Hiya,

I have been invited to the assessment day in London on the 23rd Jan (this tuesday eeek!). I am really worried that i wont reach the 212cm mark! I am only 5"2! Does anyone know if they are really strict with this?

I know loads of people who work for Emirates at all different levels, and they have all encouraged me to apply despite my worries about my height, but I am starting to feel like I am wasting my time!! I dont want to go all the way to London to be told in the first 5 mins that i have to go home!

Is there any short cabin crew out there who made it????

Rach x x