firstly:
I have trouble understanding why current FAs would want to work for JQI. I can kind of understand people with no flying experience still thinking that besides the crap conditions, and warnings from current crew, that it could be good. Of course you might think that, if you have never flown before, you may (and you probably do) think you know what kind of lifestyle and work schedule you will be operating on, and how it will takeover your life. However, until you have actually done it, its hard to judge. I do not know of any job (except perhaps mining in a remote area? but they get pretty decent conditions and pay/rest etc) that demands 100% of your living breathing life - even when you are NOT working.
For those that have never flown, the glamour will ALWAYS be there in some degree. Hell.. there is even a tiny speck of it still there for me - which is why i love my job (although i may not like the management or the conditions).
Secondly:
Pinklemonae and Fingers Crossed, i understand that you may see current FAs 'swanning' into interviews... and yeah its probably annoying - there are always people in every industry that love themselves so much that they think they are the greatest gift to any employer.
However, having said that, this industry has such a high turnover rate with young crew, and there are always people applying who really have no clue about what the 'lifestyle' entails that having flying experience behind you does count for alot... and potential recruiters know it. If you have flown before, you probably have a foot and a bit in the door more than someone who hasnt - ESPECIALLY if you used to work for the same airline in the past as a recruiter (ie Ex Ansett for example) This industry is very much like a big 'family' - crew all around the world, regardless of the airlines they work for are seen as a kind of extended family. We look after them on flights, they look after us. Of course if you are interviewing someone and they used to fly you are going to look on them favourably.. for many reasons, and a big one is that at least they are fully aware of what the job entails and are less likely to 'drop out'. simple as that.