Interview Style & Grooming Tips (Inc. Tattoos, Birthmarks & Breasts)

[dreamtheimpossible]

Hi all,

Pretty new to this whole forum thing however have done A LOT of research and reading of pages and pages of interview tips and what not.
Currently I am very interested in applying for a cabin crew position with a middle east airline within the next year or so and I am planning on using that time to prepare in all ways possible, e.g. taking cabin crew preparation courses, first aid courses etc. in order to improve my chances of being successful as I don't have any previous experience in the airline industry.

HOWEVER and I actually feel completely ridiculous writing this whole post as I absoutely do not believe it should put anyone at a disadvantage, yet I do understand why they may be very strict when it comes to the physical appearance of their cabin crew.
I have a birthmark on my right arm (a port wine stain to be exact). It is definitely bigger than a 'tic-tac' which many people have used to explain whether it would be a problem or not and extends down most of my arm. So it is visable and I guess it is noticable (not that I've ever had an issue with it).
What I want to ask is whether this REALLY would put me at a disadvantage?
Is anyone completely certain that it would be noted down/frowned upon?
Are all current cabin crew impeccible in their physical appearance?

Any information on this would be a great help as if it turns out that physical appearance is a big must whereby to meet all the requirements then I do feel I'd have to try sort something out, be it camouflage creams or permenant removal however wouldn't specifically want to take the latter route unless absoutely necessary.

Sorry this was such a looong, tedious post but I would love to hear your opinions.
Thanks!! xo http://www.cabincrew.com/images/Smileys/smiley1.gif

[ilana182]

My advice:

Be on the safe side, wear a long sleeve shirt to the interview and don't mention it. I've heard that some airlines "trick" you into admitting if you have any "unusual marks" on your body that could "help identify you" ... just say no.

[Tainlovestofly]

If you are so worried, perhaps don't aim so high - ie not for the middle eastern airlines who do place a lot of value on your appearance. I worked at an airline in my home city and worked alongside a girl whose face was disfigured from a dog attack. Sure, she hid most of it with her fringe, but it was still noticeable.

Mostly, they can't discriminate too much on the basis of looks.

[givemewings]

Middle Eastern airlines are usually stricter.

Airlines in countries with anti-discrimination laws would give you a better chance of success.

Despite the advice given above, DO NOT LIE on applications, especially in writing. Airlines in the ME can and have sent people home for this.

If it were a small mark, I would say it probably doesn't matter. For an entire limb though, I wouldn't be confident to say they'd ignore it... after all, as harsh as it sounds they can pick from plenty of others without that issue.

BUT- you never know if you don't try. Apply for a spectrum of airlines, and see where you get through. You never know, and at the least, the more applications, the wider the chance for success. Good luck.

[flyguy87]

I too hav a small mark like a pea size on my right hand,not even on arm. But it aint noticeable until n unless you stare at it for a long time. . Lol :)
I think we should try to cover it with long sleeves. If we try to hide it fro recruiters then not sure whats guna happen when they find out about it.
Sorry im too a cabin crew wannabe but this is my opinion.
They dont reject you until and unless its covered while wearing the uniform or it aint that visible.
One of my friends is working with emirates and she too got a scar on her neck but they dont point out that like i said until its badly visible or makes them feel uncomfortable.

So keep trying my friend. No one knows what luck is on ur way

[flyguy87]

Hi friends,

I really need some help with this. When it comes to being a CABIN CREW first thing is your gona be the "FACE OF THE AIRLINES".

I would really love to get some help on this topic regarding how to Improve the Personality and grooming before we finally make it to an OD or CV SUBMISSION because along with preparing resume, getting the answers ready for the interview personality matter alot.

I used to have acne problems.now they have left black spots(dark pigmentation) behind.
How to get rid of it?
Does hairfall problem matter??whats the ideal weight and height needed??
Any tips to get rid of scars ??
I have seen that well groomed means half the battle won for many airlines.
I just wanted to converge all the infos on grooming and personality at one place.
Sorry for making it too long but i guess its vital to know these things.
Awaiting for replies from the experienced crew and wannabes.
Thank you and hope its helpful :)

[givemewings]

FYI for female applicants of Emirates and Etihad- female crew do NOT get the option of long sleeves on board. Yes there is a cardigan but you cannot (and would be crazy to) wear it in summer.

Therefore, if you are going to 'hide' anything, it would come out in the medical in Dubai, and if severe enough, then yes if undeclared it could send you home.

Don't listen to friends who have "barely noticeable" scars- the original question is regarding a port wine birthmark covering a whole arm- not exactly "barely noticeable"....

[jensdad]

I am not cabin crew, and this is just my opinion - but do you really want to work for a company that would discriminate against you for having a birth mark?
To me, the obsession with physical appearance in the airline industry is nauseating.

[nyt_lyfshna]

Hello everyone! I am new here and since i am also waiting for my FI result (it's been almost 4wks now) , i found this site out of anxiousness. Btw, does anybody know if breast implants would be an issue in getting employed with QR? i had it done 1 year ago.

It's really nice to have read all of your stories here..I hope to hear from you guys soon as well !

More Blessings on your way<---> ;)

[givemewings]

Jensdad, it's not fuzzy-wuzzy but that's the way it goes- and it's not only the airlines, but other industries as well.

Like it or not, if an airline has 2 applicants exactly the same in qualifications and experience, then more often then not they will choose the one they perceive fits their image better.

That someone has a physical (cosmetic) disfigurement or blemish of course does not diminish their ability, but in a public-facing role it can make some customers uncomfortable or lead to awkwardness, of course they are going to choose the person who they feel will work more 'easily' within their team. You can't prove beyond a doubt that's what they choose on anyway, only suspect that they do....

Not saying it's right, just that it's how it seems to work.

In all honesty if you were dating two people equally as nice as the other, with the same qualities, but one was less physically attractive, in those early shallow stages I am sure as much as we'd all like to say otherwise, it's human nature to pick the one we perceive as more attractive to us... all other things being equal. Once you get to know people better, their attractiveness increases of course, but in the airline recruitment game, it's all about first impressions. There's no time for courting for them to "get to know you better"....

FYI I do not always agree with how they recruit but that's the way they do it. As i said to the OP, if s/he wants to better their chances, apply in countries where there are laws against choosing on physical appearance alone. But- if they don't want to choose someone, they will find an 'acceptable' reason....

[audreyhepburn]

I would advise you to mention it, since its on your arm. In qatar airways they do not only ask you if you have birthmarks, scars or tatoos as they also require you to draw it on a paper, describing the shape and lenght of it. In addition, in the Final Interview, they ask you to pull the sleeves of your shirt up, so they can observe both of your arms. In non visible parts of the body i'd still risk, in the arms not really! It'd be pretty bad if they saw such a big mark that was not on the draw, it's not like a bunch of small moles that you forgot or smth! Hope it helps!;)

[R2jumpseat]

It is sad but absolutely true: appearance does matter, especially when you are applying for a job that values so much a polished image.
In terms of birth marks, the rule of thumb is that if it is bigger than a coin, then you have to declare it when asked about it. It will be noticeable anyway during your medicals and might even put you in danger to be sent home.

You can maximize your chances by having a good image during the interview.

If there is a treatment to minimize the appearance of the mark and you are willing to do it, then by all means you should consider it!

Good luck!:ok:

[pink1983]

Hi to all,,i'm planning to apply for qatar air ways cabin crew.but my problem is having a quiet big birth mark in my right arm,it looks bit darker than my skin colour,it's obvious,but i can cover it by make up.i heard they ask to candidates to wear short sleeves for the interview,pls can anybody tell me what shud i do??

[Taras B]

You already answered your own question! And besides, the rest of you is perfect ;) Plenty of girls put on makeup to cover the "flaws" in their faces...why should your arm be any different? :) Good luck!

[pink1983]

thanks for the reply,any way i'm gonna try this time.i wish every will be fine on that day.

[flyguy87]

Can some one help me with this question .
Is there a dental check up during medical examination ?? Like i have a good white set of teeth(teeths are even) but have gum problem in my wisdom tooth. Is that gonna be a big problem ??
Thankyou

[monrox]

I had an interview with a middle eastern airline and one of the first questions they asked me was if i had any tattoos of visible scarring.

I have a tattoo on the back of my neck so i didnt get in because of that. But to ask about scars first off shows how particular they are.

I have 2 scars on each arm that are visible but i did not mention these.

[TiaCharms]

helpp...!!!
2 months back i went for a walk-in interview with jet airways..and i was rejected because i had acne scars..and believe me when i say they were really small. they conduct walk-ins every 6 months so m really nervous now.
so i really want to know is there a way to conceal them or get rid of them easily.

P.S no sunscreens or face creams suit my skin...and dat i hav realised recently..only moisturisers..
P.P.S i havent had any training for cabin crew..do i hav a chance of getting selected?
P.P.P.S my height is almost 5'7" and weight is near abt 54kgs. and m 24 yrs old.
a really lonnggg text i know...but m really desperate for it...please HELP...:confused::uhoh::(