My SAUDIA exhilarating experience....

[Vien]

Let me share my exhilarating although extremely exhausting experience in Saudia Airlines… I recently had my interview with them in the nearby hotel in manila. I wasn’t even on an official leave that day (am currently working in a hotel too) when I decided to drop by and see how the assessment day goes. I was advised by a friend that on the same day they will select right there and then who would pass for the interview of their Arab Senior Flight Officers. Thus, I was truly in a cramming mode as I had no preparation at all. I went early to be able to submit my CV and a copy of my passport and to have my name listed. Good thing I was able to phone up the venue the previous day to check if they are accepting walk-ins and how many interviewers there will be. When I arrived there, there were lots of applicants already but glad that the saudia crew are nice and very friendly. They assisted us, though they made us wait for more than an hour. We stayed in a boardroom then we were divided into batches. (16candidates per batch). We were asked to take off our shoes then walk approaching the interviewers then we were asked to state our name and age. Then they will get your weight and measure your height. They will even chat with you to see how you smile and somewhat conduct yourself. Afterwards, we were told again to go back to the boardroom and wait for the final call for the fortunate applicants who passed for the interview. happily I was chosen among 50 applicants, actually only eight of us made it for the interview. Then the interview phase now comes, I was the 3rd applicant, the 1st one went out the door with a not so pleasant look in her face then proceed to the waiting area then the 2nd girl was called, it was somewhat quick interview then she went out with a long face… I was a lil anxious for my name to be called.. when it was already my turn the 2 interviewers walked out for a break.. gee.. that made me quite nervous as they mite already be in a bad mood.. after a 15min break they came back and pass through near where I was exactly seating then they smiled and say okay you may come in… to make the story short, the interview went well and then out of 8 applicants… only 4 of us fortunately passed the interview. We were called secretly in the other room to fill out loads of form for the pre-employment medical exams. Then we were requested to bring out 12pcs of 2x2 photo to be attached to the said forms. Here comes the nerve racking stage… Medical.. never thought it’s gonna be a rigorous one. We were asked to do fasting for 12hours for the blood works.. I actually spent my whole day in the clinic.. from 7am to 6pm. It was tiring and exhausting… we had physical examination, xray, psychological test, blood test, height and weight, tono test to check if we have glaucoma. then audiometry and spirometry and the worst part for me… the visual test!!! Haayy.. as I have impaired vision.. as in truly poor eye sight… I was asked to read the snellen’s chart sorry to say, I was asked to take off my contact lenses.. here comes the dilemma… I couldn’t read a single thing hence I ended up having my medical in pending status.. I was asked to come back the next Monday for my eye clearance. I felt so down thinking that I mite get eliminated because of my poor eyesight.. My mom and my family were so good and very supportive. Mom accompanied me in the clinic to have my eye check and then I asked the optal if possible to have a 20/20vision and I was informed that with my high astigmatism it mite be impossible but they will see what they can do.. fortunately a toric contact lense is available. Went back to the clinic on the scheduled date then had my eye check… prescription were given to the attending physician.. gladly I was able to attain 20/20 vision with my new toric contact lenses. However, the dilemma hasn’t ended there as the attending physician informed me that from my blood works there was a finding that indicates that I have slightly elevated liver enzyme… I was really shocked… and so disappointed as it shows in their faces that they seem to be a bit alarm… never thought its something serious as it says that it was slight elevated. Then I left the clinic and went back to office.. I made some research to find out the caused.. it says other common causes of elevated liver enzymes are inflammation in the liver due to medications and hepatitis. I was so alarm that made me feel tormented.. Never thought I was stricken by such problem… all I thought was I am physically and medically fit.. the next day I got a call from the clinic and I was advised that my medical is still pending thus, they require me to take another blood laboratory exams and an xray of the chest. I went there and blood were drawn again from me.. late the afternoon I got the result.. that was Friday.. they advised me that it is still elevated… it was heartrending.. it felt like the whole world crashed and there was nothing I can do… shed some tears and felt so bad… but realized I have my loving family still and our Heavenly Father I know will always bless our every effort.. guess.. I have to accept the fact.. now process to go through is to move on.. but one day.. my sis at home got another call from the clinic and were informed of last chance to check my liver and that is through ultrasound.. immediately mom and I with my sis went to a hospital for an ultrasound.. waited for the result the next day.. then found out that im already out of the woods and my result is normal.. whew!! What a huge relief.. though thought this is the end of the predicament.. I was hundred percent wrong as this is the beginning of the arena.. Saudia Office procedure is to send the applicants medical results to Jeddah for evaluation and approval and that’s the time you would know if you are FIT or UNFIT to work.. then I wasn’t even advised by Saudia HR to submit all my requirements to process my visa, instead they told me to call after a week… haaayy… I am very disappointed and somewhat losing hope.. we were supposed to be 3-batch to be sent to Jeddah for training.. 1st batch was deployed last 18 February then the 2nd batch 27 of Feb 2009. and unfortunately my name was not included on the list and having said that.. 3rd batch schedule is still unknown…. Hayyy… I don’t want to expect anymore.. guess I have to let it go…im already 27.. and I am not sure if I shall pursue this dream of becoming an FA….

[tinkerbell_flyer_xx]

vien - dont lose faith, just think positively i'm sure things will work out for you.....if it doesnt go according to plan always remember there is many other airlines you could apply for!

That medical sounds so full on!

Good luck!

[Vien]

Thankies tinkerbell_flyer_xx

Thanks a lot tinkerbell_flyer_xx... truly appreciate your kind words… just that cant help not to blurt it all out… for the past weeks I have been bursting inside due to this medical thing and now I can say im over it.. it was very disappointing and somewhat frustrating.. but nevertheless I am very grateful with my family and im glad to know that I am truly healthy.. that matter most… When they made a diagnosis concerning my blood that I am slightly elevated… that was the most sickening thing I ever heard but figured it was all because of the medicine I am taking for my skin that causes to increase my liver enzyme. Anyhow, i feel so good now because I am moving on with the feeling of bliss… as I always say… Atleast I tried

Many thanks thinkerbell!!! Hope to hear more from you

[elisa4]

why are Saudia making such a show of this whole recruitment, when the working conditions are not even great!

u would do much better to apply for GF, EY, EK, or even QR... at least u will have a comfortable life, better salary and higher degree of freedom!

[6000PIC]

Have you talked to anyone else who has worked for Saudia in the past or preferably present ? I`m not saying you haven`t , but I would like to think a reasonable person would do "their homework" before they moved halfway around the world to work for an airline like Saudia. You would only have yourself to blame. Be careful. If you have to ask why ...then your answer is clear , you haven`t done the research. Money isn`t everything.

[elisa4]

the salary is Saudi Arabian Airlines is not good at all, same for the rest of the living conditions! only in private companies u can get a good pay...

in my current airline there are some girls who used to work there, and they are very happy to have moved away from it.

[mutt]

Vien,

Question about the medical, when you fasted, did that include water? The medical is the same for everyone, pilots, ground and cabin.
I hope that everything works out for you, Saudia is a discovery, some love it, some hate it with a passion, some love the lifestyle, more love the money. Either way, if you get the job, come with an open mind, discover for yourself.

Good Luck

Mutt

[Vien]

Gracias por todos los comentarios ;) Thank you muchos

A million thanks to everyone who responded on my post, to Mutt – re medical and the water intake, yes I did. I fasted for 12hours before my blood exams, unfortunately the slightly elevated concern was caused by the medicine that I have been taking for almost 6months now, but good thing I found out about it otherwise it would truly harm my liver in the long run. It was my derma who recommended that to avoid breakouts during my monthly period.. Nonetheless id rather have terrible breakouts than to let this medicine take toll in my health. And yah I heard its d same medical thing with e.g. pilots, ground and cabin crew. I am not giving too much thought nor hope about it.. if its for me.. its truly for me.. then I would truly embrace the fact that this blessing has been bestowed upon me. I would love to discover it with my own eyes.. I just wanted learn new things and exercise greater sense of responsibility.. as I have been very dependent with my parents. I want to stand on my own two feet.. Anyways, sincerely thanks those kind words from you Mutt

To elisa4, I am not sure why Saudia would do something like this.. its their credibility that at stake. I remember when Saudia Operations Officer asked me if I am willing to give up my job in a 5star hotel just to join their team.. as they can not compensate my service as high as what the hospitality industry could offer me.. But I said it is my own decision to pursue what my heart desires.. it may sound cliché but I find FA thing quite challenging.. I love travelling and getting to meet new people across culture for me seems to be very interesting. I have never tried in other airlines aside from Saudia and QR, with QR I was advised before that I was too young. From then never thought of pursuing airlines anymore but now that I am getting older.. dunno what’s with me why I feel like trying it again and with the salary thing.. im not so much after that dear.. I mean, my current job has been very rewarding but too much exhausting… to the point that I get burned out at times… freedom comes with bigger responsibility thus, I want this thing to be discovered and handled on my own… Thanks


To 6000PIC.. thanks for the concern advise/comment from you.. sincerely appreciate… I guess I have not thoroughly done my homework when it comes to this particular airline… When the JOB Package was presented to me.. uhmm.. yah it was quite low than what I have expected.. and its not so wise to leave what I have here.. my job for three years which I can say that is really rewarding though not somewhat lost the passion due to swamp and overload of work. Anyhow, as regards to the money… Yes, very true… Money isn`t everything… hence, it wont make you less of a person if you give it a try.. right? And the thing for me is… this opportunity might mold someone’s life to be a better responsible person.. its not the material nor money that counts… it’s the learnings that matter most to me.. I have gone to the nicest companies here in manila and regardless of their luxurious benefits and remuneration… its still you to decide at the end of the day… and its your attitude toward the thing you do… I love and I can say im proud of my profession right now.. its just that.. I just want to know what this FA thing all about.. success does not come on a silver platter.. I must work hard in order to achieve it. Saudia may not be a well paying company… and i dont expect anything... too much axiety i have gone through with the medical thing and i dont want to keep it furhter... maybe its only the learning experience might be something I am thrilled to discover… nonetheless, thanks for the info.. appreciated.

[mutt]

Just to let you know that there are only 2 classes planned from the Philippines, although an additional 3 classes may be added.... So keep your fingers crossed.

Never do liver tests without drinking water, you can avoid food, but you have to drink water, otherwise the liver enzynes will show that you love alcohol......


Mutt

[Vien]

2 classes? meaning to say, the 2 batches are already 100% sure in? and it all depends on the training if there will be candidates who would fail and that's the time they would get from the 3rd batch to join the next class? gee... may i ask mutt, how did you know that there are only 3 classes planned from my country? During our orientation, i was told that the soonest we could finish our medical the better, so i could join the 1st batch, unfortunately i have been tied up with work that i couldnt afford to be on leave again because of deadlines to meet.. so i took the last schedule of medical... to make things worse i had some problems with my blood works and requested to redo the test thus, it made the process of results longer as i had it pending for quite some time. but what i dont understand is, why would Saudia spend much for our medicals if they are not taking us all if we pass this medical stage? its quite confusin and pretty exhausting to think about..
hmm.. anyhow, i am not expecting too much.. It might be best for me to be open to any unpleasant verdict.. the important thing is atleast i tried.. no regrets ... Btw, how terrible that was.. how come i was requested by the clinic to fast for 12hrs and no water too.. that's strange.. never been a liquor nor wine drinker.. they mite think i am... too bad.. i should have know and made a research on that well buthenagain.. come what may...

[mutt]

it all depends on the training if there will be candidates who would fail and that's the time they would get from the 3rd batch to join the next class?

... It doesnt work that way, they all will pass......

may i ask mutt, how did you know that there are only 3 classes planned from my country?

... I asked someone! But as i said, its quite likely that they will add 3 more classes, but decision not made yet.

Personally, judging by your writing, i think that you would be an asset to the company.

Mutt

[flash8]

I think mutt says it all there. I think you'd be an asset to any company! Sincerely wish you good luck, your enthusiasm and zest is quite refreshing.

[Vien]

My heartfelt thanks to all of you ;)

Oh thank you, your kind words are certainly very heartwarming. I am not quite sure if im worthy of such commendation.. Nonetheless, my sincere thanks for that.. truly hope I am. Concerning the FA Job… I must say that.. Yes I am beyond doubt and utterly interested to pursue that journey in my life.. I know there is something more.. I mean much deeper thing about that job than what others may think about. It’s absolutely going to open so many doors and wonderful experiences that will define you as an individual.. I mean it is true that my experience to-date is continuously enriched by the quality of knowledge and learnings that I am gaining from my current job.. however, I have this zeal that I wanted to discover through travelling and meeting new people and learn more about its culture hence, it made me very interested in this kind of career. Uhmm.. anyways, again my deepest thanks to all esp.. to Mutt and for the few kind lines from flash8 God bless to each and everyone… =)

[Marbella Girl]

Working for Saudia

Hi Vien - I really hope you get it, as the other person said you sound perfect for the job. I worked for Saudia as FA many many years ago, and whilst its a very different life to live in such a devout Muslim country especially for a Westerner, it was one of the best experiences of my life, I got to live in Jeddah for a year, then moved to BKK, sadly the base is closed now I believe, and yes its hard in Jeddah - you have to share a bedroom, you have to be in at midnight, you cannot drive, you have to cover your hair when you are out, etc etc etc, I could go on, BUT its what you make of it, and I was so thrilled to become a FA, doing my dream job, be experiencing living in two such different countries from my own, and the friends I made then have become friends for life. I was offered GF at the same time, and I chose Saudia over them because of the opportunity to be based in so many different countries. I have gone on from that to work for other airlines, where yes the conditions were better, but I still dont regret a second of my time with Saudia. So go for it, and if you dont get Saudia, keep applying to the other airlines, you will get it in the end!

[Vien]

Hello Ms. Marbella Girl!! Many thanks for the very uplifting remarks. I really appreciate it.. Uhmm.. I may not make it for the job, but still very grateful and truly elated I am to have learned and join this very insightful forum its indeed heartwarming.. and I thank all the people who responded positively with my post. To be honest, I only thought of joining this forum for me to be able to let go fully the sort of throbbing feeling inside me right after the lingering experience.. and didn’t expect that people would be concern enough and spare some time to read about it.. I am just very delighted to have come across this site.. =) and regarding my deepest wish to become an FA, it brought some uncertainties and a lot of anxieties to my life when I decided to take a step forward to reach my goal.. Had discussed it thoroughly with my parents that I truly want it and I positively believe that I am mature and responsible enough to pursue this kind of career even if it is far different dimension of what I am currently into... and fortunately after a lot of forethought and weighing up, got their blessing and so with my siblings.. just that, sadly concerning my status with the Saudia it is still unknown. Nevertheless, no regrets on my part.. atleast I feel that I have done my utmost and with what I thought I should. Btw, thanks a million for sharing your inspiring experience with the aforesaid airline... I just knew its worth the try Uhmm.. I am not sure if I shall continue the journey of becoming one... just as much as I want to.. but I am also thinking I might as well keep up and do well with what I have and just continue to be grateful.. although we truly never know what’s on the corner.. but hoping everything will fall into place… again, my sincere thanks!

[gorgeousjane56]

hi ms marbella im new pruner here.Interested to know more about saudi airline since there's an agency pooling for fa position.Is worth to try since ive already worked as an international fa for qr.After a while i missed flying job since ek is in freeze hiring im considering saudi or shall i wait for ek recruitment campaign ?hope you could enlighten me .thamks a lot .More power

[newscaster]

Vien try Alwafeer Air Homepage they are hiring.