Altara Interviews
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Sunshine Coast
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I work for Altara. Roster and pay is monthly, at the moment we're doing about 80 hours a month, pay is about $2000 a month but some bases might be higher. You get "on call duties" of 12 hours and airport standby's of about 6 hours, if that's what you mean, but it's mainly flying.
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Sydney
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Altara Assessment Day
Hi
I have my altara assessment day in Sydney, NSW on 1st of February 2011 and I'm wondering if anyone has any sort of advice regarding this.
I received an email and it was quite vague on the dress code, what we would do on the day etc.
If anyone has any tips please leave a reply!!
Thanks in advance
I have my altara assessment day in Sydney, NSW on 1st of February 2011 and I'm wondering if anyone has any sort of advice regarding this.
I received an email and it was quite vague on the dress code, what we would do on the day etc.
If anyone has any tips please leave a reply!!
Thanks in advance
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: New Zealand
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Hi I got an email from them too but not sure how long until the assessment day will be and have just got an email from Tiger to go to their assessment day and I would rather work for Jetstar but dont want to wait and then maybe miss out. Hmmmm
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Sydney
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Still waiting
I too am still waiting to hear when the next round of Jetstar Altara interviews will be. I received an email on the 19th of Feb but have still not heard anything. I hate waiting but I know I have to be patient..anyone else still waiting to hear about Sydney interviews?
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Victoira
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...
Hi all,
This has been very helpful and interesting to read.
I have been invited to attend the assessment day on Friday, 16 March.
However after reading all this I am feeling maybe I dot want to go...
Few questions:
1. On the application it said desirable height 163cm... Are they strict on this? As I am 162 and Qantas knocked me back for being to short.
2. I have completed my RSA in 2007 and need to re do this as I have left it to late to do the refresher. I am booked in for Sunday, do they care if you are attending after the interview?
3. Is red nail polish ok?
4. I was knocked back from Virgin in the last round for laughing to much and being to smiley... Which is ridiculous if you ask me so I am ready and aware not to drop my guard for a second.
5. Are casual hrs really that bad? I have a credit card and a loan to payback...
Thank you for your help!!!
This has been very helpful and interesting to read.
I have been invited to attend the assessment day on Friday, 16 March.
However after reading all this I am feeling maybe I dot want to go...
Few questions:
1. On the application it said desirable height 163cm... Are they strict on this? As I am 162 and Qantas knocked me back for being to short.
2. I have completed my RSA in 2007 and need to re do this as I have left it to late to do the refresher. I am booked in for Sunday, do they care if you are attending after the interview?
3. Is red nail polish ok?
4. I was knocked back from Virgin in the last round for laughing to much and being to smiley... Which is ridiculous if you ask me so I am ready and aware not to drop my guard for a second.
5. Are casual hrs really that bad? I have a credit card and a loan to payback...
Thank you for your help!!!
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Sydney
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If QF knocked you back for your height I can only assume JQ will do the same also as they are owned by Qantas.
I am interested in what Virgin said... Did they actually tell you
'No because you smiled and laughed too much?'
Someone asked above about casual work.... I am not a casual but I know they get 0 staff travel, 0 mat leave and no international work either.
I wouldn't even count on getting domestic overnights as it is cheaper to send a full timer.
I also found a lot of the 'older' CMs were very harsh on the casuals just for being 'altara' crew.
I am interested in what Virgin said... Did they actually tell you
'No because you smiled and laughed too much?'
Someone asked above about casual work.... I am not a casual but I know they get 0 staff travel, 0 mat leave and no international work either.
I wouldn't even count on getting domestic overnights as it is cheaper to send a full timer.
I also found a lot of the 'older' CMs were very harsh on the casuals just for being 'altara' crew.
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Sunshine Coast
Age: 37
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Jacs88:
1. Might as well try, I've seen lots of short flighties!
2. No they don't mind, as long as you tell them, and if you're successful you just provide them with the new certificate as soon as you can.
3. Don't ever wear any nail polish to an interview!! Or jewellery!! (Wearing a watch is a good idea though - nothing too blingy or trashy)
4. No one ever knows what they're looking for. My personal opinion is not to attract too much attention to yourself, but don't stay a quite little mouse either. Just be yourself!
5. Casuals don't get any benefits, but the higher hourly rate makes up for it. In saying that, you can have busy months and quiet months! Everyone seems to survive though.
1. Might as well try, I've seen lots of short flighties!
2. No they don't mind, as long as you tell them, and if you're successful you just provide them with the new certificate as soon as you can.
3. Don't ever wear any nail polish to an interview!! Or jewellery!! (Wearing a watch is a good idea though - nothing too blingy or trashy)
4. No one ever knows what they're looking for. My personal opinion is not to attract too much attention to yourself, but don't stay a quite little mouse either. Just be yourself!
5. Casuals don't get any benefits, but the higher hourly rate makes up for it. In saying that, you can have busy months and quiet months! Everyone seems to survive though.
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Sydney
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Got an email from Altara for jetstar saying I passed the online test so I have to wait for a AD to be announced...Not sure if to be happy as I don't hear(or in this case, read) good reports from a benefit point of view. I'm certainly not interested to do this job for financial rewards but I certainly don't want to go broke. Also, how can they not offer travel benefits like others, including MAM is beyond me. I think that part of the work we all want to do is also the benefits that come with the job and if I don't get travel discounts like other airlines offer, then what's the point? All i want is working a good number of hours (35 to 40hrs if possible)with a decent wage and some benefits like airfare discounts. I read a few posts ago where someone is getting $2000 a month. I hope that's after tax?
Can someone set me straight and tell me I am all wrong with my opinion?
Cheers!!
Can someone set me straight and tell me I am all wrong with my opinion?
Cheers!!
Last edited by Rocky181; 2nd Apr 2012 at 19:57.
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Sydney Australia
Age: 50
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About the job
Hi Everyone, just to help out with some information.
Firstly drug testing.. All airline cabin crew are drug tested prior to employment, a medical as well as dental x-rays. Most of this is usually done at your expense. Remembering drugs last in the system over different periods depending on dosage as well.. I have never taken drugs so it is never a worry for me. However I knew of a ground handler that was wound up and asked to resign due to a positive drug test. Please keep in mind that part of the terms and conditions of employment it states that you are subject to radom testing. It can occur at any time and depending on the policy a fail does not at times means a loss of job.. Sometimes it is more along the lines of a warning process and possibly end up with them referring you to help to get over your drug use...
As for benefits now days there are sometimes no benefits. What may happen is that staff hired on one contract will have this this and this.. you work the same job, same times and even share the double jump seat.. and you could have different benefits etc. Subject to how your hired and under want agreement. I presume Altara recruites are hired under Altara under contract to airlines so you may not actually be working as an employee.. Not sure but that is the way I look at it.
Heights - there is a minimum and depending on the airline there may be or may not be a height limit. If your on the shorter side you may be small for the jets such as A320 or 737, 767 A380 etc etc but you may be the ideal height for the Rex SAAB 340 aircraft or Qantaslink Dash 8's. Just ensure you apply to the correct division of Qantas if you are going along the Qantas Dash 8 path.
As for height - I feel if there is enough room for you to work/stand in the aircraft you should be fine.. however some airlines do have a height maximum. I understand the Boeing 767 has a galley that narrows in height.. but never worked on one so I would not know.
Training - Depends on the carrier. Sometimes you may need to go to a training center interstate but this would be arranged by the airline. I understand that there is only one A320 cabin simulator and it's in Melbourne. Qantas does have an awesome centre in Essendon that has a pool area to simulate storms etc, a 737 cabin simulator, chutes and a chute training platform, as well as door simulators and classrooms. (Got a tour a little while back)... Also worth a look is the museum next door...
Some things to expect... if you think training is cruisey.. Its not.. I have heard that you can fail and be asked to leave during training with some airlines. Put your life on hold. No pub on Saturday night - I would concentrate on your training. Remember that if you go on line you are still asked safety and security questions during staff briefing and you will be stood down from active duty if you fail these questions.
There is a bit of chat about meals on board. Some do some dont.. I have eaten in my day crew meals from a LCC. It contained a roll with ham and cheese, a bottle of water, a chocky and a cookie... I would rather take my own but remember taking fruit interstate in Australia can result in you getting fined. Eat your fruit ASAP and enjoy it.
RSA's... just did my NSW RSA today... apparently in NSW they last for 5 years and whilst this ruling has come in recently, apparently you could be asked to resit the whole course until such time they decide if they are going to create a bridging course or not. In NSW apparently you will receive confirmation on the day if your sucessful and in the email you get a certificate that you have to then make an appointment with Australia Post, and eventually after providing 100 points of ID you end up with an RSA card being sent to you. By law you would need to carry this with you at all times working as crew. Maybe put it in your ID tag box that allows you to store multiple cards all together.
Hope this helps... like I said most is here say.
Firstly drug testing.. All airline cabin crew are drug tested prior to employment, a medical as well as dental x-rays. Most of this is usually done at your expense. Remembering drugs last in the system over different periods depending on dosage as well.. I have never taken drugs so it is never a worry for me. However I knew of a ground handler that was wound up and asked to resign due to a positive drug test. Please keep in mind that part of the terms and conditions of employment it states that you are subject to radom testing. It can occur at any time and depending on the policy a fail does not at times means a loss of job.. Sometimes it is more along the lines of a warning process and possibly end up with them referring you to help to get over your drug use...
As for benefits now days there are sometimes no benefits. What may happen is that staff hired on one contract will have this this and this.. you work the same job, same times and even share the double jump seat.. and you could have different benefits etc. Subject to how your hired and under want agreement. I presume Altara recruites are hired under Altara under contract to airlines so you may not actually be working as an employee.. Not sure but that is the way I look at it.
Heights - there is a minimum and depending on the airline there may be or may not be a height limit. If your on the shorter side you may be small for the jets such as A320 or 737, 767 A380 etc etc but you may be the ideal height for the Rex SAAB 340 aircraft or Qantaslink Dash 8's. Just ensure you apply to the correct division of Qantas if you are going along the Qantas Dash 8 path.
As for height - I feel if there is enough room for you to work/stand in the aircraft you should be fine.. however some airlines do have a height maximum. I understand the Boeing 767 has a galley that narrows in height.. but never worked on one so I would not know.
Training - Depends on the carrier. Sometimes you may need to go to a training center interstate but this would be arranged by the airline. I understand that there is only one A320 cabin simulator and it's in Melbourne. Qantas does have an awesome centre in Essendon that has a pool area to simulate storms etc, a 737 cabin simulator, chutes and a chute training platform, as well as door simulators and classrooms. (Got a tour a little while back)... Also worth a look is the museum next door...
Some things to expect... if you think training is cruisey.. Its not.. I have heard that you can fail and be asked to leave during training with some airlines. Put your life on hold. No pub on Saturday night - I would concentrate on your training. Remember that if you go on line you are still asked safety and security questions during staff briefing and you will be stood down from active duty if you fail these questions.
There is a bit of chat about meals on board. Some do some dont.. I have eaten in my day crew meals from a LCC. It contained a roll with ham and cheese, a bottle of water, a chocky and a cookie... I would rather take my own but remember taking fruit interstate in Australia can result in you getting fined. Eat your fruit ASAP and enjoy it.
RSA's... just did my NSW RSA today... apparently in NSW they last for 5 years and whilst this ruling has come in recently, apparently you could be asked to resit the whole course until such time they decide if they are going to create a bridging course or not. In NSW apparently you will receive confirmation on the day if your sucessful and in the email you get a certificate that you have to then make an appointment with Australia Post, and eventually after providing 100 points of ID you end up with an RSA card being sent to you. By law you would need to carry this with you at all times working as crew. Maybe put it in your ID tag box that allows you to store multiple cards all together.
Hope this helps... like I said most is here say.
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Sydney
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Hey CrossCheck
I normally stay away from long reads in forums but may I say it was well written and informative. thanks for taking the time.
One thing though and it could be a silly question, but what is the dental xrays for?
I normally stay away from long reads in forums but may I say it was well written and informative. thanks for taking the time.
One thing though and it could be a silly question, but what is the dental xrays for?
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Sunshine Coast
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Someone told me that dental xrays are for if something happened, they could identify you. Correct me if I'm wrong though because it sounds a bit melodramatic.
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Sydney
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China Southern...
Hey guys,
This may be a little off topic, but it is Altara related let me assure you.
I'm attending an assessment day for China Southern's Sydney based Int Crew and was wondering if anyone knows anything...as in anything about the day.
I'm gathering that it won't be too far from what has been discussed here, in terms of what happens during the day.
What I need to know is conditions, pay, staff travel and all that jazz.
Any information would be so much appreciated.
Thanks guys.
And good luck to everyone who's been invited to GS. Have a great time!!!
This may be a little off topic, but it is Altara related let me assure you.
I'm attending an assessment day for China Southern's Sydney based Int Crew and was wondering if anyone knows anything...as in anything about the day.
I'm gathering that it won't be too far from what has been discussed here, in terms of what happens during the day.
What I need to know is conditions, pay, staff travel and all that jazz.
Any information would be so much appreciated.
Thanks guys.
And good luck to everyone who's been invited to GS. Have a great time!!!
Spaniel77
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Sydney
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CZ Altara Assessment Day...
Tomorrow.
It's kinda weird that no one's really talking about this since they're rapidly expanding. This is the second round in Sydney and soon they'll be hiring for Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. 13 crew have just gone through and 22 from Holland. They have French crew, Korean and Japanese.
I can't find anything on the net about their conditions and that's all I'm after.
Anyway, good luck to me tomorrow and anyone else on this forum who might be going in the next three days...
It's kinda weird that no one's really talking about this since they're rapidly expanding. This is the second round in Sydney and soon they'll be hiring for Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. 13 crew have just gone through and 22 from Holland. They have French crew, Korean and Japanese.
I can't find anything on the net about their conditions and that's all I'm after.
Anyway, good luck to me tomorrow and anyone else on this forum who might be going in the next three days...