I know this might be a very sensitive question to some, but I can't help to have a second thought when I searched for VB uniform, and saw some Virgin Blue crew photos. almost all of them are caucasian, blonde and if not brunette. It appears that VB has this 'image' that they want and likes to promote. Just wondering if any VB crew knows any asian crew working for VB (a good friend of mine didn't make it but I hate to think it's due to her skin color or her specific looks) have I just discovered some silent racial statement from RB - tall, blonde, caucasian?

Discriminative comments like that are unacceptable. DJ hires many types of people, different ages, backgrounds etc. If you look at our advertising since we started we have had many different people shown. We are all Australian. Maybe your friend was not successful as she didnt fit their criteria.

ek412syd,

I wouldn't be too concerned and i don't think that you've uncovered some hidden conspiracy. If i recall correctly, i've seen a person of Asian origin in some form of Virgin Blue promotional material. I also have a friend who is decidedly Asian looking who was offered a job with DJ.

It's just like any other company: When advertising their company, they are going to use staff who are pleasant on the eyes, regardless of race/gender/etc.

I think i'm in the same boat as you (trying to move from the Middle East to Virgin Blue). Coming from the Middle East, we should both be quite used to airlines who openly discriminate on the basis of gender and appearance (particularly our one, large friend who seems to have a preference for blonde females), and glad that if we get offered jobs with DJ, we won't be working in such a context.

Good luck with your application!

I've not seen any discrimination of that sort at VB. In fact one of the recruiters at my recruitment day was Asian, and plenty out there online. They don't hire for looks they hire for behavioural competencies. Cabin crew is not an easy job and requires a great deal of concentration and focus throughout the whole day. You are continually examined and appraised so that's why the bar is so high. Many very good people don't get jobs, not because they're not good people but because they don't have the full set of competencies needed to do the job well.

So don't be lead to beleive that they hire on a certain image. Sure the commercial ads present to us attractive caucasian women, but to an extent thats what Richard Bransen is about, not the recruitment team though. I Believe on the day, you as a person and the vibe you are sending out on the day is what matters. Being immaculately groomed is looked highly upon as well.

KittyBlue, I do not beleive ek412syd's genuine query was in any way discriminant. So please don't be quick to shut him/her down and say its unacceptable. The query was harmless and had no malice. Being of a different ethnicity, its only natural to wonder about these things as I have before.

ek412syd: there are many nationalities covered at VB but not many s.e.asians so fair point about your concerns.
The adds are real staff working at VB who come in on days off to be in the ads. One of the blonde's you are referring to perhaps, is actually a mum who is about to have her second child so, so much for the stereotypes. One of the Captains in the ads allegedly has to stand on a box to be taller than the girls.
The age of crew is from 18-50, male/female, straight/gay/other so I think VB is well away from the blonde, caucasian image that you have in your mind.

Goodluck with your application. We will certainly know who you are if you get in.

Pls Reply!!!
 

HELLO ALL

I really need to ask you something

I really would like to know what does the Virgin Blue Medical consist of????
I have hurt my foot really badly and..I really dont want this to affect the workout/ or the Medical Examination..

Pls reply thank you

Melody23, Be sure to call the medical centre prior to the examination and find out. Just be honest and say you ahve hurt your foot.

When you see the doctor, he will test your strength in your arms, push, pulling. Squatting, reaching, you will be poked and prodded. I can't really see if a sore foot would affect you, but if your foot is seriously hurt, make sure you tell him first hand so he can diagnose that you'll be good as gold by the time you get your job.

I had the flu at the time of my medical, so I was afraid that could affect my results. But i hadnt taken any codeine at the time and i told the medical centre prior to my examinations AND on the day as well. having the flu affected my breath-holding exam in the medical, but was given lee-way because i wasnt feeling well.

Best of luck, Don't stress

I've had a few Pm's requesting more info about the VRD. I thought I would type up my own tips. I know some of it seems a bit 101-Interviewing-tips but hope you bear with me. Its some of the things I would have liked to have known prior to the day, but at the same time, I made it through without knowing some of these things, so it just goes to show, its all about being your happy self. Hope some of you take away something from it to get yourself more prepared for the big day.

I suggest:

*Smiling - If you can't do it, practice in the mirror to your facial muscles are sore (make it natural looking!)

* Not wearing a suit jacket - keep it to a shirt and tie for a smart yet casual appearance (Unless you look super spunky in the jacket and not too stuffy)

*Be friendly, talk to whomever is next to you, doesnt matter what you talk about, as long as you are talking, everyone is in the same boat as you (think about it, if you're standing there quiet and alone, you'd LOVE for someone to speak to you so you can feel like yourself and not some hermit!)

*Don't sit there quiet before the activities begin, mingle mingle mingle
**Learn the names of people on your table

Tell Us About Yourself
*Be proud of your experiences and life (when you talk about yourself, include some personal stuff to make known you're real person and not just a person made out of work experiences, e.g I spoke about my new kitten i had just brought home few days prior to the VRD- Don't use this bit as if it was an interview, tis meant to be light and easy going - (Virgin wants happy people!)

**Group Activities
*Don't be overbearing when having a group discussion, let others speak
- But do have a point of view on matters, and when it comes time for group presentation, have your own point you would like to highlight on the matter (either make it funny/light or personal and touching(nothing too corny please!...And if you can't do either..Be articulate and speak up smile and look at the group assessors in the eyes- If the opinon/point was reached with another applicant, mentioned his/her name- give credit when its due!...shows your unselfishness and ability to work as a team ))

*Don't umm and errr - Just listen to the question at hand and mention any relevancy it has to your previous roles and the roles as cabin crew

*Don't use TOO much hair product (Guys) (I'm assuming for girls, Don't use too much make up? Natural beauty is more preferred I'd take a guess)

------------------

If you get to the 2 -1 interview stage & Role Play & Multiple choice Test

*Smile more, you made it! (Even hug someone if you feel comfortable enough, its a complete 'YAY' feeling, allows you to be yourself more) (Do this after the people who were cut have left)

Congitive test (Multiply Choice test)
Is quite easy, 30 questions, 30 mins (most finish before)
Read it thoroughly, answer accordingly

2-1 Interview
*pour yourself a glass of water provided if nessecary, and ask if the interviewers want one too (Use their names, Remember their names!)

*Don't be afriad to say you're nervous, *but do mention you're excited to have come that far as well!

* Bring Two copies (or more) of your resume so both interviewers can view your resume if they choose (They read through your WHOLE resume, So know you prevous roles inside out!) (know why you want to be cabin crew too!)
--You are given an outline sheet at the beginning of the day, READ IT!, everything relevant to the job in answering the questions to cabin crew and your expectations of the job and role you play is on this sheet if you read it properly.
- The interview is quite standard, so scratch up on your interviewing skills I guess

ROLE-PLAY
-Be confident
-Learn the name of person in the scenario they are setting up (as if it was a real customer service role you were in)
-Be sympathetic
-Offer solutions (offer alternatives to a problem to bring great customer service)
-Do not pass the buck onto someone else (e.g pretend to call up a manager etc etc is a no no, this is your individual role play, find the solution yourself!)

Thats about the gist of it. Goodluck to all who have VRD's coming up. Anymore questions, just PM me.

V Australia Ground School
 

Does anyone know when the V Australia Ground schools will start?

Do you know if they will be in Sydney or Brisbane?

Thanks guys

thanks JJ melb
 

Wow.. Its sounds pretty full on hey!
Gosh feeling a bit nervous..Ok Ill call my doc!!
Hopefully Ill be ok Im on the waitlist for training thank gosh!!

Kittyblue, Airbornesoon, JJ melb, Wirgin blew, Tray Juggler - thanks all of you guys for contributing your thoughts on VB. like JJ melb, I never want to create any type of tension here, but only being an honest individual to share my doubt on certain aspects of VB, which now is been answered constructively by all of you. I certainly agree that VB is fair with every single applicants and view them beyond the physical appearance which is also the reason why my friend and I've applied. again I hope I did not cause anybody's anger in raising my ignorant question. I hope to see everybody oneday in VB that's only if they get back to me :)

Wirgin Blew, I'm delighted to meet you in VB! and hope we become friends too! :)

Don't sweat it ek412syd
 

Hi ek412syd!

I don't think anyone thought that you were attempting to stir the pot, so don't worry about that. I know i certainly didn't. The quick replies were simply to keep your hopes up. We all know how annoying the wait can be, and all those ridiculous thoughts that go through your head whilst you wait for confirmation one way or the other.

Best of luck!

SYD base is up and running and recruiting for either S/H or L/H. Personally I would go S/H as it is actually a job atm not just something down the track. Rumour has it that at the last VB SYD recruitment day 80 people were invited 40 showed up and 20 were suitable. So if you are keen get that resume in there and cross your fingers that they call you.

The recruitment dept are a mysterious lot at any airline and nobody knows what system they have if any.

Goodluck.

any ground schools coming up?!
 

hi everyone!
i was just wondering if anyone knew if there were any syd ground schools start dates confirmed? i had my medical ( which was all fine) a good month ago and havent heard anything since! The wait is killing me!

The phone call!
 

I think you will get a phone call in the next two weeks. I've heard Virgin are calling people who have done the medicals and marking them down for a training school without a starting date. In 2 weeks time they should have starting dates.

I'm sure you will hear soon Sharz87......you can always give them a call if you haven't heard by the end of next week. It's also the end of the Financial Year so that may explain the delay...Good luck

email
 

hey everyone just checking to see how you are all going with your applications

Its crazy hey!
 

I have not heard from VB since last month and my interview was April the 22nd!!!

WOW...... VB must be CRAZY busy at the moment
Because I did not know that it would take this long hey?!!!

Hey guys, does anyone know if VB are looking to open more CC bases in the next year or so?? I thought PER & ADL would be on the radar to save costs!! Curious if any rumours out there that this might happen. Good luck to all waiting for call ups!

Waitlist
 

hi i had my interview in early may, and i have been receiving updates on my progress, i'm just wondering how long does it usually take? feels like i been on the waitlist forever. lol also does i havn't been to a medical yet. Thanks