Preparing for my interview - feedback please
 

Hi everyone!
I am a long time reader of this forum but only signed up today (so please don't be scared if it sounds like I know some of you a lot more than you know me! :} )
Soon, I will be applying to all the Australian airlines, although I would ideally like to get a job with Qantas or Virgin Blue - I know this job is a desired one, and in order to get this job I know I will have to ace the interview.

I've been preparing some of my answers, I would really appreciate if any F/As (or ex F/As) would take the time to review and give me feedback on some of the answers. I understand the questions vary from airline to airline but I've just answered some of the more common questions.

Ok, here we go :)

Tell us about yourself-
I'm Jake - a 19 year old fresh out of high school with a passion for travel & meeting new people. I am fit, have a cool temper and enjoy making people happy.
I am currently unemployed, however during my free time I volunteer as a customer service rep. for an online game - this role includes answering any questions users may have, solving technical issues and maintaining the general day to day operations of the website.


What do you think <airline> is looking for in their cabin crew?
Being the face of the company, <airline> would be looking for several different qualities in their flight attendants- having a flexible work schedule, delivering excellent customer service and being able to stay calm when put under pressure.

Why do you want to work for <airline>
Going the extra mile to ensure all passengers are safe & comfortable, all the while meeting new people and travelling the world is my dream career.

What would you like to do in five years' time ?
I will be working my way up to becoming a lead flight attendant - still as enthusiastic as I was on the first day of training.

What are your strengths
I am in great health, have a very cool temper (even when put under immense pressure) and work great with other people in a team.


What are your weaknesses?
I don't consider myself to be a 'weak' person, but like everyone there are certain areas where I can improve - sometimes I might set my standards too high or try and do too much, but for the most part I consider myself to be a strong minded individual.

What gets you annoyed?
On the very rare occasion where I cannot deliver the best customer service to customers I feel annoyed with myself - even when the circumstances are beyond my control. _____
As I mentioned before, any feedback would be great - just make sure it's constructive please! :)

Wish me luck!

Get a job, any job even a fast food place. You need to show that you will work... Other than that some of your answers are right on...But never say you are unemployed.

Thanks, Dixie!
I have actually applied for a part time job in a supermarket, so hopefully by the time I am at an interview (I haven't applied to any airlines yet) I will be able to cross out the 'unemployed' :ok:

One question always been in my mind is when they ask Why would you like to join airlines ??

Make it look more realistic, and be abit more honest. The amount of people who are going to say the exact same thing as

"On the very rare occasion where I cannot deliver the best customer service to customers I feel annoyed with myself - even when the circumstances are beyond my control."

AND

"I don't consider myself to be a 'weak' person, but like everyone there are certain areas where I can improve - sometimes I might set my standards too high or try and do too much, but for the most part I consider myself to be a strong minded individual"

To be honest it just makes you cringe as it looks incredibly fake. Modern day employers will look right through you!

Hmmm I do get what you are saying seymoreskye, but I wonder how I can improve those answers - I mean it wouldn't be too wise to go off telling them all my flaws and weaknesses?

This is why I have came to get feedback first before applying anywhere, I really want this job and you guys are helping me improve my interview answers. I really appreciate all your help.

Quote:

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What are your weaknesses?

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Yeah, you just didn't get hired, right there.

This is a typical interview question, and you are rightfully preparing an answer for it - as you should be. However, the answer you provide is the obvious, dodgy escape. The feats you list aren't even really negative.

The aren't really asking about your weak sides at all - no one gives a toss if you're bad at volleyball or the madly jealous type, or if you are too fond of fastfood, or a notorious cheater. They want to know if you have any self-awareness at all. No one is perfect, we all know that, and it doesn't put you at the back of the line if you aren't either. But noone likes a know-it-all who thinks they are perfect.

This is a damn hard question to get right. You're either going to come across as a perfect liar, or a imperfect but honest individual. Which would you hire?

Edit: to get you started, I'll tell you about my biggest flaws: sometimes I can be extremely self-centered and confident, to the point where others will avoid working with me. I like the sound of my own voice more than anything else, taking up a lot of social space, which will cause others discomfort. Neither is empathy my strongest suit, and that has caused awkward moments at times when I'm completely disconnected from, what some might call, the world. The point is, that for me, these are areas in my life where I'm genuinely trying to improve and adapt. Being honest about this hasn't caused me any trouble at all, on the contrarty, I had and interviewer tell me that this was sort of like how I came across, and she didn't think I was aware of it. I got that job by the way, and another one recently on the same token.

re FLYINGWAITOR
 

You really need a face to face customer service job for roughly 2 years

As long as you have some customer service face to face experience that should help, even if it means volunteering for a local charity shop or something similar.

Your questions are good and it's well worth preparing, I've been on 6 interviews I think, never got the job. Just don't think it was meant to be. Still, back when I was 18 I got interviews with both Virgin Atlantic and British Airways with only a voluteering role. I just never had enough experience of the interview to get through.

They ask alot of situational questions, name a time you delivered excellent customer service, a time you had to deal with someone difficult. That sort of thing. The other questing I find you can blag, it's these questions you need to think of answers too. Most of all be confident, don't be so wound up about getting the job, if it happens it happens. I find I get myself jobs left right and centre with this attitude because you come across as calm under pressure - always a good trait!

Good luck :cool:

Interview Q. What are your weaknesses?
 

bfisk - wow! awesome answer to interview question - fantastic:D