Take your career to new heights by working as airline cabin crew – here’s how to apply

AFTER working in sales for 30 years, Neil Brown applied to become cabin crew with easyJet at the age of 55.

The 61-year-old, from Royston, Herts, was inspired by his daughter Holly, who is a cabin manager for the airline.

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He said: “You don’t need any specific qualifications, apart from experience in customer service.

“But the main quality that stands out is diverse people skills.

“Problem-solving is also a must as this can help with many aspects of the job. It’s a great, flexible job, you’re working with different people on a daily basis.”

Often considered one of the most glamorous jobs, air cabin crew also have huge responsibilities.

Just think of how they were called upon during last week’s Singapore Airlines flight hit by deadly turbulence.

Today is International Flight Attendant Day, dedicated to pushing the role as a career choice.

It is crucial that new applicants have the right skills for the job, and cabin crew are trained to deal with any crisis situation, from a baby being born midair to an emergency landing on water.

Rachael Taylor, head of Heathrow and global cabin crew at British Airways, says: “Cabin crew is not just a job, it’s a way of life. It won’t always be easy, though. It’s a challenging job delivering exceptional customer service at 35,000 feet without letting your standards drop.

“It might also mean spending Christmas in the Caribbean when you hadn’t planned to.”

Top applicants often have experience in customer service and retail.

New cultures

They also need to be physically fit and emotionally resilient. As cabin crew work long shifts, often at night, you’ll have to be able to cope with jet lag, time-zone changes and adapting to new cultures and countries as soon as you land.

Emirates is currently hiring 5,000 cabin crew.

The airline’s Samantha James says: “These roles are perfect for graduates with internships or part-time jobs on their CVs, or those with a year or so of hospitality or customer service experience.”

Most entry-level salaries start at around £15,000, rising to £45,000 for senior staff.

Considering the high life? Here’s how to apply.

EMIRATES is hiring 5,000 cabin crew, based in Dubai. You need to be at least 21. See emirates groupcareers.com/cabincrew.

VIRGIN ATLANTIC advertises crew jobs at careersuk.virgin-atlantic.com/cabin-crew-jobs.

EASYJET has positions later this summer at tinyurl.com/48jesz8x. You must be over 18.

RYANAIR is hiring now at careers.ryanair.com/cabin-crew.
BA posts jobs later in the year at careers.ba.com/cabin-crew.

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Help out and get a leg up

AROUND a fifth of UK firms now offer paid volunteer days for staff – and a third of young people who did voluntary work credit it with landing them their first paid job.

Volunteers’ Week starts on Monday, and The Big Help Out is also returning from June 7 to 9, so there’s never been a better time to get stuck in.

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Here, workplace volunteering expert Shaf Mansour, from software company The Access Group’s not for profit division, shares his tips . . . 

BE REALISTIC ABOUT YOUR TIME: You don’t want to become overwhelmed with what you’ve signed up for. Some roles, known as micro-volunteering ones, can adapt to you, offering you the chance to help out virtually from home and in small doses. Other roles may be more demanding.

WHAT IS YOUR PASSION? Volunteering can be a way to work with an organisation close to your heart. Having a task you look forward to will make the experience more rewarding in the long run.

THINK ABOUT YOUR SKILLS: Do you like designing striking posters? Are you great at gardening? These are just some of the skills charities always need.

WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU? If you’re looking to learn something new, get more experience in a particular area or even add some extra skills to your CV, choose a role that allows you to learn and demonstrate your new talents.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE? What is your purpose for volunteering? Do you want to work at a local not for profit or a national charity? Do you want face-to-face time and something to get you out of the house, or would you prefer something virtual that you can do from home at a time convenient to you?

RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH: Many towns have a volunteer centre you can sign up to, plus there are countless websites advertising positions you can apply for. This year there is an app for The Big Help Out to pair people to volunteer roles in their neighbourhood.

BE COMMITTED: The best volunteers are the ones that really throw themselves into their job. You will see the biggest impact – for yourself and the cause – if you are committed.

Hospital staff call

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RECRUITMENT is under way for 100 staff at a hospital’s new £25million orthopaedic hub.

Sulis Hospital near Bath is hiring for a range of roles.
They include clinical and support staff in departments ranging from radiology and in-patients to hospitality and administration.

All roles pay at least the real living wage, with full-time and part-time positions available. Other benefits include a health cash plan, bike to work scheme and employee recognition programme.

Hayley Lord, head of human resources, said: “Our people remain our biggest asset.

“We have worked hard to build a strong, supportive culture.

“I have no doubt that we will welcome excellent new staff.”
See sulishospital.com/careers/ for more details.