Interview Tips: Missing documentation

Common interview mistakes: missing documentation

An interview for a Flight Attendant job is similar to any job interview where documentation is concerned. As with any job, arriving prepared with your supporting documentation is an assumed expectation. 

Many people overlook this detail, and to their detriment. I’m sure you can imagine, if you were the interviewer, and you found the perfect candidate, but then that person was unable to show the necessary documented support how disappointing that would be. 
Airlines will see this as a lack of preparation on your part, as well as a display of unreliability…. two qualities they are not keen for you to have. And, as they have their pick from a rather large pool of applicants, they will easily dismiss you and move on to the next person who showed up prepared.

Imagine arriving to your interview feeling confident and excited. You sit across from the recruiter and he/she mentions they do not have a copy of your resume (or application) and asks you for one. Yikes! Being prepared with key documents can increase your chances for a successful interview.

Supporting documents for an airline position may include the following and I recommend bringing along at least 3 copies, but 4-5 is better:​

1. application — if you fill out an application online, be sure to get a download copy for yourself. This will be especially useful if you apply to more than one airline as most of them require the same information.
2. resume — make sure this is a current copy
3. cover letter — while this may seem counter-intuitive when you’ve already got an interview, including a cover letter with your resume can add value. If possible, find out the names of the people with whom you will be interviewing and customize your salutation and address. Then write a fresh, brief introduction message that emphasizes your enthusiasm and interest, plus the value you’d bring to the position. Keep in mind the research you’ve done previously on the company and utilize that information to hook their interest.
4. certifications — Several copies of any pertinent certifications you may have.
5. list of references — Your resume should not include your references on them as it needs to be a complete highlight of you and references can be provided on a separate sheet. This list of references is good to have on hand, even if you choose not to hand them off during the interview. If you do decide to give recruiters your list, you want them to be up-to-date and meaningful. Make sure all references you’ve listed know that you’re interviewing. Receiving a surprise call on your behalf does not set the stage for the most glowing testimonial. Ensure you include the necessary reference information such as name, company, title, direct phone line, and email address. Also give the relationship between you and the reference. Each reference you provide should also be able to confirm a specific area of your value. for example, if you lead a project that was limited on time and resources and you finished ahead of schedule and successfully, you might suggest that this person can confirm your abilities in problem solving, leadership, decision-making, and costs management.
6. work authorization permit (if not a US citizen)
7. letters of recommendation — you may not need as many copies of these, but they make a great “leave behind” for the recruiters to review after your interview.
8. Veteran’s Preference documents (if applicable)
9. Passport — this is a picture identification as well as an airline requirement. As you will need to show proof of having a passport, just bring the passport with you, but also bring several copies of the passport page that shows your picture.
10. Driver’s License — also a required government issued picture ID, this is a second form of identification document that you will likely need.
11. Social Security Card or Number — if you know your number, then no need to bring the card with you, however if you don’t then bring it so you can show proof of your ability to work in the US and provide the number on your human resources paperwork.
12. Fact sheet — this document is for your own use. You may have already entered your facts and data on your application, but you may be asked to fill out additional paperwork for Human Resources. This sheet should include names, addresses, telephone numbers and work dates for each job you’ve held. If the application you filled out includes all this detailed information, then you can use a copy of that instead.
13. Paper and Pen — always, always bring a pen and notepad so you can take notes during the interview. Before writing anything down, however, ask the interviewer if it’s okay for you to take notes while you chat.
14. Thank you note card/email — for after your interview, it is a wonderful show of professionalism to thank the company for their time and attention in considering you for employment. If possible you can send an appropriate (professional looking) thank you card or be prepared to send an email thank you note if that is more appropriate for the company culture.
15. Portfolio — Also known as a “brag book”. The content of your portfolio may include testimonial letters and emails from previous clients, customers, bosses, colleagues, teachers, etc. It also can include charts or graphs that illustrate measurable results you were responsible for, a one-page biography that blends you professional and personal stories. This assortment should focus on the professional you, with a twist of personality.

Showing up for your interview prepared with the appropriate documents will not only help you feel more prepared and confident, but you will also be ready to move on to the Human Resources paperwork when you are offered the job!

The flight attendant interview is different than any other job interview you’ve experienced. There are multiple layers to the interview, each with a specific goal or outcome in mind. Many people prepare as you would for a traditional interview, but find they do not have the same opportunities to present yourself in the traditional sense in the flight attendant interview.

This is because interviewers/recruiters already have an agenda planned for you that day. And they will keep you fairly busy. You may not have an opportunity to really talk about yourself, or present your ideas or portfolio, until you get to the one-to-one interview and even there they have a planned agenda of questions to present to you and a limited time to do so. However, even given their agenda, there is still a likely chance that they may ask you for your documentation at any point, and you will want to be prepared.

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