When I was growing up, they were stewardesses, and they had a party hearty reputation that
stuck despite all the hard work they did. Today, the word 'stewardess' is out of fashion, and flight attendants are
respected professionals in the aviation industry. While many in the general public see flight attendants as glorified airborne
waitresses, the cabin crews and regular passengers know better. The flight attendant is the face of the airline, and her -
or his, since many flight attendants today are male - primary job is making sure that all the passengers have a safe flight.
But you knew that - that's part of the reason that you want to be a flight attendant. According to the U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, it's not quite as hard to find a flight attendant job opening as many believe. Besides the
major airlines - many of whom are not hiring - there are over 75 airlines operating in the United States and Canada, and you'll
find a flight attendant job opening at most of them. The fastest growing segment of the aviation industry is in private airlines
- charters, fractional operators and company-owned airlines. There are also many mid-size and smaller airlines that run commuter
flights and flights within the continental United States and Canada. Because they don't have the glamour and cachet of
the Big Boys - United Airlines, American Airlines and the others - they get far less applicants for every flight attendant
job opening. And the fact is, because flight attendants bid on the flights they work based on seniority with the plum jobs
going to those with the most flight hours, the flight attendants working for the major airlines are just as likely to be working
the short hop flights as those working smaller airlines who specialize in them.
Finding a flight attendant job
opening is no different than finding a job opening in any other industry. It takes diligence, persistence, luck and some insider
knowledge. You'll find listings for job openings for flight attendants in your local newspaper, on the job boards like
Monster, and by applying directly to the airlines. Once you've found a flight attendant job opening, you can apply online
at the airline's web site, or send a resume by mail or over the telephone. If you've done a good job of presenting
yourself in your cover letter and resume, you may receive an invitation to an interview, or other instructions on your next
step.
Preparing yourself for your interview is just as important when the interview is a 'cattle call'
- industry slang for open houses where recruiters prescreen applicants for a flight attendant job opening - as it is for a
face to face interview. Impeccable personal grooming is important in any job interview, but it's vital when you're
applying for a flight attendant job opening. Trim and manicure your nails, be certain that your hair coloring is not in need
of touching up - be certain that every detail of your appearance is just right. After all, your competition will be dong the
same thing.
Are you looking for a career that is consistent and yet offers flexibility? Perhaps you
want to work full-time but also have this itch to see the world? If you can answer yes to these questions, perhaps it is time
for you to consider becoming a flight attendant.
Being a flight attendant is perfect for people who love a consistent
job but still need adventure. One of the greatest perks about being a flight attendant is that you get the best of both the
familiar and the unknown. What could be better than getting to work with great people, getting to serve great customers, and
getting to see parts of the country or even of the world in the meantime? Many jobs that pride themselves in being adventurous
are inconsistent or sporadic at best. Working as a flight attendant allows you the freedom to fly to new places but gives you many hours of work to do each
week.
Another great thing about working as a flight attendant is that you get to work with a variety of people.
Not only will you get to interact with other flight attendants, pilots, and other airline personnel, but you will daily get to spend time with customers on your flights. Flight attendants will meet young children and senior citizens all within the course of a normal day. As
a flight attendant you will learn to interact with people from a variety of cultures as well. What a great way to learn about
the world and about people different than yourself.
Many flight attendants love the job because of the time they
spend in between flights in new cities all over the country and the world. Can you think of another job that allows you to
work for ten hours on a flight to London and then gives you three days to rest and enjoy the sites of London before you return
home? The longer you are a flight attendant for most airlines, the further you can travel and the more exotic places you can visit.
If you are looking for a new job or to change to a more
exciting career, check out the opportunities that exist to train to be a flight attendant. Most flight attendant positions
only require a few weeks of training and then you can start working right away! So consider whether or not being a flight
attendant might be the perfect job for you!
