scramjet
Well-Known Member
I recently attended a Republic Airways flight attendant open house and thought that I might share my experience for those who may be attending a similar function. Overall, the experience was perhaps one of the milder flight attendant interviews that I've heard of, although keep in mind that this was my first firsthand experience in the process. There was none of the unusual methods of weeding out applicants that some other airlines use, such as Hawaiian Airlines' infamous requirement of acting out a skit in front of the group. Of course, such methods could be industry tall tales fed to naive noobs such as myself, but I digress.
Registration commenced on time. All applicants were required to submit the invitation they received or be turned away. Two recruiters from Republic human resources headed the session, which began promptly at the appointed time. Doors were shut immediately at said time and no further applicants were admitted (pretty much standard HR/Open House practice). The session began with each applicant introducing him or herself and then answering a random question from the HR people. We were informed that this was to test our ability to think on our feet in front of people. Some questions included, "If you could have dinner with one person, living or dead, who would it be?" and "If you could have a super power/be a superhero, what what it be/who would it be?" Basically some of the more "unique" HR questions that can be uncovered on the internet with a little research.
Next, the presenters went through an extensive slideshow and speaking presentation regarding being a flight attendant as well as regarding Republic Airways itself. Most of the information was stuff that anyone with a passing familiarity with the airline industry would know or could uncover with a little bit of online research. However, other information was not so obvious and offered some insight into the company and flight attendant operations. This included the typical reserve schedule for a Republic flight attendant as well as which of the three Republic Airways Holding Group "fixed fee" airlines (Chautauqua, Republic, and Shuttle America) required the most flight attendants and what their bases were. It was repeatedly noted that Republic was primarily recruiting for a late August Shuttle America class. The other two airlines were recruiting into pools only. Each candidate had to select an airline prior to continuing on to the interview portion of the event. The presenters noted that the pool lists for the other two airlines were indefinite and that classes could began as soon as a month or as long as two years.
After the information session, we were given several forms to fill out including, most notably, a short essay on what we would do if we had to relocate. We were given approximately an hour to complete these forms during which we were called for one on one interviews in a private room. First priority was given to those candidates who had to fly out that afternoon. Candidates from the local area or who drove were told that they might have to spend most of the day at the event. During this time, I was able to converse with some of my fellow candidates and I noted some general traits about them. Most of the younger candidates had at least some college experience. Most of the older candidates had extensive experience in either the airline industry or other areas of customer service. As far as I could tell, I was the only pilot of any certificate level present, a fact that depending on the airline could help or hurt my chanced at the job. Many of the candidates seemed to lean towards wanting to go into a pool for either Republic or Chautauqua (Republic being the clear favorite) as opposed to starting the Shuttle America class in late August. I, myself, elected to try for the Republic pool as I did not feel that I could not even come close to wrapping up my instrument rating in time for a late August class.
The interview itself was basically right out of the HR textbooks with a slight flight attendant bent. I was asked to read a pre-departure announcement to the interviewer, which was easy. Personally I feel that the recruiters should require the pre-departure announcement to be read in front of the entire group; that would really weed out those who were uncomfortable communicating with large groups of people. After that it was pretty much standard HR fare such as describing your work history and why you think you would be a good fit for the job. This lasted about fifteen minutes. Upon its conclusion, I was told that I would be notified either way in about three to six weeks.
All and all I was fairly impressed by the company and the event. I especially appreciated the honesty of the HR staff in portraying the life of a flight attendant. They did not gloss over the negative, in fact they strongly emphasized it. The pay also seemed decent, especially if you could pick up a lot of reserve time. The Teamsters negotiated contract (which covered all three airlines) seemed very decent as well. I think the only negative was that the HR staff seemed tired and slightly irritable; they even noted all the traveling that they were forced to do as part of the recruiting process. This seemingly does not reflect well upon the company's recruiting practices nor does it present the best image of the company to highly experienced candidates that can more or less have their choice of companies (not necessarily within the airline industry). But other than that, I was very impressed with the event and with the company. I think I would have a great time with the organization if I were to be hired.
Anyhow, hope that helps some prospective flight attendant candidate out there! I know the information that I've learned on these forums over the years has been a valuable resource to me in my evolving aviation career.
Registration commenced on time. All applicants were required to submit the invitation they received or be turned away. Two recruiters from Republic human resources headed the session, which began promptly at the appointed time. Doors were shut immediately at said time and no further applicants were admitted (pretty much standard HR/Open House practice). The session began with each applicant introducing him or herself and then answering a random question from the HR people. We were informed that this was to test our ability to think on our feet in front of people. Some questions included, "If you could have dinner with one person, living or dead, who would it be?" and "If you could have a super power/be a superhero, what what it be/who would it be?" Basically some of the more "unique" HR questions that can be uncovered on the internet with a little research.
Next, the presenters went through an extensive slideshow and speaking presentation regarding being a flight attendant as well as regarding Republic Airways itself. Most of the information was stuff that anyone with a passing familiarity with the airline industry would know or could uncover with a little bit of online research. However, other information was not so obvious and offered some insight into the company and flight attendant operations. This included the typical reserve schedule for a Republic flight attendant as well as which of the three Republic Airways Holding Group "fixed fee" airlines (Chautauqua, Republic, and Shuttle America) required the most flight attendants and what their bases were. It was repeatedly noted that Republic was primarily recruiting for a late August Shuttle America class. The other two airlines were recruiting into pools only. Each candidate had to select an airline prior to continuing on to the interview portion of the event. The presenters noted that the pool lists for the other two airlines were indefinite and that classes could began as soon as a month or as long as two years.
After the information session, we were given several forms to fill out including, most notably, a short essay on what we would do if we had to relocate. We were given approximately an hour to complete these forms during which we were called for one on one interviews in a private room. First priority was given to those candidates who had to fly out that afternoon. Candidates from the local area or who drove were told that they might have to spend most of the day at the event. During this time, I was able to converse with some of my fellow candidates and I noted some general traits about them. Most of the younger candidates had at least some college experience. Most of the older candidates had extensive experience in either the airline industry or other areas of customer service. As far as I could tell, I was the only pilot of any certificate level present, a fact that depending on the airline could help or hurt my chanced at the job. Many of the candidates seemed to lean towards wanting to go into a pool for either Republic or Chautauqua (Republic being the clear favorite) as opposed to starting the Shuttle America class in late August. I, myself, elected to try for the Republic pool as I did not feel that I could not even come close to wrapping up my instrument rating in time for a late August class.
The interview itself was basically right out of the HR textbooks with a slight flight attendant bent. I was asked to read a pre-departure announcement to the interviewer, which was easy. Personally I feel that the recruiters should require the pre-departure announcement to be read in front of the entire group; that would really weed out those who were uncomfortable communicating with large groups of people. After that it was pretty much standard HR fare such as describing your work history and why you think you would be a good fit for the job. This lasted about fifteen minutes. Upon its conclusion, I was told that I would be notified either way in about three to six weeks.
All and all I was fairly impressed by the company and the event. I especially appreciated the honesty of the HR staff in portraying the life of a flight attendant. They did not gloss over the negative, in fact they strongly emphasized it. The pay also seemed decent, especially if you could pick up a lot of reserve time. The Teamsters negotiated contract (which covered all three airlines) seemed very decent as well. I think the only negative was that the HR staff seemed tired and slightly irritable; they even noted all the traveling that they were forced to do as part of the recruiting process. This seemingly does not reflect well upon the company's recruiting practices nor does it present the best image of the company to highly experienced candidates that can more or less have their choice of companies (not necessarily within the airline industry). But other than that, I was very impressed with the event and with the company. I think I would have a great time with the organization if I were to be hired.
Anyhow, hope that helps some prospective flight attendant candidate out there! I know the information that I've learned on these forums over the years has been a valuable resource to me in my evolving aviation career.
