There’s always a satiable feeling having to chat with people from extremely different walks of life, including distant age gaps, and then ending the meaningful conversation with a commonality; that we are all just clueless creatures roaming the earth in search of answers to all our questions. We do not know what the future holds but we just want to make it out alive. We give meaning to life. Not the other way around.

I hope we all make it.

Moe

AIR ASIA MASS HIRING

I just wanna start by saying, you wouldn't believe what we all went through this mass hiring! HAHA. Six hours under the scorching heat with just an umbrella and a fan to keep us cool. I still cannot believe how I managed to be sane. I guess you'll do everything to chase that dream yeah?

A tip for Air Asia walk-ins/interviews: Come in bringing your real bubbly personality! It's the time for the bibbo in you to shine. Be in curls, flat ironed, or bunned hair, they wouldn't mind. This was my look then:

Opted for big curls

So I'll just keep this short. We were given application forms with corresponding numbers and when our number was called we had to go through the usual height and weight measurement. Take note that Air Asia is strict and measures both using the BMI chart. So if you are overweight/underweight you can no longer proceed to the next stage (see below for a simpler BMI chart)

BMI chart provided by IPAMS

I was only able to make it to the Final Interview. Apparenty, it doesn't end there. There will be a talent portion where you are asked to sing and dance. Don't fret too much on this stage. You're gonna do fine even if you can't do both. They just want to see your confidence so give it all you got and don't mind the embarrassment. I'm pretty sure your recruiters have been through the same.

On the next stage, you'll be asked to read an in-flight passenger announcement. Wasn't fortunate enough to get to this stage but here's a link of in-flight announcements you can practice on: Sample in-flight announcements

There! I'm just really glad the day is over. I don't mind being in a long queue  for hours but the heat just wasn't healthy at all. If I were you, it's better to walk in on regular days and not on a mass hiring. It's just too much to take. :)

Update A: You may now send in your CVs and wait for  them to give you a call for a scheduled screening/interview because they do not allow walk-ins any longer. Email your CV at Paagottalent@airasia.com or PAA_Careers@airasia.com.

Update B. I've been told that they made a few changes to the hiring process I've discussed above. The candidate was asked to do the pageant-like turning, a pivot turn if I'm not mistaken and done. You either make it to the next stage or go home. :) Correct me if I'm wrong guys. My comment box is open. Thank you.

FLYNAS OPEN DAY

Flynas, according to wikipedia, is a domestic and international low-cost airline based in Saudi Arabia, the country's first and only budget airline. Recently, Skills, a recruitment agency along the streets of Mabini held a three-day open day for the airlines. Hundreds came rushing in their best look vying for the position and probably even trying their best not to look irritated in the scorching heat outside the building. My goodness, I tell you this was torture.

First, applicants were to key in their attendance in Skills and once your name was called, you will be ushered to New World Hotel which was about a block away from the agency.

Here are the processes we went through. Unfortunately, I only made it through the 3rd and last stage before the final interview but hang on, I was still able to get updates from my co-applicants who were able to finish all stages. So here goes:

Stage 1: Group Dynamics

• This is an exercise given to candidates for the recruiters, usually a common flight scenario, to see the decision-making process and teamwork skills an applicant has. In this type of exercise, the result is not important so it's best if you do not look at the recruiters as if you are looking for the validation for your answers. 
• Be nice to your group mates
• Always smile.
• Learn how to disagree respectfully.
• Offer to keep track of the time and remind them if you have at least two minutes left on the clock.
• Always make sure you give a suggestion but do not overpower your group mates. You may come off as dominating.
• For more tips, you make check out http://aescabincrew.com/blog/what-is-the-group-dynamic/ 

Stage 2: Basic English Test

• The Flynas basic English test provided was more of  a tricky reading comprehension test but still an easy one. ;)

Stage 3: Height, Weight, and Grooming check

• Now this is the crucial part because the client will be very meticulous with your teeth, skin, and grooming so it's best if you use a strong spray net to hold all those stubborn baby hair in place. 
• Make sure you had your nails done (any color).
• Do all your stretching because we know how inconsistent height measuring is in different agencies. I used to be 160 point something in IPAMS then I was only 159cm here. I don't know what happened. HAHA
• Make sure you get your pearly whites perfect. I'm pretty sure my teeth failed me again. I had a wide tooth gap in front and my teeth are really yellow from that 6 year braces I had. Oh well. I really think it's time to fix it. 

Stage 4: Final Interview

• Panel interview consisting of 5 applicants and  2 interviewers
• Most of my co-applicants were only asked two questions:
• Tell me about yourself
• What's the biggest challenge in moving to Saudi Arabia?

After all these stages, successful applicants will be asked to wait until two weeks for further pre-employment requirements such as passport photocopy and medical results.

For questions and tips, you may leave a comment below and I will get to you as soon as I can! :)

PHILIPPINE AIRLINES IMPACT INTERVIEW

It was the morning of April 13, 2016 when I received a message from the HR department of PAL asking if she could call me. Upon reading it, I sat bolt upright with strands of hair still plastered on my sweaty forehead because yes, we all know how hot the weather could be at this time of the year. 

Long story short, I was invited for an impact interview. Wow! Never in a million years did I envision myself ever trying out for PAL to be honest. (See below for original text): 

Good day! This is Ms. Trish from Philippine Airlines. We would like to invite you for an impact interview for Cabin Crew position. Here are the details: 
When: Apr 19, 2016 (tues) at 1pm 

Where: 2/F Talent Acquisition Division PNB Financial Bldg. Macapagal Ave., Pasay City 
What to bring: valid ID, 2x2 pic, 4r pic (1 close up and 1 whole body formal), pen, updated copy of your resume, and photocopy of TOR & SSS. (if avail) 

Attire: Male: white long sleeves polo with dark blue necktie, black slacks and leather shoes. Female- black skirt and blazer with white shorts sleeves polo inside, no colored or printed underwear, skin-toned stockings, high-heeled closed-toe shoes, make-up and tie your hair in a bun. 
Look for Ms.Sarah Santiago Thank you!

Upon entering PNB financial centre (this is just in front of MOA-SMDC) you’ll be asked to wait until the designated time of interview. Mine was at 1pm. 

We passed all the requirements and in a few minutes, the panel came and we were asked to introduce ourselves. This is a, Tell Me ALL About Yourself part where you are asked to speak in front of all your co-applicants as well, and will be the only part of the impact interview. My knees were wobbling, my palms were sweaty and I was stuttering as I tried to start a conversation with my co-applicant beside me. 

Instructions were to speak for a good 3-5minutes but honestly most of us didn’t even reach that long and it’s fine as long as your introduction is substantial and contains a lot of good points where you were able to sell yourself well. 

After your introduction, you will be asked to step forward at least 5 steps toward the panellists who are located behind all the applicants, show your teeth, skin and done. 

After all applicants have given their introduction and were scrutinized physically by the panel, this is when they’re about to announce who made it or not. Let’s hope it isn’t the latter. If your name was called, that means you got rejected. And yes, I was called. Upon typing this, I can even laugh about it now. A few days ago, I was really upset and even broke down in the shower. 

Quite frankly, I was baffled. I had this prepared for almost two months. My non-verbal cues, my introduction, even my make up (because if you knew me personally I don’t do my own make up). I know it can be a little disheartening but I trust that this is not my time yet. And I hope you guys won’t give up too. 

I have co-flight attendant aspirants who never bothered trying to pass their resumes in PAL because it is known to have high to really bizarre standards. But after this, I have come out more confident than ever. I’ve never pictured myself walking up the steps to PNB for a flight attendant application in PAL too but because I believe this is my calling, I braved through traffic, my anxiety and fought the demons in my head to give it a shot. We never really lose after a rejection. We gain experiences, friends, self-esteem and most importantly, the belief in yourself. 

I hope I was able to help out! For questions and tips, you may leave comment below.

P.S. For PAL applications, you may email an updated resume and your whole body picture to placement@pal.com.ph

SAUDIA OPEN DAY (Saudi Arabian Airlines)

As an observation, IPAMS hold Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines) open days quarterly. This 2016, it already had two open days during February and June. Here's a quick recap of what I went through during the open day. Take note, this is my first try ever so I think I don't wanna be too harsh on myself.

1. Arm reach - 212cm on tiptoe. Tip: Stretch with all your might! Height isn't a factor. I'm not even exactly 5'3" but I could still reach it. Make sure to practice, practice, and pratice more at home. Do a lot of stretching or yoga poses. C'mon you can google it. That's how you landed on my page right? HAHA. 

2. Weight - I was overweight by only 0.5 kg so I was adviced to lose the excess "fat" lol. Check the BMI chart for your reference. Tip: A friend of mine tried military diet and lost a kilogram within just a week. For underweight, well, eat a lot, drink soya or appeton weight gain formula that's what they suggested.

3. Height - 5'3" is also a standard used for SV.

----- There were candidates sent home after this part because they were either overweight, too short, or wasn't able to reach 212cm on tiptoe with at least one hand.

4. Group dynamics - Introduce yourself and pick a question. You have to market yourself and prove to the recruiter that you are worth giving a slot for the final interview. Smile and be confident. Remember that FA posture. For this part, the recruiter will do a skin and teeth check. Don't forget your grooming. You shouldn't have baby hair popping up those hairsprayed bun of yours. Make sure your blemishes are treated, teeth are clean and white, and scars are concealed. You may wear skintone stockings too. 

5. Done. Just wait in agony for a few more days. Haha.

So there. I knew I wasn't gonna make it because of my big, dark, ugly keloid on my left knee which was impossible to cover up. 

You'll get a text and email once you're qualified for the final interview.

 He was a trap I didn’t see coming. Not that I want to be succumbed in a messy romantic relationship once again because frankly, I am freaking jaded right now.

I recall devoiding myself of human emotions ‘cause it’s exhausting to feel every ‘high’ all at once.

I just wish someone wasn’t so easy to admire. It isn’t their fault. Attachments are so shitty. So are unrequited feelings. (2015)

 minimum wage

rejected dreams

 trapped in a shoebox

filled with desires too high

unable to put food on the table

months to go before 23,

is it to late to be who she wants to be?

- M