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