Air steward recruitment typically takes several forms: airlines host arranged recruitment days in major cities, new recruits may be tapped from university hospitality and customer service programs, and prospective employees can almost always apply to open positions on their own. Most airlines hire air stewards on a fairly regular basis. The job typically has a rather high turnover, and positions are often available. Specifics of air steward recruitment tactics and methods vary from airline to airline, but most campaigns include interviews; resume review; and satisfaction of certain height, weight, and appearance qualifications.
Although the airline industry as a whole has had its ups and downs, flight crew — particularly stewards, or flight attendants, and pilots — remain in demand. In order to fill open positions and keep flights staffed, airlines host air steward recruitment events in various locations. These events allow employers to meet numerous potential hires all at once.
Most airlines have crews based in many major hubs around the world. New employees can usually come from almost anywhere, but these “base” cities are often the prime targets for recruitment events. Airlines that need staff in certain areas will often host hiring fairs or job information sessions in those cities.
Recruitment events are usually well publicized throughout the local community, as well as being broadcast across the airline’s hiring web page. Airline steward hiring events typically take place in large conference centers or hotel meeting rooms. Existing staff are usually on hand to answer recruits’ questions, and it is not uncommon for potential hires to be subjected to several rounds of interviews.
Participants in airline steward job fairs must typically bring their resumes, as well as a list of references. Most air steward recruitment fairs include both group interviews and one-on-one follow-ups for promising candidates. Potential air stewards may also be vetted for height, weight, and overall appearance. Many of the world’s airlines have strict rules with respect to potential hires’ maximum and minimum height, height-weight proportionality, and subjective attractiveness of features, among other things. Depending on the needs of the airline, job offers can either be made on the spot or after a period of comparison and reflection.
In order to be considered for an air steward career, potential hires must usually have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. A college degree is also an asset. In some instances, airlines will conduct air steward recruitment directly out of certain university programs.
It is not usually possible to get a university degree in an airline-related discipline, but many students study customer service, hospitality, and travel. Airlines will at times selectively recruit students from these sorts of programs to fill gaps in air steward positions. Students who are specially recruited in this fashion typically have their pick of airline steward jobs, routes, home base, and starting rank.
Many people enter into the airline steward career path through a simple application, as well. Airlines typically post their open positions online or on streamlined job boards and accept applications from all interested and qualified persons. As is true in most jobs, recruitment postings generally receive far more applications than there are available air steward jobs. Only the best matched candidates are usually invited for an interview or more extensive vetting.
