On Thursday I got a call from Republic with a new training date of June 3rd! Wooo Hooo! There are no words to share how elated I feel about this.
From what I have heard, it will be a small class of 10. Most will be transfers from within the company, with a few new hires. There are so many who have been waiting. I said in my last message that I would pray, which I have done. This whole process has been a step of faith for me. I feel that my prayers have been answered and God has shown me favor.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
This Would Have Been The Day
This is the day I should have left home for training. I have no new information since learning that training was canceled. I can't help but feel a little down, today. I remain hopeful things will work out how I want them to. I've been praying about it, and will continue to do so. Letting go of something and turning it over to God is a good thing. Prayer moves things.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Training Has Been Canceled?
That's the rumor! Another person scheduled to begin training on the 25th called me about 45 minutes ago. She had just gotten a call from recruiting informing her that the upcoming Republic training class had been canceled, and they did not know when they would schedule another one, but that they would keep her updated.
I feel sick at my stomach.
This is such a long and difficult process. To receive news like this 11 days before we are scheduled to leave for training is disheartening.
I have not heard from Republic. Strike that! The phone is ringing and it is Republic on the caller ID.
It's official: Training has been canceled. Apparently it has something to do with some of the smaller jets on the Chautauqua side that have been grounded, and some Flight Attendants that have been displaced. The contract stipulates that Republic must first attempt to bring those displaced employees back into the company before they can hire or train new employees.
While the person in recruiting did not know how many employees this involved, they did not feel it would be very many.
I am next in line to be trained, and was asked if I wanted to keep my name on the list. I didn't even have to think about that, the answer is yes.
I have faith that this will all work out. This is just a bump in the road. This entire process has been a walk of faith for me. I believe God has opened this door for me, and that everything will work out as it is meant to in the end.
I feel sick at my stomach.
This is such a long and difficult process. To receive news like this 11 days before we are scheduled to leave for training is disheartening.
I have not heard from Republic. Strike that! The phone is ringing and it is Republic on the caller ID.
It's official: Training has been canceled. Apparently it has something to do with some of the smaller jets on the Chautauqua side that have been grounded, and some Flight Attendants that have been displaced. The contract stipulates that Republic must first attempt to bring those displaced employees back into the company before they can hire or train new employees.
While the person in recruiting did not know how many employees this involved, they did not feel it would be very many.
I am next in line to be trained, and was asked if I wanted to keep my name on the list. I didn't even have to think about that, the answer is yes.
I have faith that this will all work out. This is just a bump in the road. This entire process has been a walk of faith for me. I believe God has opened this door for me, and that everything will work out as it is meant to in the end.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Preparing For Training
All of the training materials have arrived: Approximately 47 pages of information that provide full details about what training will be like, and what is expected of you.
Right now, my job is to get ready to leave home for three weeks, and ensure that on the first day of training I am in compliance with all company standards that have been communicated to me.
During training everything is done on a point system. You must score at least a 90% on all tests. If you fail to do so you get one opportunity to retest. If you fail again you will be released from training. You will also be released from training if you score below 70% on a test at any time. Additionally, you are awarded points for things like being late, not following the proper dress code, not being prepared, attitude, etc. Anyone who accumulates 20 points during training is released from training.
There are a few things you are expected to know when you arrive. We are required to memorize an announcement, know around 88 company terms, and have memorized approximately 55 airport codes. My suggestion to anyone who is going to training, now or in the future, study and be prepared.
The company pays you during training. Plus, if you live more than 50 miles from Indianapolis they pay for your flight, hotel room, and provide transportation to and from the training facility.
Right now, my job is to get ready to leave home for three weeks, and ensure that on the first day of training I am in compliance with all company standards that have been communicated to me.
During training everything is done on a point system. You must score at least a 90% on all tests. If you fail to do so you get one opportunity to retest. If you fail again you will be released from training. You will also be released from training if you score below 70% on a test at any time. Additionally, you are awarded points for things like being late, not following the proper dress code, not being prepared, attitude, etc. Anyone who accumulates 20 points during training is released from training.
There are a few things you are expected to know when you arrive. We are required to memorize an announcement, know around 88 company terms, and have memorized approximately 55 airport codes. My suggestion to anyone who is going to training, now or in the future, study and be prepared.
The company pays you during training. Plus, if you live more than 50 miles from Indianapolis they pay for your flight, hotel room, and provide transportation to and from the training facility.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
The Call Came!
Yesterday morning, around 11:30 AM the phone rang an it was a recruiter from Republic Airways. The invitation to training has finally arrived, six week and one day from the date I attended the open house and was interviewed.
I'm so excited and relieved!
Training will begin March 25th in Indianapolis, IN. Republic will fly me in for training and put me up in a hotel room. I will fly out on the 24th.
In the meantime, I am expecting two emails. One that will have a document I need to sign and fax back or mail back. It will also contain an attachment that will prepare me for training. The next e-mail will contain specific things I need to learn now before leaving -- I will be tested on those things in the first day or two.
This is all for now. I will write more when those e-mails arrive and I have more information!
I'm so excited and relieved!
Training will begin March 25th in Indianapolis, IN. Republic will fly me in for training and put me up in a hotel room. I will fly out on the 24th.
In the meantime, I am expecting two emails. One that will have a document I need to sign and fax back or mail back. It will also contain an attachment that will prepare me for training. The next e-mail will contain specific things I need to learn now before leaving -- I will be tested on those things in the first day or two.
This is all for now. I will write more when those e-mails arrive and I have more information!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
"The Wait"
One of the more difficult aspects after being interviewed is waiting on the call inviting you to training. Hunker down and be prepared for a long wait.
At the open house interview they told us that we would hear something in 4 or 5 weeks. Still, you check your e-mail daily, and hope that every call that comes in is from the airlines.
After four weeks, to the date, I received an e-mail from the company congratulating me for passing the interview portion of the process and informing me that they would now begin my background check.
I do not know how long it will take for Republic to check my background. I would think it should not take long. Still, a week later, none of my references have been contacted. The process is frustrating. Still patience is a virtue, and good things come to those who wait! So, I'm gonna wait this out.
In the meantime, I am using this time to better prepare myself. I recently applied for a passport. I paid the additional $60.00 fee to expedite it and received it in the mail 11 days later. I am excited to have my passport, but will be even more excited when I am able to use it.
Another thing I did, while waiting, was upgrade my phone service. If I am going to be away from home frequently I want to be able to be in better touch. Up until now, I've used a pay by the minute plan with T-Mobile for .10 cents a minute. I bought a really awesome new phone, the new BlackBerry Curve 8900. Now, in addition to getting calls, I will be able to get all my e-mail on my phone, surf the web and have a built in GPS device to assist me with directions when in new cities. If I don't get the job, well then I'm still committed to this plan for 2 years! But, that is okay. I've been toying with the idea of replacing my land line with my cell for awhile, so now it is done.
I've been reading messages from others who are in the same boat I am in, waiting. Be careful, as this process can breed some inner doubt and negativity. While that is perfectly natrual, from what I have seen, it is not very productive. To anyone who is waiting my advice is be patient and do your best to remain positive. Don't let this process get the best of you. From all I can tell no news is good news, (you have not received a letter of rejection). Try and keep in mind that the airlines has a lot of people who are interested in these positions. It takes time to give everyone the fair consideration they deserve.
Throughout this entire process, I have been stepping out in faith. I am a christian. My relationship with Jesus allows me to feel comfortable stepping out in faith. I know the Lord has my back. I've been blessed with great faith, and an inner constitution that tells me no matter how this works out that with the Lord everything will be fine and I will be the better for it!
Now, back to the waiting...
At the open house interview they told us that we would hear something in 4 or 5 weeks. Still, you check your e-mail daily, and hope that every call that comes in is from the airlines.
After four weeks, to the date, I received an e-mail from the company congratulating me for passing the interview portion of the process and informing me that they would now begin my background check.
I do not know how long it will take for Republic to check my background. I would think it should not take long. Still, a week later, none of my references have been contacted. The process is frustrating. Still patience is a virtue, and good things come to those who wait! So, I'm gonna wait this out.
In the meantime, I am using this time to better prepare myself. I recently applied for a passport. I paid the additional $60.00 fee to expedite it and received it in the mail 11 days later. I am excited to have my passport, but will be even more excited when I am able to use it.
Another thing I did, while waiting, was upgrade my phone service. If I am going to be away from home frequently I want to be able to be in better touch. Up until now, I've used a pay by the minute plan with T-Mobile for .10 cents a minute. I bought a really awesome new phone, the new BlackBerry Curve 8900. Now, in addition to getting calls, I will be able to get all my e-mail on my phone, surf the web and have a built in GPS device to assist me with directions when in new cities. If I don't get the job, well then I'm still committed to this plan for 2 years! But, that is okay. I've been toying with the idea of replacing my land line with my cell for awhile, so now it is done.
I've been reading messages from others who are in the same boat I am in, waiting. Be careful, as this process can breed some inner doubt and negativity. While that is perfectly natrual, from what I have seen, it is not very productive. To anyone who is waiting my advice is be patient and do your best to remain positive. Don't let this process get the best of you. From all I can tell no news is good news, (you have not received a letter of rejection). Try and keep in mind that the airlines has a lot of people who are interested in these positions. It takes time to give everyone the fair consideration they deserve.
Throughout this entire process, I have been stepping out in faith. I am a christian. My relationship with Jesus allows me to feel comfortable stepping out in faith. I know the Lord has my back. I've been blessed with great faith, and an inner constitution that tells me no matter how this works out that with the Lord everything will be fine and I will be the better for it!
Now, back to the waiting...
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
The Open House and Interview!
Open house is to start at 8:30 AM at the Radisson. I spent the night at the Red Roof Inn, about five miles away. My mapquest directions say it takes approximately ten minutes to get from my hotel to the Radisson. Still, I leave my hotel at 7:30 AM, an hour early, not wanting to take any chances on being late.
Wow, am I glad I gave myself extra travel time! I missed my exit and had to back track a little. But, I made it in plenty of time, around 8:00 AM.
Inside the hotel, I am directed to where the open house event will be held. There are already around 20 people waiting in the area. They start checking us in. At check in they ask you where you traveled from, and if you drove or flew. If you flew in they want to know what time your flight out is that day. They use this information to determine the order in which everyone will be individually interviewed, later. Those who are local are last.
At check you are given a name tag and a handout that provides detailed information about the company, including bases, pay rates, benefits etc. The room is set up with many chairs in rows, and a projector in the middle isle with a projection screen at the front of the room. Also at the front of the room is a table where the Recruiter's sit.
I did not count how many people showed up to this open house, but imagine it was around 50. People came from all walks of life.
The event started on time. We were welcomed and asked to stand up and introduce ourselves, invited to tell a little about our background and why we wanted to work for the airlines. We are asked to keep it around two minutes.
I found it interesting how people reacted to this. Some stood up and faced the recruiters, who were at the front of the room. Those that did this had their backs to the rest of us room! When it was my turn, I got up and walked to the front of the room, facing everyone, with my back to the recruiters. My first words were, "Good morning," said with a smile, and then I talked briefly about myself and why I wanted to work for the airlines. I finished by wishing everyone luck and thanking them for listening. I believe that what the recruiters are trying to see is how well you think on your feet, without a lot of preparation, and how easily and comfortably you are able to communicate with a group of people. I have quite a bit of experience talking in front of groups, and believe that it showed.
In addition to being able to communicate well in front of others, appearance is something that should not be over looked. In my opinion, your best bet is to look professional and neatly groomed, and that includes everything from your clothes, shoes, hair and nails. Solid colors are a great choice, especially navy or black. Think classic and conservative, and you will do fine.
It is amazing to me that some people failed to pass the test of grooming. The biggest offenses I saw were hair. Some women showed up with ratty, lose looking hair that was all over their face. It just appeared unruly. We had several people who had worked for the airlines before in the open house, and interestingly, I found them to be the worst offenders. I don't know if they will be hired or not, but if I were a recruiter it would have been the kiss of death for them. Especially knowing they previously worked within the airline industry, my expectation is that they should have known the high standard that is expected within the industry, and to have been the embodiment of it.
After introductions the presentation started. There were a total of four recruiters and each played a role in the presentation. The presentation followed the hand out that was give to us at the start of the day during check in. They told us a lot about the company and what it is like to be a Flight Attendant.
After the presentation was over we were given additional paper work to fill out, which included a short essay about what your plan would be if you were hired and asked to relocate.
I was fortunate, and was one of the first people to be interviewed, this was due to the long drive I had home. My interview started about 11:30 am and lasted for about 20 minutes.
During the interview I was asked briefly about my background and why I wanted to work for the airlines. I was asked to read a boarding announcement. Some of the other questions asked included: Professionally what was your most stressful experience and how did you handle it? Tell me about a time you had excellent customer service. And, Tell me about anything in your life you would do differently, if give the opportunity. There are a lot of ways these questions can be answered, and you tell a lot about yourself by how you choose to respond. Especially, since you did not see them coming!
I think I did extremely well in my interview. I was comfortable and at ease. When the interview was over the recruiter told me I did well, and gave me her business card with her e-mail and phone number. I found that interesting, because during the open house they asked us not to contact them. On my way out another recruiter, who I had a telephone conversation with prior to the interview came up to me with interest to see how I felt my interview went. I left feeling very positive about the experience.
One final note: The told us during the open house and the interview that it would be approximately four to five weeks before we would hear back from them. They promise to get back to everyone one, one way or another. Finally, if you do not have your passport now would be a good time to get that process started.
Wow, am I glad I gave myself extra travel time! I missed my exit and had to back track a little. But, I made it in plenty of time, around 8:00 AM.
Inside the hotel, I am directed to where the open house event will be held. There are already around 20 people waiting in the area. They start checking us in. At check in they ask you where you traveled from, and if you drove or flew. If you flew in they want to know what time your flight out is that day. They use this information to determine the order in which everyone will be individually interviewed, later. Those who are local are last.
At check you are given a name tag and a handout that provides detailed information about the company, including bases, pay rates, benefits etc. The room is set up with many chairs in rows, and a projector in the middle isle with a projection screen at the front of the room. Also at the front of the room is a table where the Recruiter's sit.
I did not count how many people showed up to this open house, but imagine it was around 50. People came from all walks of life.
The event started on time. We were welcomed and asked to stand up and introduce ourselves, invited to tell a little about our background and why we wanted to work for the airlines. We are asked to keep it around two minutes.
I found it interesting how people reacted to this. Some stood up and faced the recruiters, who were at the front of the room. Those that did this had their backs to the rest of us room! When it was my turn, I got up and walked to the front of the room, facing everyone, with my back to the recruiters. My first words were, "Good morning," said with a smile, and then I talked briefly about myself and why I wanted to work for the airlines. I finished by wishing everyone luck and thanking them for listening. I believe that what the recruiters are trying to see is how well you think on your feet, without a lot of preparation, and how easily and comfortably you are able to communicate with a group of people. I have quite a bit of experience talking in front of groups, and believe that it showed.
In addition to being able to communicate well in front of others, appearance is something that should not be over looked. In my opinion, your best bet is to look professional and neatly groomed, and that includes everything from your clothes, shoes, hair and nails. Solid colors are a great choice, especially navy or black. Think classic and conservative, and you will do fine.
It is amazing to me that some people failed to pass the test of grooming. The biggest offenses I saw were hair. Some women showed up with ratty, lose looking hair that was all over their face. It just appeared unruly. We had several people who had worked for the airlines before in the open house, and interestingly, I found them to be the worst offenders. I don't know if they will be hired or not, but if I were a recruiter it would have been the kiss of death for them. Especially knowing they previously worked within the airline industry, my expectation is that they should have known the high standard that is expected within the industry, and to have been the embodiment of it.
After introductions the presentation started. There were a total of four recruiters and each played a role in the presentation. The presentation followed the hand out that was give to us at the start of the day during check in. They told us a lot about the company and what it is like to be a Flight Attendant.
After the presentation was over we were given additional paper work to fill out, which included a short essay about what your plan would be if you were hired and asked to relocate.
I was fortunate, and was one of the first people to be interviewed, this was due to the long drive I had home. My interview started about 11:30 am and lasted for about 20 minutes.
During the interview I was asked briefly about my background and why I wanted to work for the airlines. I was asked to read a boarding announcement. Some of the other questions asked included: Professionally what was your most stressful experience and how did you handle it? Tell me about a time you had excellent customer service. And, Tell me about anything in your life you would do differently, if give the opportunity. There are a lot of ways these questions can be answered, and you tell a lot about yourself by how you choose to respond. Especially, since you did not see them coming!
I think I did extremely well in my interview. I was comfortable and at ease. When the interview was over the recruiter told me I did well, and gave me her business card with her e-mail and phone number. I found that interesting, because during the open house they asked us not to contact them. On my way out another recruiter, who I had a telephone conversation with prior to the interview came up to me with interest to see how I felt my interview went. I left feeling very positive about the experience.
One final note: The told us during the open house and the interview that it would be approximately four to five weeks before we would hear back from them. They promise to get back to everyone one, one way or another. Finally, if you do not have your passport now would be a good time to get that process started.
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