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...
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
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.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Preparing For The Interview
How can it be possible to be over prepared and to have nothing actually done -- both at the same time? Well, let me tell you: I am the type of individual that over thinks everything. Often to the degree that I talk myself out of doing something before it ever gets started. Sometimes, I even spoil novels and fast forward to the end.
I did a lot of thinking and talking about starting a new career as a flight attendant: Researched what carrier I wanted to work for, went to their web site to find out if they were hiring, (they were), learned where to submit my application, when they were having open house interviews. I even got an opportunity to speak with another flight attendant working for Republic, and an assurance of a personal recommendation when I submitted my application. I had a plan for what I would do if I got hired and had to temporarily relocate. Everything was all figured out, expect I had not yet acted to make it so. I had some things in my life I wanted to wrap up, first.
One night, January 18th, at about 10:00 PM, while over thinking things again, I stumbled upon an online discussion group. This particular group was for people who wanted to work as a flight attendant with Republic Airlines. Oh, it was wonderful. All sorts of people contributed. Those who were considering a career with the airlines, people who had submitted their applications and had either been to, or would be attending, an open house interview. Some people wrote after the open house and shared their experience. Yet, others wrote to say they were invited to training. A lot of people talked about the wait between the interview and the invitation to training. Finally, some flight attendants for the company would chime in and answer general questions.
Well, while nosing around, I read that starting February 1st all "open house interviews" would be over. My immediate thought was I needed to find out how many more open house events there were left during the month of January. I learned there were two: One on the 20th in Indianapolis, IN and the other on the 28th in Texas!
Indianapolis was at a 6 hour drive. I went online to see about purchasing an airline ticket. But with the open housing starting at 8:30 AM on the 20th, I would need to fly out the following day. It was next to impossible to get any reasonably priced flights out from Pittsburgh to Indianapolis for the following day. I had to resign myself driving, but could I get it all together this quickly?
I went to the Republic web site to look into what would be required. I learned that prior to attending an open house event you must submit your application online. So, I went to do that. The first thing you were asked to do was upload your resume. I'd done all this talking and thinking about everything and, yet, my resume was not ready!
It was 1:30 AM when I had completed my resume and filled out the lengthy online application. I went straight to bed and set the alarm for 5:30 AM.
When I awoke, I gave some thought to what I would wear, packed my bags, made hotel reservations, and called my partner at work to tell him what I was going to do.
At 11:30 AM I was getting ready to walk out the door. The phone was ringing. I looked at the caller ID and it was Republic! It was someone from Human Resources calling to let me know they had my application and to invite me to a training event in February.
This was very good news. I learned that even though open house events would end in January that the company would continue scheduling interview by invitation. I was invited to attend any of three different events in February. One nice thing about this is that along with the invitation would come a ticket to fly stand by to the interview. So, I would not have to drive six hours in the uncertain winter conditions.
If the call had come even two hours earlier I would have waited. But, as it is, my bags were packed and I was ready. It's kind of like preparing to enter a swimming contest and you have your suit on and are walking out to the diving board. I felt what I needed to do was just end all this speculation and keep moving in the direction of getting hired, and so I did.
Around 7:30 PM I arrived, tired but excited, at hotel room. After eating dinner, laying out my clothes, and reviewing driving directions for the following morning, I put in a wake up call for 5:30 AM and went to bed.
I did a lot of thinking and talking about starting a new career as a flight attendant: Researched what carrier I wanted to work for, went to their web site to find out if they were hiring, (they were), learned where to submit my application, when they were having open house interviews. I even got an opportunity to speak with another flight attendant working for Republic, and an assurance of a personal recommendation when I submitted my application. I had a plan for what I would do if I got hired and had to temporarily relocate. Everything was all figured out, expect I had not yet acted to make it so. I had some things in my life I wanted to wrap up, first.
One night, January 18th, at about 10:00 PM, while over thinking things again, I stumbled upon an online discussion group. This particular group was for people who wanted to work as a flight attendant with Republic Airlines. Oh, it was wonderful. All sorts of people contributed. Those who were considering a career with the airlines, people who had submitted their applications and had either been to, or would be attending, an open house interview. Some people wrote after the open house and shared their experience. Yet, others wrote to say they were invited to training. A lot of people talked about the wait between the interview and the invitation to training. Finally, some flight attendants for the company would chime in and answer general questions.
Well, while nosing around, I read that starting February 1st all "open house interviews" would be over. My immediate thought was I needed to find out how many more open house events there were left during the month of January. I learned there were two: One on the 20th in Indianapolis, IN and the other on the 28th in Texas!
Indianapolis was at a 6 hour drive. I went online to see about purchasing an airline ticket. But with the open housing starting at 8:30 AM on the 20th, I would need to fly out the following day. It was next to impossible to get any reasonably priced flights out from Pittsburgh to Indianapolis for the following day. I had to resign myself driving, but could I get it all together this quickly?
I went to the Republic web site to look into what would be required. I learned that prior to attending an open house event you must submit your application online. So, I went to do that. The first thing you were asked to do was upload your resume. I'd done all this talking and thinking about everything and, yet, my resume was not ready!
It was 1:30 AM when I had completed my resume and filled out the lengthy online application. I went straight to bed and set the alarm for 5:30 AM.
When I awoke, I gave some thought to what I would wear, packed my bags, made hotel reservations, and called my partner at work to tell him what I was going to do.
At 11:30 AM I was getting ready to walk out the door. The phone was ringing. I looked at the caller ID and it was Republic! It was someone from Human Resources calling to let me know they had my application and to invite me to a training event in February.
This was very good news. I learned that even though open house events would end in January that the company would continue scheduling interview by invitation. I was invited to attend any of three different events in February. One nice thing about this is that along with the invitation would come a ticket to fly stand by to the interview. So, I would not have to drive six hours in the uncertain winter conditions.
If the call had come even two hours earlier I would have waited. But, as it is, my bags were packed and I was ready. It's kind of like preparing to enter a swimming contest and you have your suit on and are walking out to the diving board. I felt what I needed to do was just end all this speculation and keep moving in the direction of getting hired, and so I did.
Around 7:30 PM I arrived, tired but excited, at hotel room. After eating dinner, laying out my clothes, and reviewing driving directions for the following morning, I put in a wake up call for 5:30 AM and went to bed.
My First Step
Let me begin by saying, I am a 47 year old male, who first considered working as a flight attendant in my mid-twenties. As fate would have it, the lifestyle did not work out for me while still in my youth. I was divorced, with a young daughter, and was actively involved in her life. I simply did not have the required flexibility for a career as a flight attendant. I shelved the idea, but the desire never went away.
For the past 11 years, my sister has been a flight attendant with a regional carrier, Skywest. It was this past October, during a visit in Washington DC, that the subject came up again. I approached it rather sheepishly, thinking I'd be too old to be considered.
I was pleasantly surprised when Kim pointed out to me that my age might work to my advantage. Come to think of it, I have seen several middle age flight attendants. I gave this idea a more thought, kicked it around for awhile, and decided to give it a go.
After some research, I became aware of a regional carrier, Republic Airways. What attracted me to them is that they have a base in the city where I live. If hired, there is no guarantee I will get the base of my choice. But, I am to commute for awhile. I can always request a transfer back to Pittsburgh, that with seniority will probably be granted.
Perhaps you are wondering, "What is a regional carrier?" Please, allow me to explain: There are the mainline carriers that we are all familiar with, such as Delta or United, for example. Regional carriers exist because of mainline carriers. Most of the regional carriers operate smaller airplanes than the mainline carriers do. The mainline carriers have found it economical to enter agreements to lease airplanes that come complete with flight crews. Typically, the regional carrier own and maintain their own airplanes and hire their own personnel. The mainline carriers schedule and book the flights.
Republic Airways owns three regional airlines: Chautauqua, who flies for American, Continental, Delta, United and US Airways; Shuttle America, who flies for Delta, United and Mouklele Airlines; and Republic Airlines, who flies for US Airways Express and Midwest Airlines. You would never book a flight with Republic. The only way you would know that you were on one of their airplanes, and not the mainline carriers, is when the boarding announcement is made. You would hear something to the effect: "Welcome to US Airways Express flight 4729, your Republic connection, from Indianapolis to Washington DC." Bingo. Even though you purchased a ticket with US Airways and the side of the airplane says US Airways Express, you learned during the boarding announcement that you are really on a Republic flight. It is easy to miss this. The public, in general, is not very aware of regional carriers, though they use them everyday.
For the past 11 years, my sister has been a flight attendant with a regional carrier, Skywest. It was this past October, during a visit in Washington DC, that the subject came up again. I approached it rather sheepishly, thinking I'd be too old to be considered.
I was pleasantly surprised when Kim pointed out to me that my age might work to my advantage. Come to think of it, I have seen several middle age flight attendants. I gave this idea a more thought, kicked it around for awhile, and decided to give it a go.
After some research, I became aware of a regional carrier, Republic Airways. What attracted me to them is that they have a base in the city where I live. If hired, there is no guarantee I will get the base of my choice. But, I am to commute for awhile. I can always request a transfer back to Pittsburgh, that with seniority will probably be granted.
Perhaps you are wondering, "What is a regional carrier?" Please, allow me to explain: There are the mainline carriers that we are all familiar with, such as Delta or United, for example. Regional carriers exist because of mainline carriers. Most of the regional carriers operate smaller airplanes than the mainline carriers do. The mainline carriers have found it economical to enter agreements to lease airplanes that come complete with flight crews. Typically, the regional carrier own and maintain their own airplanes and hire their own personnel. The mainline carriers schedule and book the flights.
Republic Airways owns three regional airlines: Chautauqua, who flies for American, Continental, Delta, United and US Airways; Shuttle America, who flies for Delta, United and Mouklele Airlines; and Republic Airlines, who flies for US Airways Express and Midwest Airlines. You would never book a flight with Republic. The only way you would know that you were on one of their airplanes, and not the mainline carriers, is when the boarding announcement is made. You would hear something to the effect: "Welcome to US Airways Express flight 4729, your Republic connection, from Indianapolis to Washington DC." Bingo. Even though you purchased a ticket with US Airways and the side of the airplane says US Airways Express, you learned during the boarding announcement that you are really on a Republic flight. It is easy to miss this. The public, in general, is not very aware of regional carriers, though they use them everyday.
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