Airline Flight Attendant grooming and presentation.

by

Tom Reincke

Before you do anything about becoming an airline Flight Attendant, recognize that the first secret of any human interaction is that first impressions count. And that the first contact that you have with an airline Flight Attendant interviewer is the evidence that they will automatically and subconsciously use to form their first impression their first impression of you.

It is a consistently proven fact that a person’s impression of you is made within seconds and that impression quickly becomes their belief. And rightly or wrongly, once made it is extremely difficult to change their new found belief of you. In fact many would say impossible during the time constraint of a Flight Attendant interview.

It is critical that any impression you make is the one that you want to make, but be critically sure that your first impression is perfect.It means that any communication that you provide to become a Flight Attendant must be appropriate.

It will mean that any phone conversation you have is polite and politically correct. It will mean that your Flight Attendant resume will be free of spelling mistakes or grammar errors and it means that your grooming will be immaculate at your Flight Attendant interviews.

Further to your grooming is presentation. This includes how you carry your self, interact and even socialize with others. There is no excuse for less than immaculate grooming and perfect presentation.

To assess your presentation, take a look at you through another’s eyes. Do you like what you see, what you hear, what you touch, and even smell, and is it appropriate or suitable in fulfilling what is needed to become a Flight Attendant?

While everyone has the democratic right to adorn, bath and clothe their bodies in a manner and style of their own, their success at becoming a Flight Attendant will be determined at how well they fit the image that the airline portrays. And when it comes to your Flight Attendant interviews less than business standard presentation is not acceptable. That means no visible tattoos, visible body piercing or outlandish hair styles.

Certainly I would applaud you for your belief of self expression, but an airline employer doesn’t care about your self expression at your Flight Attendant interview or subsequently you if it doesn’t fit their image. Like it or not, an airline employers expected presentation standard maybe in stark contrast to yours.

The reality is however, that it is the respective airline employer’s standards that count when it comes to your chances of becoming a flight attendant.

So what are the grooming and presentation standards for men attending a Flight Attendant interview?

Yes, although this article is focused on the standards for male Flight Attendants, females will still benefit from much of the information. More specific information for women can be found at the Flight Attendant Secrets .com web site.

BODY: Do not wear bracelets, show tattoos or any body piercing. Period! Be sure that your hands are appropriately manicured which includes no chewed fingernails or cracked of flaky skin. Should you need to wear make up be sure that it is not visible. A cover stick or similar is acceptable. Non greasy moisturizer is also okay.

HAIR: Do not try to make a statement with an out of ‘normal’ hairstyle. Avoid radical hair styles like the wet look, a gelled flat or blown in the wind look. Only a professionally cut and clean style is acceptable. Product use should be used sparingly if needed for minimal control to achieve a complimentary natural look.

Remember, this is an airline Flight Attendant interview.Your hair should be no longer than your collar at the back and preferably above your ears on the side. Your fringe should be above your eyebrows and out of your face. Growing out colors or “abnormal colorings” should be ‘normalized’ and side burns should be trimmed and no longer than level with your middle ear. Beards or goatees are definitely not recommended and if you do sport a moustache then it must be trimmed and no longer than the corners of your mouth.

ATTIRE: Every airline has their corporate image that is predominantly displayed through their Flight Attendants. Some are casual while others are formal. Unless you can clearly identify what it is, or know what the recommended expectation of their Flight Attendant interview dress code is, then stick to immaculate presentation with a suit and tie.

Your interview attire should preferably be a Navy Blue Suit. A Black Suit can be your second choice but no other color should be worn! Suit fashions come and go from single to double breasted and back again. Simply wear the suit fashion of the day.

Your shirt should preferably be a white long sleeve collared shirt only. A cotton polyester mix is ideal and preferably no collar buttons. Your second color choice is light blue only. Approximately 1 to 1.5 cm maximum length of your shirt cuff should show at your wrists with your suit jacket on and your arms by your side.

Your pants should provide for a business belt and this should be black leather with silver or gold buckle. No big buckles, gimmicky studs or engravings.

Ties are very individual but be sure that it complements your suit color and complexion. If in doubt seek professional help or stay moderate. A classy tie however is a class statement. It is naturally a central focus so do take the time to get it right. Stay clear of outlandish flamboyant colors or floral designs, animals and gaudy patterns. Knitted ties are best left for Grandpa. And like suits, the fashion for tie knots comes and goes from School Boy knot to Windsor. While it is acceptable to wear a School Boy knot, a Windsor knot is the preferred. It is always centered, square, even, and looks professional.

Your footwear should be black and lace up. No boots. They must be brilliantly clean with no scuffed or worn heals.Socks should be black or navy blue and knee length nylon cotton mix. Long socks avoid showing any shin skin when seated. No patterned, motive or explorer socks!

ACCESSORIES: Your wrist watch should be dress standard only. Nothing gimmicky, worn or non-business like. Finger adornment is a maximum of one ring per hand. Ring finger or dress finger only. (Females slightly different)Contacts or sight glasses can be worn but fashion sun glasses cannot. Do not wear your eyewear with a string or necklace. Do not store your sun glasses that you wear to your Flight Attendant interview on your head!

Be sure that all accessories such as mobile phones, pens or wallets in pockets are not visible or noticeable. Your Flight Attendant interview documents along with your phone, wallet and other necessities should ideally be carried in a smart leather attach or slim brief case.

Be sure your hygiene is washed and clean. This also means gentle use of deodorant and if preferred, after shave also.

Putting all this together for your Flight Attendant interview can be a challenge. However now that you know it, there really is no excuse for less than immaculate grooming and perfect presentation.

Certainly dress standards change regularly and often over time, but immaculate, conservative and stylish presentation for your airline Flight Attendant interviews never will.

Tom Reincke has enjoyed an airline career for more than 16 years both domestically and internationally. Having been a Flight Attendant Cabin Manager for 7 years and a regular participant in Flight Attendant interviews, Tom has written a complete insiders guide on how to become a Flight Attendant which is available at: http://www.flightattendantsecrets.com

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Airline Flight Attendant grooming and presentation.}