How I Became Emirates Cabin Crew

In July 2015, I found myself scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed. A friend of mine, we’ll call her Julie, had posted pictures of a recent trip to Paris that peaked my interest. After scrolling through her album, it became apparent that this wasn’t just a trip- it was a layover. Julie was Cabin Crew for Emirates and her job involved travelling the world.

After speaking with Julie and conducting some research online, I decided take a leap of faith and apply to Emirates with the hope of being just like her. Thankfully, this crazy dream of mine came true.

When I share with people that I am Emirates Cabin Crew, I am often asked -how did you apply, or how can I apply too? So today, I am going to share with you my experience with the Emirates Cabin Crew hiring process, and some of the current requirements for the position.

Prior to applying to Emirates, I read the requirements on the Emirates Group Careers website. As of right now, Emirates Cabin Crew must:

  • Be at least 21 years of age at the time of joining
  • Have an arm reach of 212 cm while standing on tiptoes
  • Have a minimum height of 160 cm
  • Be a high school graduate (Grade 12)
  • Have fluency in English (Written and Spoken)
  • Have no visible tattoos while in Emirates Cabin Crew uniform (cosmetic and bandage coverings not permitted)
  • Must be physically fit to meet the Emirates Cabin Crew requirements

I encourage you to read the requirements online too, as they may have changed since I posted them above.

If you meet the requirements, there are four steps that I became familiar with in the hiring process that you should be aware of. These have been detailed below along with my personal experiences:

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STEP 1: APPLY ONLINE

Using the Emirates Group Careers website, I submitted an online application. This was because I was hoping to receive an invitation to their Assessment Day. Emirates Cabin Crew Assessment Days are by invitation only. In order to be considered, you must apply online. Spaces are limited, so I figured this would mean that less people would attend and thus, my odds at landing the position would (hopefully) be better!

There is also the option to submit your résumé/CV to Emirates on an Open Day. Open Days are information sessions that give you the opportunity to find out what it’s like to work as Emirates Cabin Crew. They allow you to meet the recruitment team and begin the process of starting your new career with Emirates. If you’ve got what it takes, following the Open Day, you’ll be invited to attend the Emirates Cabin Crew screening and assessment process.

In some countries Emirates may work with a recruitment agency, and the process to apply may differ as a result. For this reason, again, I encourage you to check the Emirates Group Careers website. There you will also find a list of all Assessment Days.

When I submitted my application online, I found out that I had been shortlisted for an Assessment Day a week or so later by email. This could be because they were recruiting in my area at this time, so if you don’t hear back right away do not be worried.

For more information on Open Days and Assessment Days, click here.

STEP 2: SCREENING, ASSESSMENT AND SELECTION PROCESS

During the screening, assessment and selection process, the recruitment staff discuss and identify the most suitable candidates for the role.

On my Assessment Day, candidates completed several group activities to help the recruitment team make their selection. They slowly eliminated candidates throughout the day (after each activity), and at the end of this process, I was asked to come back for a final interview the following day. Following my final interview, I found out I was successful 3 weeks later.

Step 3: POST SCREENING, ASSESSMENT AND SELECTION PROCESS // THE GOLDEN CALL

If you are successful after interview or assessment you will receive an email, phone call or letter from the recruitment staff advising you of the outcome. I personally received what Cabin Crew refer to this as the golden call – a phone call from Human Resources Employee Services (HRES).

If you are unsuccessful after interview or assessment, you will receive a computer generated letter advising you of the outcome. 

Please note- I was unsuccessful the first time I applied, but was successful the next. If becoming Cabin Crew with Emirates is something you are passionate about, keep trying! You can apply every 6 months.

Step 4: JOINING FORMALITIES

Following my golden call, I was contacted again by the Human Resources Employee Services to make the necessary arrangements to deliver my employment contract and relevant documentation.

It took me about a month to get everything I needed together following my golden call. HRES was very helpful and assisted me with the process.

To give you a sense of timing, my interview was in June 2015 and I moved to Dubai in November this same year. My moving process was delayed on my personal account because I was finishing a postgraduate certificate and my program concluded at the end of October.

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I hope this post has helped to provide some clarity about the Emirates Cabin Crew application process. Remember, although this was my experience, I encourage you to visit the Emirates Group Careers website as the process may have changed since I was recruited.

If you have any further questions, please send them my way and I will try my best to answer them for you!

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Twitter: @KelseyBelleDXB

Facebook: facebook.com/kelseybelleTO

Instagram: @LipstickAndLuggage

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Disclaimer: My posts are my personal views and and do not represent the views of my company.

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26 Comments

  1. February 1, 2016 / 5:55 am

    What questions they asked you about on the final interview?

    • February 1, 2016 / 6:06 am

      Thanks for the question.

      Unfortunately, I can’t share that information with you. But I can advise you to mention any experience you have in customer service and working with different cultures.

      Hope that helps!

      • Satish
        April 18, 2016 / 1:31 pm

        I hope you can share it because before joining, you also had asked your friend regarding the process. Everyone wants to know the questions and I’m sure you yourself wanted to as well.

        • April 25, 2016 / 5:07 pm

          Hi Satish, I actually didn’t ask my friends in Emirates what the questions were, nor did I research them before the interview because I didn’t want to have answers prepared for fear of sounding scripted. The questions also vary- no one get’s the same ones. I’d rather not say then tell you something wrong!

  2. Lee
    April 27, 2016 / 5:48 pm

    Hi Kelsey! This is a really helpful blog. Btw, what If I have scars for example. It’s below my knee and If I put make up on it and wear stockings, it’s not visible. Can I still apply for the Job? Looking forward to your reply. Thanks 🙂

    • April 27, 2016 / 7:53 pm

      Hello Lee- Thanks for the kind words. Unfortunately I can’t speak on behalf of the company, but I would encourage you to apply scars or not! If you’re passionate about the job, something like this shouldn’t stand in the way. 🙂 All the best! xo

  3. Aoife
    October 9, 2016 / 4:53 pm

    Love your page, so inspiring!!
    I am dying to join the Emirates Cabin Crew family! My current employment contract doesn’t conclude until July and if I was successful I would love to join as close to that time as possible. When do you think would be a good time to start the application process?
    Thinking positive!!! X

    • Lipstick And Luggage
      Author
      October 12, 2016 / 2:13 am

      Hi Aoife, thanks for the kind words! I can’t speak on behalf of the company, but from my personal experience when I received my employment offer my date of joining was flexible given that I was still in school at the time. Apply anytime, and see what happens. That’s my advice to you!

  4. Carrie Smith
    October 25, 2016 / 9:44 am

    My daughter applied online and attended OpenDay in Toronto. She had her final interview on October 24th, 2016. This morning she received an email stating her application was on “hold as training positions are full”. Is this a positive email? Does this mean she will be called when training positions become available? Thank you so much for any insight. You’re experience and knowledge is greatly appreciated.

    • Carrie Smith
      October 25, 2016 / 9:45 am

      Sorry, I meant to write final interview was September 24th, 2016 in Toronto.

    • Lipstick And Luggage
      Author
      October 25, 2016 / 10:41 am

      Hi Carrie,

      Unfortunately I’m not quite sure what that means because I’ve never had that happen to me. I can’t speak on behalf of Emirates, but in my personal opinion, if she wasn’t being considered at all for the position after her final interview then I don’t think they would have sent her that correspondence to begin with. 🙂

      Sorry I couldn’t be more help! Keeping my fingers crossed though!

      Kelsey

      • Carrie
        October 25, 2016 / 11:34 am

        Thank you so much Kelsey for your quick response! I will let you know how this turns out! Fingers crossed! Thanks again, Carrie.

  5. Kay
    October 30, 2016 / 8:23 pm

    I Love this blog. It’s so helpful and inspiring.
    I have one question and I hope you can assist. I received my invitation email after I had sent in my application online. With the requirements that are needed, I happen to have a small birthmark on my neck and I am wondering if this would destroy my chances on getting the job.

    I look forward to you response. 🙂

    • Lipstick And Luggage
      Author
      November 4, 2016 / 4:10 am

      Hi Kay,

      Unfortunately I cannot speak on behalf of Emirates with regards to the requirements, but I wishing you the best of luck! 🙂

  6. Iza
    November 24, 2016 / 10:22 pm

    Hi Kelsey! Are there cabin crew of Emirates with height of 5’4″?

  7. Maria
    March 2, 2017 / 8:11 am

    Hi Kelsey! Thank you for sharing! I am a dreamer,23! I have a mild scoliosis, it’s not noticeable but in xray results, the curve is there! Should I give it a try?

    • Lipstick And Luggage
      Author
      March 12, 2017 / 9:28 am

      Try regardless! 🙂

  8. Bee Bee
    July 26, 2017 / 3:08 am

    Hey Kelsey ! i’m really like this Blog that it’s provide a lot experiences at here . but today i have one special question about how old they can”t accept it ? because if i am 26 old ,still have opportunity !

    • Bee Bee
      July 26, 2017 / 3:10 am

      I hope u can reply to me back and thankfully your kindness !

      • Lipstick And Luggage
        Author
        July 26, 2017 / 8:49 am

        Hello,

        I wish I could help you but I’m not sure about the recruitment guidelines. They change from time to time. Please refer to the Emirates Group Careers website for updates: http://www.emiratesgroupcareers.com/cabin-crew/

        Hope that helps!

        Kind regards,
        Kelsey

        • Bee Bee
          July 30, 2017 / 11:15 pm

          Oh I will check on it . thank you your kindness !

  9. Tiffanni Pozzo
    September 14, 2017 / 7:00 pm

    Hello beautiful, I am so thankful to find this!! But, I would like to ask if there is a limit in age to join Emirates??, I mean, until what age? From 21 to…? And do you have to finish a professional career? Please let me know as fast as you can 🙏🏻 I am from Peru and here we don’t know enough about Emirates..THANK YOU 💕

    • Lipstick And Luggage
      Author
      September 17, 2017 / 1:10 am

      Hi Tiffanni,

      I’m glad you came across my blog! Unfortunately, I’m unaware of Emirates recruitment procedures. Please take a look at their careers website. It is your best source for this information. http://www.emiratesgroupcareers.com/cabin-crew/

      See you in the skies!
      Kelsey

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