This is for SFO base for the January 2014 hires.
I applied in Dec via email and they called me back in early Jan to set up an interview for mid Jan. They gave me three days to choose from, morning or afternoon (6 in total). They sent me an email shortly after confirming apt & directions to where it would be held.
Be dressed properly for an interview, professional business attire. They called us all into a room (roughly 25 people) and showed us a short presentation about Cathay. Next, they pulled a group of about 6-10 people in a separate room to do a group interview. The rest of the group does a reach test to 208cm without shoes. They do language assessment; you answer simple questions in your language and read a few lines.
For the group interview, they ask everyone to introduce themselves; name, current job, and language. They give everyone one topic and you brainstorm on your own for a few minutes. You then discuss the topic amongst yourselves while staff observes. What are three characteristics that helped Cathay win Best Cabin Crew? You work as a team to choose three most important qualities. Make sure you speak up and don’t be overlooked, but don’t interrupt other people or try to take over the whole conversation.
They called me at the end of the week and let me know I passed the first interview and set up the second interview a week later. Again, there were three days, morning or afternoon. They emailed me confirming apt and list of document copies I would need to bring. This includes passport photos.
For the second interview, the group was cut in half, about 15 or less people. We were divided into groups of 4-5 people. You were given a few minutes to brainstorm your topic and then discuss amongst your group. “What are the characteristics that make a good flight attendant?” We each had to come up with a point so we can stand up and present it to the whole group. Then, we had to fill out some paperwork, this includes background check and visa application. As we were sitting, they would call a person to do one on one interview.
For the one on one, smile a lot and be yourself. They are very sweet people and even though it was intimidating at first, I found it easy to open up to them. They asked me to tell me about myself and about my current job. They asked very basic customer service related questions such as “tell me about a time where you had to deal with a difficult customer.” The interview was about 20 minutes, after this and all your paperwork is handed in, you are free to go.
They called me at the end of the week to let me know I was selected for April training! The offer was subject to passing background check and medical exam. They gave me a time period within two weeks so I could choose a day to do the medical exam, morning or afternoon. They emailed me the apt confirmation and let me know there will also be an English assessment afterwards.
For the medical exam, they did a urine, blood, vision & hearing test. They also took an x-ray of my chest area. After, I met with a staff to do the English assessment. The reading portion included reading a story and answering multiple choice questions. There was also choosing the best word to complete the sentence part. For the hearing test, you had to listen to a conversation on earphones and at the end answer some questions about it. When you complete both tests, they let you know if you passed.
They sent me an email two weeks after the second interview stating my background check was cleared. They are very thorough with this and they will contact your references. One and a half weeks after my medical exam, they sent me another email stating the orientation date and time and that I should be expecting an offer package in the mail.
I think the interview process went very smoothly. I love how they call you immediately after each process and let you know the results and don’t dangle you on a string. It seems like a lengthy process, however, this is a very special job and they need time to apply for a visa if you are hired. If you are motivated and you’re passionate about being a flight attendant, I would say it is very much worth it. I wrote this long detailed interview process so future hires will know what to expect. I hope this helps someone who is looking for a position with Cathay.