Air Canada and its low-cost airline, Air Canada Rouge, have almost identical hiring practices and requirements for applicants. Knowing exactly what each one looks for in a flight attendant is an important first step before applying. Once you meet the qualifications, applying will simply be a matter of submitting an online form. This way, when they interview you, keeping their priorities in mind will help you be exactly the person they are looking for.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Becoming a Qualified Flight Attendant
Step 1. Meet the basic requirements
If you are not yet 18 years old, wait until you are that age or older. Get your high school diploma. If you did not complete it, complete an equivalent course to earn a general education diploma (GED).
Visit the website https://www.gprc.ab.ca/files/forms_documents/GED_Test_Hints_Newsletter.pdf for contact information for your local GED testing center
Step 2. Obtain a Canadian passport
Visit the website http://www.cic.gc.ca/engish/passport/apply/new/apply-how.asp to fill out and print an application. Make copies of all necessary documents. Get two copies of a passport photo. Ask a guarantor to fill out and sign the appropriate section of the application, as well as all copies of your documents and a passport photo. In addition to your guarantor, ask two other people if you can cite them as references on your application.
- Complete applications can be mailed or delivered in person to Service Canada or Canada Post.
- Documents, passport photos and fees must be included with your application.
- Visit the website http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/passport/apply/new/apply-how.asp for more information on current fees and payment methods, acceptable documents, eligibility for guarantors and references and postal addresses.
Step 3. Speak more than one language fluently
At a minimum, you are fluent in English or French (preferably both languages). Also, learn at least one other language used by the countries that Air Canada flies to regularly. Languages you can learn include:
- Arab
- cantonese
- Danish
- dutch
- German
- Greek
- Hebrew
- Hindi
- Italian
- Japanese
- Korean
- Mandarin
- Portuguese
- Punjabi
- English
- Turkish
Step 4. Prepare to meet additional requirements
Due to the physical demands of the job, expect to have your physical health evaluated during the application process. Make sure you are in good shape to do the necessary tasks. Also, keep in mind that, if you are hired, you will have to request a security clearance from Transport Canada.
- As a flight attendant, you expect to have tasks such as lifting luggage and suitcases, physically assisting passengers, maintaining a steady and balanced posture, being able to stand and work for long periods, and being able to work at high altitudes and in a pressurized environment.
- For more information on Transport Canada's security clearance, visit the website
Step 5. Plan to move if necessary
You can apply for a job regardless of where you currently live. However, if you still don't live within 90 minutes of an airport served by Air Canada, start considering where you can move. Wait for the possibility of being required to live nearby so you can quickly report back if there are changes to the schedule. The cities that you can consider are:
- Calgary
- Deer lake
- Edmonton
- Goose bay
- Montreal
- Sept-Iles
- St. John’s
- Toronto
- Vancouver
- Whitehorse
- Yellowknife
Part 2 of 3: Apply for a Position
Step 1. Look for open positions
Check the Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge websites regularly for openings. Filter your search by location and positions to narrow it down.
- For Air Canada, visit the website
- For Air Canada Rouge, visit the website
Step 2. Submit an application online
Enter the appropriate website and follow all the instructions in order to create a user profile. Answer the questionnaire that appears as directed. Upload your resume and cover letter when prompted. Sign up to receive emails about new vacancies in case someone else is hired for the current vacancy. Save your profile for future use and update it as needed.
- For Air Canada, create or edit your user profile by clicking “Create / Edit Profile” on the job vacancies page.
- For Air Canada Rouge, click “Join Now / Sign In” on the job search page.
Step 3. Wait for them to contact you
Please check your email first to confirm that you submitted your application successfully. After that, wait for a phone call. If they decide to consider you for the position, wait for a recruiter to call you and give you the first interview over the phone.
- Only candidates who are considered will receive a phone call, so if they don't call you, apply for a new position.
- If your phone interview is successful, the recruiter will provide you with information on additional interviews, events, and training.
Part 3 of 3: Meeting Expectations in an Interview
Step 1. Look elegant
Expect your appearance to be taken into account. For any interview or in-person event, prepare in advance. Once you are hired, the training will detail the exact job requirements regarding appearance; however, you anticipate that there will be a general desire for cleanliness and neatness.
Review the pictures of flight attendants that have been posted on the Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge web pages. Groom yourself according to your dress, hairstyle, and grooming
Step 2. Take advantage of your service experience in previous jobs
If you have already worked as a flight attendant, guide yourself according to that experience. If not, highlight any previous jobs you may have had in a similar service industry. Remember that even though an airplane is a unique environment, your role as a flight attendant is very similar to any job on the ground that involves keeping customers satisfied.
- Such jobs could include sales, food and hospitality or customer service.
- Be sure to mention anything that involves working with children, as this is a highly prized skill for flight attendants.
Step 3. Answer the main concerns
Remember that, as a flight attendant, you will work as part of a crew in a unique environment in which safety is a primary concern. Highlight your positive attitudes towards teamwork and safety. When talking about your previous work experience, highlight initiatives and other strengths that have to do with these areas:
- maintain courteous demeanor regardless of the situation;
- adapt to new situations quickly as they occur;
- communicate effectively with your co-workers and clients;
- maintain a safe work environment.