Recently an old video by the smart locals popped into my recommended list. They got their crew to try out for the SIA crew interview. I was rooting for them in my heart cos I know how it feels to be there. And as I was not the prettiest and youngest when I tried, I kinda expected them to breeze through and at least get to management round. So here is a post as well as some tips for the converted and mysterious SIA interview
Here is the clip I was watching
A little of how and why I got into SIA
It has always been my dream since a kid to be a Singapore girl. I had the jet setter in me before I even knew what a jet setter was HAHA!
When I was 18, I wanted to try out but my parents were against it. It was only a couple of years after 9-11 and they were worried about me flying. So I finished up University, tried a sales job but eventually became an Allied Educator. The kids were my life but I still wanted to fly.
I joined SIA 8 years ago in 2011 at the ripe old age of 26. A little older compared to the rest of the girls who went for the interview. I left about 2 years and 8 months later when I hit 29. But the duration as a crew was and is one of the best time I’ve had in my life. Although I am happier now, I still look back and smile when Facebook reminds me of my flying days. I am so glad I actually tried.
There is a lot of stereotype of airline crew, especially for SQ girls. Although some might be true, and I did have my fair share of strange colleagues, there are so many things I learned as a crew that I don’t think I would have learned anywhere else.
If you want to read more about some of the things I’ve had the privilege of learning in my short stint there, here is a post I wrote on my habits after leaving and things I had leaned.
Why should you go for the interview?
If you ever had the dream to try it out, I would highly encourage you to do it. The reason is simple. Although it is not easy to get in and there are so many stages of the interview now, but if you never try, you will never know. At least you can say you tried your best! Don’t live with regret 10 years down the road after it is too late.
If you are young with no kids and have always wanted to try, why not?!
I know over the years, they have changed the interview process as well as stages. As I am unfamiliar with the latest interview process, here are some tips I think is pretty universal for SIA interviews. I got in the first time I tried at the age of 26, so I figured I must have done something right. haha so here are my 2 cents!
Tips before going to the interview
1. Ask yourself if this is really what you want
This is extremely important because you are bonded for 2 years and leaving before that is pretty pricy.
We are very good at giving the impression where this is the best job in the world. It is close to the best job apart from the times you need to clean the toilets after a passenger, who overestimates his alcohol threshold and merlioned all over. Here is a post about things we don’t share on our Instagram as a crew. Have a read and see if this turns you off. If you are still keen, let’s go!
2. Make sure you meet all requirements
Do you have all the paper requirements? Are you tall enough? The high issue is not discrimination to shorter people but it is actually dangerous if you can’t reach the overhead cabins. Some “common-sense challenged” passenger might let go of a heavy bag while you are helping them with it and if you are stepping on the step assist and not on the ground, you might fall off with the bag falling on you. I have seen it happen on a
Also, make sure you got all the admin in order and in a nice file. The last you want is to reach the interview venue and be sent home
3. Leave the house early
The early bird catches the worm. Even though there is no proof that the earlier you go the higher chance you get, ( I was the only one who made it in my first round of 10), but going early helps you feel less stress as well as give you some time to compose yourself. Plus the lines get pretty crazy and imagine being the 508th in the line facing the interviewers.
4. Wear like you are going for a job interview in an MNC
This is a job interview like any other, so dress appropriately. Respect the interview and look smart. Think from the company’s point of view, why would they hire someone who doesn’t respect them? Right? And please don’t dress like a gold digger. Professionalism is what they are looking for. I remembered I wore a white long sleeved shirt, black dressed pants, and court shoes.
Once you reach interview venue
1. They are watching you (I think)
Yes! From the person at the registration table to the people checking your documents and height and weight. They just need to indicate something on your form, you can kiss your interview goodbye before it even began. So be nice to every human you see.
The reason why I think this is one of the factors is that I was not the most eloquent and neither was I the prettiest in my group. But I was the only one who is making small talks as well as opening doors for everyone and letting everyone in the room before going in (it has to be second nature).
2. Smile! ALOT
One thing they are on the lookout for people with ‘resting smiley face’. So be careful when you zone out and if you want to read on your phone, read a happy article. Even better, be social! Talk to people around you! You are basically interviewing for a PR job, so start PR-ing!
3. They are actually watching when you are not talking
Always listen to others when it is their turn to speak. Not only is that a nice thing to do but also you don’t know who is watching. Remember it is not really what you say that determines if you go to the next round or not.
Having the most epic answer ‘why you love sunrise as it reminds you of you mama’s love’ is not gonna cut it when you are staring blankly into space thinking of the epic answer when someone else is speaking. Get it???
My question was “if you had a superpower, what would it be and why” my answer was super lame but I got through anyway.
4. Be real
Remember a job interview goes 2 ways. It is both the company deciding if they want to give you the job as well as you deciding if you want it. So if you have hard limits like you HATE kids and crying babies, being fake about it and saying you would hold a crying baby so that the mom can have some rest, will do you more harm then good in the long run.
So these are my little tips for the SIA interview. SIA interviews are super notorious for high failure rates. So don’t feel too bad if you did not make it the first time round. I have a batchmate who got in after trying for 5 times! So if this is something you have always wanted to do, I hope the little tips are helpful somewhat!
Going through the SIA interview is one of the most humbling experience I’ve had in life. It does not matter if you have a degree or an “O Level” cert. It’s fair game for everyone!
So here is one more awesome being in the friendly skies! Have a shot and all the best! Here is more info on dates, timing,
Love Samantha
