Career Talk | My Emirates Timeline

By request from emails I have been receiving, I am publishing my time line on here so you can see the progress. From start to finish, it was taken roughly 6 months from applying to starting. So for those reading and following my progress, here's a look at my timeline for Emirates.

Applied: 31/08/14

AUR: 15/08/14

OD: 13/09/14

AD: 14/09/14

FI:   17/09/14

IC : 30/09/14

On hold successful email: 19/10/14

GC: 07/12/14

FA: 29/12/14 

DOJ: 06/02/15 

Please note a word of caution: everyone's timelines are different and there really isn't a definite time when you should expect to hear, or receive a change in your application status. My advice would be to be patience, do not compare your timeline strictly to others in your interview batch. Keep networking online through the forums, and social media sites, and enjoy the time you have left with your family and friends.

Leave a Comment Emirates, Emirates Assessment Day, Emirates Cabin Crew, Emirates Careers, Emirates Final Interview, emirates timelines, Travel

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Career Talk | Post 'On Hold' Wait With Emirates

September was the month when I turned up at an Open Day in Leeds, swallowed my nerves back down into my stomach, and took a step forward in the right direction. It's been 75 days since my final interview. I've had my on hold email for 7 weeks and the wait is beginning to drive me slightly insane again. 

Shortly after my final interview, I joined a group on facebook called 'Emirates: Approval in Progress'. It's been going for over a year now and has over 7000 members. It's a very supportive network where everyone can keep in touch and provide details about their timeline, and experiences. It seems the majority of people that where interviewed in September/ October have been put on hold with the exceptional few. So one of the girls set up a group called 'On Hold' and again, it's somewhere to get support from and keep track on who is getting 'golden calls'.

I'm doing as much as possible to try and prepare myself without getting overly excited. In the back of my head I have this little voice that keeps me in check. After all. I haven't officially been offered any employment yet, but a prospective offer. 

Since my 'on hold email' email, I felt quite relieved that I had finally made it through the toughest part of the recruitment stages. Now, I needed to rest my mind and start thinking about my life in Dubai. It's very easy to say, "no, I'm not going to think that far ahead". But seriously, you have got to let yourself dream alittle, and indulge. With that being said, it is difficult to sit back and wait for that phone. I'm trying not to think too much about it. 

Last Sunday, after a long period of silent from Emirates, a number of people from September FI's started to get their golden calls. We all got excited. It meant that they were in the process of confirming training dates for the new year. People where getting dates for the 31st Dec, 1st, 8th, and 9th Jan. so exciting for them all. That week following, I didn't get a call but then rather did anyone from the small group of future friends I met at the AD and FI. 

At the moment, I'm having to also put any future plans on hold. This will be my last Christmas in the UK for potentially a couple of years so I'm making plans to see my friends, and friends. It's my birthday at the end of January. Due to Christmas and lack of funds, I usually celebrate it in the first weekend of Febuary. Then there are two of my closest friends getting married early in the new year, and I cannot RSVP them yet, and the tenancy on my flat is on a rolling contract with the view to fully renew if I don't get the call soon. So much to sort out. 

Although I wish I knew my date of joining, I don't have it. So, for the time being I will carry on reading blog posts, forums, and speaking to future Emirates crew online. I consider myself extremely lucky to be in such a great position right now. I have my circle of close friends, and family near me, I have financially stable job, a roof over my head, food in my tummy, and a potential dream for the new year. 

Leave a Comment Cabin Crew, Emirates, Emirates Assessment Day, Emirates Final Interview, Emirates Successful On Hold Email, JFIP

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Lifestyle | Budget Planner from Paperchase

Being 'on hold' for 6 weeks with Emirates is doing crazy things to my head. In the meantime, I cannot help but notice things online or on the high street where I think 'Ooooh that'll help for when I'm cabin crew, Ooooh that would be nice to have in Dubai'. Two weeks ago I visited the Christmas markets in Manchester, and had a wonderful time. On my walk through, I popped into Paperchase to pick up some craft things. 

Now, I don't know about you, but I love stationary. My eyes are glazing over all the clean, freshly wrapped and untouched stationery that is all pretty and perfect. Omg, I have a problem. Anyway, I came across this budget planner and got rather over excited. I have read alot of Emirates blogs over the past couple of months, and it appears that some crew members lack abit of self control and binge their wages on crap. So, I bought this budget planner with the view to help me out over the first couple of months whilst out in Dubai. 

I am aware that we will get an advance on our wages for the first month. However, this has to be paid back over the next 2 wages so money is going to be abit tight. It is highly unlikely for me that I will be able to take much savings so this budget planner will hopefully keep me stay on the straight and narrow. It's full of practical advice on saving money, and provides information how to improve you budgeting skills. It's also cleverly organised into different sections, and gives a month by month planner. I love the fact that it's got little pockets inside to hold receipts. 

You can get this little beaut from much Paperchase stores or online here. Click the link to direct you to the website. It's suitable for anyone's budgeting needs. 

3 comments Assessment Day, bblogger, budget planner, Cabin Crew, Emirates, lblogger, Organisers, Paperchase, Piggy Bank, tips for budgeting

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Career Talk | My Emirates Final Interview September 2014

On Wednesday 17th September 2014, I had my final interview with Emirates. To be honest, I felt that the hardest part was over. After all the information I had read online about getting through the assessment day it was easier to see how people let the process get to them. 

There is plenty of literature on the website that can prepare you for interview style situations. I have done enough interviews now to feel quietly confident. You don't have another candidates observing and judging your 'performance'. Its time for you and the interviewer to get to know the professional and personal aspects about you. 

I arrived to my interview early. It was back in the hotel where it all started, The Marriot Hotel in Leeds. A gentleman met me in the reception area and informed the recruiter that I had arrived. Patiently, I read the newspaper to keep a grip on my nerves. Just before 8.30, I was sent upto the boardroom and asked to wait outside.

The recruiter warmly welcomed me back and asked me to sit down. She asked me for all the paperwork and photos required. Whilst she was checking all the information, she asked me to read for information regarding their policy on grooming, serving alcohol and tattoos. I agreed to all. This is a good time to clarify any questions you have on the above. 

I was asked the following questions: 

• Why do you want to be Cabin Crew?
• Describe a time when you have gone above and beyond for a customer. Why? 
• Describe a time when you have gone above and beyond for a colleague or team member. Why?
• Tell me about a time when you have been culturally sensitive towards a costumer or collegue. 
• Tell me about a time when you have bent the rules for a customer. Why? 

Throughout the whole time, the recruiter was very positive and clear in the information she was after. She really puts your nerves at ease. Then she finished up and explained that all information, observations done during the assessment day, and photos would be sent in a file to Dubai. I should expect to hear something within 8 weeks. 

That's pretty much it. Afterwards, I made my way home to change, then off to work as if it was a normal day. This is probably going to feel like the longest wait following a job interview. For the roles I've gone for, I pretty much find out on the same day, or the day after if I have been successful. My final tips are to be prepared, be honest, and give clear information. The recruiter has alot of information to record.

**Update: My online status finely changed from application under review to interview complete. Thats given me some relief in knowing that my file as reached Dubai. I'm still eager to know if I've been successful**

3 comments Assessment Day, Cabin Crew, Emirates, Emirates Final Interview, Interview, Interview Complete

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Career Talk | Emirates & Etihad: The Waiting Game!

Oh.mah.gawd! It's 11th August at exactly 23.34 and I am still awake!

Usually, I am known for having some patience and resilience when it comes to most things. This must be the 1000th time I have read this post back to myself. I must apologise in advance: you're not going to learn anything about new applying about for cabin crew. It is just random rambles and thoughts I had to myself on making big grown up decisions.  Make your own judgement from this...

Whilst I was on holiday with one of my Besties, I told her about me applying for Emirates (see this post for previous details on my little story). I couldn't keep it from her forever and I actually needed someone is knows me through and through to discuss it with. At the time, a reality check was in order to make sure I was taking the opportunity for the right reasons. 

In educational terms, I am a reflective learner first, before being an activist. This waiting game has given me time to reflect on if I was offered the position, would I actually want it. I mean for me this could have massive implications on my future. I have job security; I am on a decent wage for a 25 year old; I have worked from the bottom of the pile and up; I am very respected by my work family; I am living in private rented accomodation; I have a solid and supportive network of friends; I am going to be a braidsmaid for another one of my Besties; I had a car!

So far, only a handful of people know about my mad idea: 1 close friend, and 3/4  close work collegues who've all been sworn to secretcy. Its not that I cannot 'hold my own water' as such. I wanted to test the reactions at the of leaving behind a perminant secure jobs. It's needs has been balanced between "are you serious" to "YOLO"! Secondly, it also means have some difficult conversations to have with friends, especially one who I'm going to be braidsmaid for.

I'm certainly not having any second doubts that's for sure. How do I know I want it so badly? Because the possibility of not succeding is hurting my confidence slightly. I know my own mind too well. My main concern is failure. Why? Whoes judging me? I suppose this surpressed little dream to travel has taken over my emotions slightly, or it could be the PMT talking. If you've applied for cabin crew, or have done already and is going through this mental tennis match, back and forth of reasons why you shouldn't pack up, take risks and follow your heart (and breathe) - stop pressurising yourself! We're not on our own!

My advice: stop letting the 'haters' and 'doubters' squish your determination to want something so badly. Who cares that other people think? And, yes that includes family and friends. My Bestie give me some good advice. I asked her if she thought I was mad. I mean giving up this little independant life I was re-creating here at home to work around this world. She said she just wanted to make sure I was doing this for all the right reasons, and to be prepared for either way. She wants me to be happy. Those words have stuck with me throughout this whole situation. I mean this is only early days.

In my head, I had answered her question. Absolutely yes, I am doing this because I've always wanted to.Yes - think practically about any decision to pack up and move away if  you're ever offered a job. Even if its outside your hometown in the same country. All practicalities have to be discussed: there is a solution ready to be reached. Think positive and don't not over think. After all, you could be worrying over nothing at this stage.

Reality check complete!

1 comment Application, Application under review, Emirates, Etihad, Rambles, Thoughts, Travels

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Career Talk | Emirates: Application Under Review

Today is Monday 4th Aug 2014 and I just wanted to update everyone on the process so far. It is more than likely that this blog post will be published after the interview stages (if  I get that far). I want to be sure that I actually make it at the Selection Day Since submitting my application on the 29th July, I have religiously been checking the status of my application several times a day. Obsessive much? Yes, even on the weekend I checked in the hope that the Personnel department and recruiters have nothing better to do with their time and check through the thousands of applications. I read online somewhere that Sunday is a working day in the UAE, so not giving up hope there! This afternoon I went about this new ritual and noticed that my application status changed to 'application under review'. My heart started pounding. In less than a week, my application was being reviewed. That's 6 days after submitting the final draft. From the forums that I read online, the majority of applicants had been waiting weeks before their status changed. It could be another 1-12 weeks before I hear from Emirates with an invitation or rejection letter. Either way, I am nervously anticipating their response. I have thought about this role quite a lot since submitting the application. There are a 100 questions I want to know before I embark on this journey. I suppose only time will tell. Here I am confidently typing away at this post and realised that I may sound like I have the job already. The fact is, I do not know what the outcome is yet, but I cannot help but be excited about this opportunity. In retrospect, I am taking on a huge gamble with this job. Not only would I be changing my career, but also leaving behind I life that I have built for myself since the age of 17 years. My family will also support whatever decision I make, but I will also be upsetting some of my friends. This year has taught me to take risks; to look at life differently and to stop saying 'what if'. Those are the kind of regrets I would hate to have. I have to make selfish decisions based on number 1 - ME! So good luck to anyone in that wide world who has applied or is looking to apply for Cabin Crew opportunities. This could be the best and most important decision of your life. I hope you can share your experiences with me. There are loads of blogs out there that focus on applying for jobs like this.

95 comments Application under review, bblogger, Cabin Crew, Career change, Emirates

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Career Talk | Emirates: The Application

There is something about working and travelling around the world that would satisfy a strong needy urge deep down at the bottom of my heart. So this is my chance to stretch that 'dream' into a possible reality. That want to travel came from my teenage days of being a young, free spirit. Before I started University, I had the dream of graduating then travelling around the world, meeting new people and exploring myself. Truth is, reality hit hard! I didn't get the opportunity to do that and ended up needing to find a full time job, and quickly.

So I did. I was very lucky. There were only a hand full of people I knew who got a job within the first couple of weeks from graduating. Then even, it wasn't exactly a graduate job, and nothing to do with my degree, but professional enough to get that first step ladder on the career ladder. Since 2010, I have been employed within the Education sector and thoroughly enjoyed my success. I am and have worked in some excellent, outstanding organisations.

But...it's just not enough!

On a personal level, this has been a very challenging and difficult year. With all that overcome, I am craving change, again. Something that will positively impact on me for once. I am good at adapting to change and survive thrive on excelling myself, especially if I push it to the limit. As mad as that may sound. I want to take my career in a completely different direction...haha... "the only way is up".

It all started by searching for holiday with one of my closest Besties. The idea of getting away for a week appealed to me after the the previous months that had gone by. As I searched for destinations, I also browsed through which airports would offer decent flight prices. So at this point, I am navigating the Manchester Airport website looking for what airlines flew from there. That strong urge came back to me so I begun looking into the career opportunities with the airline companies that were listed.

Within an hour, I had literally done the application form for Emirates. I felt a high level of dedication getting the form completed. To make the online application process easier, I even joined LinkedIn, as I didn't have a premade CV to hand. All I need to do was link my LinkedIn account with the application form and simples! It was all done.

For the record, this is just my experience. Everything that I discuss is only to use as guide if you are thinking of applying to join Emirates. Otherwise, I am just sharing my experiences of applying. It might not necessary mine that you get the job! I found this helpful clip on YouTube on becoming a Cabin Crew member with Emirates here.

The online application form is standard. It's all electronic which makes inputting your information is easy. There is 8 sections, Personal Information, Work Experience, Education, Certifications, Photos, Job Specific Questions, Declaration and Summary. All the sections are very straight forward. In the work experience section, that's where I connected my LinkedIn account. So much quicker than filling in the sections one line at a time.

Yes - you do need to upload photos of yourself. One full length photo in formal attire: black jacket, white blouse/ shirt, knee length skirt, natural tights and smart (clean) black mid heels. I put my hair up in my bun and kept my makeup simple. I YouTubed how the Emirates girls do there makeup and found some pretty good tutorials . The Job Specific Question's section is nothing to worry about. The section asks you to confirm that you have attached your photo's as advised, that you're willing to wear the company uniform, and that you can work shifts. Yes to all!

Before you send off your application, make sure you are happy with it. Spell check, and if you can, let someone else read over it. I have dyslexia and struggle to proof read my own grammar and spelling so I like to leave it a day or two before submitting any application form. I left it quite sometime. Although I started the application just after booking my holiday, I did not send it off until after I had come back, just so I could be positive that this is what I wanted.

There you go. So, at this point, I am just waiting to find out if I have been invited to the Assessment Day. If successful, I will be going to the one in Edinborough in September! Eeeeeeek! By the time I post this, I will know if I have the job or not.

Good luck to anyone who is/ has applied. Let me know how you get on. I would love to hear you experiences!!!!!

1 comment Application, Application Received, bblogger, Cabin Crew, Emirates, Travel

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A New Blog Series | Career Talk | My Quater Life Crisis with Etihad and Emirates Airlines.

 

 

There is a new and exciting new blog series coming to Ragerwager Beauty.

Coming soon is my diary like account of getting through one of the most challenging times in my career. If you are interested in becoming Cabin Crew then watch this space!

 

Please subscribe or follow me on Blogger, Bloglovin, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to keep up to date on my journey over the past couple of weeks.

Leave a Comment Cabin Crew, Career change, Emirates, Etihad

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