Body Language or Non verbal communication is one of the reasons why candidates fail at the open day

Body language is an essential element for cabin crew members in the airline industry because it plays a significant role in conveying professionalism, reassurance, and attentiveness to passengers,

Today, body language conveys more than spoken words, especially when dealing with passengers on board the aircraft with diverse backgrounds, cultures and language barriers. Body language ultimately impacts the overall passenger experience and perception of the airline's service.  Emirates, Etihad and Qatar continually emphasise to their cabin crew the importance of their non verbal communication.

Key reasons why body language is important for cabin crew:

• Building trust and confidence:

  A positive posture, confident eye contact, and a genuine smile can instantly make passengers feel comfortable and secure, especially during potentially stressful situations like flight delays, crowded cabins and turbulence. 

• Effective communication:

  When verbal communication is limited, body language cues like nodding, leaning in, and open gestures can show that you are actively listening and engaged with the passenger. This is why the ME3 airlines allocate so many points to this when they assess candidates during the open day. When you fail the discussion groups, don’t always assume it is your content or failing to contribute is the reason. More often than not, it is your non-verbal communication that leads to you being rejected in that round.

• Managing passenger expectations:

  Nonverbal cues can signal your availability to assist passengers or indicate when they should wait patiently. Take for instance, your non-verbal cues can make or break the passenger experience when answering call bells.

• Handling difficult situations:

  Proper body language can help de-escalate tense situations by appearing calm and collected, even when dealing with frustrated passengers. You may be nice verbally and adjust your tones accordingly, but your gestures show the complete opposite resulting in nit being sincere.

• Creating a positive atmosphere:

  A friendly facial expression and relaxed body language can contribute to a welcoming and pleasant cabin environment. 

• Eye contact: maintaining appropriate eye contact demonstrates attentiveness and engagement

• Posture: Standing tall and straight with shoulders a little back projects confidence and professionalism.

• Facial Expressions: Smiling warmly conveys friendliness and approachability. Seeing your facial emotions and hand movements will help you make real human connections. These are considered to be good body language in an interview. Remember that nervousness and lack of confidence is always detected through body language.

• Gestures: Using natural hand gestures enhances communication.

• Personal Space: Respecting a passenger’s personal space is essential, avoiding overly close proximity.
  .

Face-to-face discussion is less than 35% verbal, according to the experts. Nonverbal communication accounts for more than 65% of all communication. The things you do not say, from your facial expressions to your actions, can frequently convey more than the spoken word. 

Nowhere is this more evident than during a cabin crew interview with the top 3 global airlines.

Practice Active Listening 

Active listening is an important part of an interview. Pay attention to the tone of others, as well as their facial expressions and body language. If your concentration begins to wander during the discussion or interview, remind yourself to focus. Using nonverbal indicators to show your understanding, such as nodding, eye contact, and leaning forward, is an important active listening method. A sense of empathy for the other person is also an important part of active listening. Demonstrate concern by asking for clarification if necessary.

Hiring managers prefer to meet relaxed and confident candidates while discussing important topics. In a nutshell, here is a list of important dos and don'ts to assist you to succeed in completing the interview with confidence and poise.

If you need assistance on body language, why not come to our one to one zoom consultation where we do role plays and assess your body language and suggest improvements. This can make a positive difference. If you have never got through a certain stage of the recruitment process, it could be the discussion group or the final interview, then now is the time to seek help.