Roberta Aguirre
Interviews at airports can refer to two different things. Firstly, it can refer to job interviews for positions at the airport, such as cabin crew or other airport staff. In this case, candidates should be prepared to answer questions about their experience, skills, and personality to determine if they are a good fit for the role and the company culture. Secondly, it can refer to Global Entry interviews conducted at airports for individuals seeking expedited clearance when entering the United States. These interviews can be conducted upon arrival at a US airport for individuals coming from international flights, or by scheduling an appointment at a Global Entry enrollment center located at certain airports.
Characteristics of interviewing in an airport
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Interview type | Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) for Global Entry applicants |
| Interview location | Within the federal inspection area at the airport |
| Interview scheduling | No appointment needed for EoA; walk-in interviews available |
| Interview conditions | Must arrive from an international flight for EoA |
| Interview availability | May vary across airports and CBP staff availability |
| Interview topics | Technical skills, soft skills, work experience, education, qualifications, personality, hobbies, travel experiences |
| Interview tips | Engage in conversations, showcase genuine interest, highlight relevant skills, build connections, demonstrate knowledge of the industry and the specific airline |
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What You'll Learn
Interview questions for airport jobs
Airport jobs typically involve several rounds of interviews to assess both technical and soft skills. While technical questions tend to be job-specific, certain soft skills and competency-based questions are standard across different roles. Here are some common interview questions for airport jobs, along with suggestions on how to answer them:
Research the Airport
Understanding the airport's operations, its major airlines, and partners is essential. Familiarize yourself with its history, awards, and any recent news. Be prepared to discuss the airport's achievements, company culture, customer experience, and values. Show your enthusiasm for working at that particular airport and in the aviation industry in general. Discuss how the role aligns with your professional and personal goals and how your motivation matches the company's values.
Discuss Your Experience and Skills
Interviewers often ask about your previous job experiences and skills to assess your suitability for the role. Highlight any past experiences that demonstrate your ability to work in a team, handle stress, and provide excellent customer service. Emphasize your strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, and provide specific examples of how you've used these skills in previous roles. Discuss how your active listening and conflict resolution skills have helped you work effectively with customers.
Airport Terminology and Codes
It is essential to have a basic understanding of airport terminology and codes. Familiarize yourself with common airport codes and the terminology used within the airport before your interview.
Flexibility and Availability
Airport jobs often require working irregular hours, including holidays. Demonstrate your willingness to work shifts as needed and showcase your flexibility. If the role involves travel, express your adaptability and openness to relocating if required.
Customer Service Skills
Many airport roles are customer-facing, so interviewers will assess your ability to handle difficult situations with diplomacy and patience. Provide examples of how you've satisfied unhappy customers in the past and how you would resolve conflicts. Discuss the importance of providing excellent customer service and how it can positively impact a company's reputation and profits.
Remember, the interview process is also a chance for you to assess the company and your potential colleagues. Ask insightful questions about the role, team structure, and the airport's future plans. Be engaged and polite throughout the entire process, as your interactions with everyone, from the interviewer to the cafeteria cashier, can impact your chances of getting hired.
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The airport test
- Engage in conversations: Take the opportunity to connect with people you meet during the interview process. This could include the interviewer, receptionists, cafeteria staff, or colleagues who give you a tour. Be active, responsive, and genuine to show your interest and listening skills.
- Demonstrate soft skills: Highlight your soft skills, such as listening, communication, and problem-solving abilities. Ask insightful questions about the interviewer's experience and their favourite aspects of their position. This demonstrates your interest and allows you to learn more about the company.
- Showcase your knowledge: For airport jobs, it is essential to have common knowledge about airports and their terminology. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the industry, including the differences between green-field and brown-field airports and how your skills align with the company's values.
- Highlight practical experience: Share your practical knowledge and experience in the aviation industry. Discuss how the role aligns with your professional and personal goals, such as your interest in travelling, meeting new people, and experiencing new cultures.
- Be genuine and thoughtful: Throughout the interview process, be yourself and answer questions honestly. The airport test is not just about your skills but also about your personality and how well you connect with the interviewer and other staff members.
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Global Entry interviews at airports
Global Entry is a program by U.S. Customs and Border Protection that allows conditionally approved applicants to complete their interviews upon arrival in the United States, including at designated CBP Preclearance locations. The program eliminates the need for applicants to schedule an interview at an enrollment center.
If you are landing in an international terminal, follow the signage to CBP officers who can complete your Global Entry interview during your admissibility inspection. If you require assistance due to a disability, inform the interviewing officer of your need for a reasonable modification or auxiliary aid.
It is important to note that Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) is only available for those arriving on an international flight. You cannot schedule an appointment for EoA, but you can inform your customs officer of your intention to participate in the program. In some cases, you may need to request an enrollment on arrival interview from the customs officer in the customs line.
While EoA provides convenience for travelers, there have been reports of challenges in securing interviews at some airports. In some instances, applicants have been turned away due to staff unavailability or the end of their shift. Therefore, it is advisable to schedule an appointment at an enrollment center if you live near one or plan to visit an airport with an enrollment center.
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Interview tips for airport jobs
Know the airport
Understand the airport's operations, its major airlines, and partners. Familiarize yourself with its history, awards, and any recent news related to the airport. This will help you answer any specific questions about the airport and show your interest in the role.
Understand the role
Clearly comprehend the job description and the specific skills required. Whether it’s customer service, security, or operations, knowing the duties and expectations will help you tailor your responses. You can also discuss how your skills and experience align with the requirements of the role.
Research the airline
Learn about the airline's values, mission, policies, company culture, and customer experience. This will help you articulate why you are interested in working for them and how you would fit into their company culture. It will also demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and your motivation for applying.
Demonstrate your soft skills
In addition to technical skills, interviewers will be assessing your soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and attention to detail. Prepare examples from your past work experiences that showcase these skills and how they will help you succeed in the role. Be sure to also ask insightful questions about the role and the company to show your interest and engagement.
Be genuine and thoughtful
Throughout the interview process, be genuine, thoughtful, and honest. Engage in conversations with everyone you meet, from the receptionist to the interviewer. This will not only help you make a positive impression but also demonstrate your ability to build connections and get along with others. Remember that the airport test may go beyond the interviewer, so be sure to treat everyone with professionalism and respect.
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Interview preparation
Know the Basics
First, it is essential to understand that airport job interviews usually consist of several rounds to assess both technical and soft skills. While technical questions are often job-specific, soft skills and competency-based questions are standard across different roles. These may include assessing your problem-solving skills, communication skills, teamwork, leadership, adaptability, reliability, and customer service abilities.
Company Research
Researching the airline or airport you are applying to is crucial. You should be able to point out positive facts about their achievements, company culture, customer experience, and values. Demonstrate your interest in working for their company specifically, rather than just seeking any job. Understand their mission and policies, and explain how you fit into their company culture and why you are interested in working for them.
Self-Introduction
Be prepared to introduce yourself effectively. Outline your educational background and work experience, but avoid reiterating your resume in detail. Focus on your most significant experiences and mention your achievements and capabilities. If applying for a pilot role, share some of your challenging flight experiences and showcase your flight hours and destinations.
Practical Knowledge
Display your practical knowledge of the industry's processes and inner workings. Discuss your motivation and how it aligns with the company's values. Talk about your professional and personal goals, and how the role suits them. If you are interviewing for a position that involves travel, such as a flight attendant, be prepared to discuss your interest in travel and interacting with people from different countries.
Soft Skills
Highlight your soft skills, such as listening, communication, and teamwork. Provide examples of how you would use these skills to fulfil your daily responsibilities. For instance, mention your ability to work well with a group of new people and your active listening and conflict resolution skills when dealing with customers.
Beyond the Interviewer
Remember that the airport test may go beyond just the interviewer. Be mindful that the company may ask other staff members you interact with for their opinion, such as the receptionist or colleagues who gave you a tour. Be polite, professional, and engaged throughout your entire time at the interview location. Networking throughout the process can help create a positive impression and grow your professional network.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport test is an informal assessment used by hiring managers to determine if a candidate would be a good fit for the team and company culture. It involves asking questions about your personality, hobbies, and interests to gauge if you would be enjoyable to be stuck in an airport with.
Common questions include "What do you do for fun outside of work?" and "Do you have personal interests or passions?". You may also be asked to share your favourite TV shows or recent trips you've taken. These questions are designed to help the interviewer understand your personality and soft skills.
Be authentic and genuine in your answers, but also remain professionally appropriate. Engage in conversations with everyone you meet during the interview process, from the receptionist to the interviewer. Ask insightful questions about the company and the interviewer's experience to show your interest and build a connection.
Airport job interviews typically assess both technical skills and soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and attention to detail. You may be asked about your knowledge of airport terminology and processes, as well as your motivation for working in the aviation industry.
Global Entry interviews are typically conducted at specific enrollment centres or ports of entry within airports. Some airports offer Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) interviews for conditionally approved applicants entering the US on an international flight. It is best to check with the specific airport and customs officers to ensure availability.
