Impress Airport Interviewers: Tips For Success

Interviews for airport jobs can be daunting, especially with the multiple rounds of interviews that are common in this industry. The interview process typically includes both a technical and a verbal portion, and while the former is usually job-specific, the latter assesses soft skills and competencies. One way to prepare for your interview is to be aware of the 'airport test' – a test your interviewer might be applying without you even realising it. The airport test is a hypothetical question an interviewer asks themselves after the interview: Would I want to be stuck in an airport with this person? This is a way for the interviewer to assess whether you are a likable candidate, and whether you would be a good addition to the company culture. To pass the airport test, it is important to be genuine, thoughtful, and honest during your interview.

Be professional and friendly

Being professional and friendly during an airport interview is a careful balance. You want to show your personality and be personable, but also keep things appropriate and professional.

Firstly, be mindful of your body language. Make eye contact with your interviewer, sit up straight, smile, and nod when appropriate. You can also mirror the interviewer's positive body language, like matching their handshake or nodding in agreement. This establishes common ground and shows confidence and interest.

Secondly, be prepared to answer personal questions. You may be asked about your hobbies, recent trips, or what you did over the weekend. Keep your answers professional, but also authentic. For example, if asked about your weekend, rather than talking about a late-night party, mention a museum visit or an interesting magazine article you read. You can also steer the conversation towards neutral topics like travel, which is a great way to initiate dialogue and get to know the interviewer. For instance, "I spent two weeks in Peru last year, hiking Machu Picchu and practicing my Spanish. It was an incredible experience." Avoid topics like religion and politics unless the job specifically involves those matters.

Thirdly, be engaging and demonstrate your soft skills. Ask insightful questions about the interviewer's position and their experience at the company. This shows your interest and gives you an opportunity to learn more about the workplace. You can also establish a connection by looking for common ground. For example, you might notice a picture of a dog on their desk and mention your own puppy, or comment on their lanyard with the team logo. This helps you stand out as a memorable candidate.

Finally, remember that the airport test, which is a common assessment tool, may extend beyond the interviewer. Be polite, professional, and engaged with everyone you meet, from the receptionist to colleagues who give you a tour. This will help create a positive impression and expand your professional network.

Ask thoughtful questions

Asking thoughtful questions is a great way to stand out in a candidate pool. It demonstrates your interest in the role and gives you the opportunity to hear more about the company. Here are some ideas for thoughtful questions to ask during an airport interview:

Ask about the interviewer's experience

Asking the interviewer about their own experience working for the airline is a great way to show your interest and learn more about the company culture. For example, you could ask: "What do you enjoy most about working for this airline and what has been your growth path here?". This shows that you are curious about the interviewer's perspective and interested in learning more about the company's development opportunities.

Inquire about the company's values and culture

Demonstrate your knowledge of the company's values and inquire about how these values are put into practice. For instance, you could ask: "I know that Wavewood Airlines prioritises customer service and safety. How do you ensure these values are upheld in day-to-day operations, especially when facing challenges or difficult situations?". This question shows that you have researched the company and are interested in understanding how they maintain their values in practice.

Seek clarification on expectations

Asking for clarification on the expectations and responsibilities of the role shows that you are thoughtful and proactive. For example: "What are the key performance indicators or metrics that you use to evaluate success in this role?". This question demonstrates your eagerness to understand what success looks like in the position and how the company measures progress.

Explore opportunities for growth

Express your interest in professional development by inquiring about opportunities for growth and advancement within the company. For instance: "What opportunities does Wavewood Airlines provide for employees to develop new skills and grow their careers?". This question showcases your ambition and desire to continuously improve and develop your skills.

Understand challenges and problem-solving approaches

Inquire about the challenges the company or department is currently facing and how they approach problem-solving. For example: "What are some of the key challenges facing the ground staff team at the moment, and how do you work together to overcome these challenges?". This question demonstrates your awareness that every role has its challenges and that you are interested in understanding how the team works collaboratively to find solutions.

Remember to tailor your questions to the specific airline and role you are interviewing for. By asking thoughtful questions, you can make a strong impression and gain valuable insights into the company and the role.

Demonstrate soft skills

Demonstrating soft skills is a crucial aspect of a successful airport interview. Here are some detailed tips to showcase your soft skills effectively:

Enthusiasm and Passion:

Show genuine enthusiasm and excitement for the role and the aviation industry. Employers seek candidates who are passionate and genuinely interested in the organization and its values. Highlight how working for the airline aligns with your career goals and interests. For instance, you could say, "I am excited about the opportunity to work for an airline that prioritizes customer service and safety, and I believe my passion for aviation and commitment to excellence make me a strong fit for this role."

Communication Skills:

Effective communication is key. Practice articulating your thoughts and experiences clearly and concisely. During the interview, pay close attention to the interviewer's questions, demonstrating your ability to listen actively. Engage in discussions, ask insightful questions, and showcase your interest in the role and the company. For example, you could inquire about the interviewer's experience, "What do you enjoy most about working for this airline? What sets it apart from others in the industry?"

Problem-Solving Abilities:

Prepare tangible examples that showcase your problem-solving skills. Airport jobs often involve handling challenging situations, so highlight your ability to think laterally and innovate. Share a story about a time you successfully overcame obstacles and achieved a positive outcome. For instance, you could describe a time when you de-escalated a conflict or found a creative solution to a technical issue.

Persuasion and Relationship-Building:

Your ability to influence and build solid relationships is crucial. Provide examples of how you effectively negotiate, collaborate, and connect with people at all levels of the organization. Discuss your approach to building rapport with colleagues and customers alike. For instance, you could share a story about a time you successfully mediated a dispute between team members or went above and beyond to meet a customer's needs.

Leadership Potential:

If you aspire to progress within the company, highlight your leadership skills and potential. Discuss your inclusive approach, ability to engage with employees at various levels, and eagerness to take on responsibility. Share an example of a time you successfully led a team or project, showcasing your ability to foster effective business relationships.

Remember, demonstrating soft skills is just as important as technical proficiency and industry knowledge. Prepare relevant examples and showcase your enthusiasm, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, persuasiveness, and leadership potential during your airport interview.

Show interest in the company

Showing interest in the company during an airport interview is a great way to stand out as a candidate and demonstrate your fit for the role and the company culture. Here are some tips to help you showcase your enthusiasm and interest effectively:

Research the Company

Before the interview, it is crucial to conduct comprehensive research on the company. Learn about their mission, vision, values, products or services, target clientele, competitors, and notable achievements. Understand the challenges and goals they are facing and explore their company culture, leadership team, and recent news. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for contributing to the company's success.

Express Your Alignment

During the interview, showcase how your skills, experience, and personality align with the company's needs and expectations. Provide concrete examples of how you have contributed to similar projects, solved problems, or achieved results that resonate with the company's objectives. Explain how your values, interests, and passions align with the company's culture and purpose, steering clear of generic or vague statements.

Ask Thoughtful Questions

At the end of the interview, you will usually have the opportunity to ask questions. Prepare insightful queries in advance, based on your research and the information discussed during the interview. Avoid asking questions that are too basic, personal, or negative. Instead, focus on inquiries that demonstrate your knowledge, understanding, and eagerness to learn more. For instance, you can inquire about the company's vision, team dynamics, role challenges, or the next steps in the hiring process.

Follow Up Promptly

After the interview, send a thank-you note or email to the interviewer within 24 hours. Express your gratitude for their time, restate your enthusiasm for the role and the company, and highlight your main strengths and qualifications. Keep your message brief, professional, and positive. This simple gesture demonstrates your interest and appreciation and helps you stand out as a considerate candidate.

Body Language and Tone

Your non-verbal communication and tone of voice also play a significant role in conveying your enthusiasm and interest. Smile, make eye contact, nod, and lean forward slightly to show engagement and attention. Use a confident, friendly, and energetic tone to express your passion. Avoid monotone, flat, or bored expressions, and refrain from fidgeting, crossing your arms, or looking away, as these may indicate a lack of interest or enthusiasm.

Be memorable

Being memorable is a key aspect of passing the airport test and standing out from other candidates. Here are some ways to achieve this:

Offer something unique: Share something interesting and memorable about yourself that is unrelated to work. For example, you might speak five languages and have travelled to the nation of origin for each one. Alternatively, you might be a licensed sports pilot and fly a Piper J-3 Cub aircraft on weekends. Sharing something unique gives the interviewer insight into your personality, passions, and work-life balance. It showcases your creativity, work ethic, and ability to achieve goals.

Establish a connection: Try to find common ground with the interviewer. Do an internet search to learn more about them or the company, and look for things you might have in common. For instance, you might have attended the same college or university, or you both enjoy birdwatching. Making a personal connection is a powerful way to be a memorable candidate.

Be engaging: Demonstrate your soft skills, such as active listening and good communication. While interviews naturally involve a lot of talking, be mindful to leave space for the interviewer to speak as well. Ask insightful questions about their experiences and the company to show your interest and engagement. Interviewers often remember candidates who ask thoughtful questions.

Be genuine, thoughtful, and honest: Authenticity is essential during an interview. Be yourself and answer questions truthfully, while still maintaining professionalism. Let your personality shine through, and don't be afraid to show your interest in the topic or person you're speaking with.

Network: Remember that the airport test is not just about impressing the hiring manager. Companies may ask for input from other staff members you interact with during the interview process, such as the receptionist or colleagues who gave you a tour. Be polite, professional, and engaged throughout your time at the company to ensure you make a positive impression on everyone you meet.

Frequently asked questions