What the Nordstrom’s Shoe Department Taught Me About Finding the Ideal Flight Attendant Job, cont.

Expert Blog Corner by Amanda Jenkins at bizjetjobs.com

I’d venture to say we’ve all made irrational fashion decisions. Employers make irrational decisions about who they are going to hire all the time. At BizJetJobs.com, we’ve heard of employers choosing flight attendants for all the wrong reasons. Equally though, they choose Flight Attendants who fit a very specific profile:

Employers Do It, Too

I’d venture to say we’ve all made irrational fashion decisions. Employers make irrational decisions about who they are going to hire all the time. At BizJetJobs.com, we’ve heard of employers choosing flight attendants for all the wrong reasons. Equally though, they choose Flight Attendants who fit a very specific profile:

• The Mother Hen (who will keep them organized)
• Supernanny (helps out when a wealthy owner’s family and kids go on vacation)
• The Cheerleader (full of energy and upbeat)
• Jeeves (the butler who will make all guests feel like royalty)
• The Jock (plays golf, tennis, runs marathons, you-name-it)
• The Dog Whisperer (great with pets)
• The Worldly Guide (speaks other languages and has experience with international travel)
• And more …

Bottom line: some employers are looking for Doc Marten sandals when you’re a sensible pump. So they won’t even consider you, and nothing else will do.

Finding Your Ideal Fit

BizJetJobs.com offers many options, just like Nordstrom’s. They have flight attendants who have done strictly contract work for their entire career. They have others who prefer to work for wealthy families, still others want the glitz of flying with celebrities to Vegas. Some prefer the consistent schedule and simplicity of charters while others want the freedom to see the world. Just remember when you talk to an employer, ask them one question: what is it you’re looking for in a flight attendant? Realize you’ve got to try on a few before you find one that fits.

Today when I go to Nordstrom’s, I look at a lot more shoes. I know if I choose well, I’ll be happy for a long time. Employers love to find a favorite, too. If you can find the perfect employer who needs what you’ve got, you’ll have a more long-term job. You’ll probably make a lot more money, too. And, you’ll avoid those painful blisters.

The most successful Corporate Flight Attendants and Contract Flight Attendants know it’s a numbers game, and that they can’t possibly please every potential employer they come in contact with. And they don’t want to!

So don’t be discouraged by rejection, and go after a long list of jobs. Don’t be afraid to sell your strengths, and remember that 80% of employers won’t be a good fit for YOU either!