Candidates also need to show evidence of the following:
communication skills;
exceptional customer service;
confidence in dealing with a range of people;
team working skills (different teams may be worked with every day) and be able to be supportive of colleagues;
discretion when dealing with VIPs/royalty;
competence in handling difficult situations and the ability to remain calm under pressure and in emergency situations;
the gift of being tactful and diplomatic but also assertive when necessary;
commercial awareness and sales skills;
flexibility in working unsocial hours on any day of the year;
the capability to work quickly and efficiently, often to tight time constraints;
numeracy skills for handling cash, including foreign currency;
the capacity to work in a confined space;
the ability to diffuse situations calmly and quickly.
Airlines may wish to see evidence of relevant work experience rather than qualifications, as they are keen to see that candidates have the required skills. Part-time or temporary work in customer service roles will be particularly useful, as will any work that demonstrates skills in teamwork and communication.
This is a highly competitive profession and candidates compete for jobs with a wide range of people, from school leavers to those with a significant amount of relevant experience. Airlines recruit throughout the year so keep checking relevant websites regularly and make speculative applications.