Qatar Airways

[queenie-me]

Hi Qatarbabe,

I love all your information. It is so detailed and make me more prepared this time. This is my first time applying for Qatar.

May I ask you how many rounds must we go thru?
And if we make it thru the rounds. How long are we required to go to Doha to commence training? [Make it simple, how long does the whole process take?]

[qatarbabe]

Hey Deshi, not a problem. I can't really remember exact details. I remembered them emailing and calling me to go down to the QR office in Paragon to collect my tickets and visa. They will handle the application for you so no worries. But just make sure to have the visa with you at check in and when u in Doha as we can't enter Doha without it. (its a temporary visa), once u commence training, they'll take your passport to do a Work Permit (lasting 2 yrs) for you. If you can, renew your passport now to avoid unneccessary trouble in the future if you choose to stay in Doha for a long period of time. To renew your passport here is very tedious. **Note:as of now, we've got NO SINGAPORE EMBASSY in Doha**

Interview:
(my info is like 3 yrs old..so I may be wrong)
1st 20 minutes: Introduction of Qatar Airways & mini Q&A
1st round: Submission of Resume and mini chit chat (after all have submitted,u guys will return back to room & they will call out who they've selected) **FIRST IMPRESSION COUNTS ALOT!**
2nd round: English Proficiency Test (like comprehension exam)
3rd round: One to One Interview
4th round: Physical Checks (just to see if you have physical scars, to see your full length photos)

They usually take about a week to call you to tell you whether u got it or not. (I went for my interview on a Sat and on Tues, I got it). I've heard that others have waited longer.

Once confirmed, they'll check with you when you can start. Ask them to give you at least a month.

In total, about 2 months of training and you'll be ready to go. Note: Things would have probably changed over the past 3 yrs. So I can't tell you exactly how long it all lasts. It really also depends on the speed of your class as well as the number of aircraft types you guys will be exposed to.

Hope this helps.

[higgledy]

Hi Qatarbabe,

I've a few questions to ask. Previously, an ex qatar cabin crew told me that qatar is in need of people urgently... Any confirmation if it's true? & that for Asians, they are mainly flying towards countries like China? Lastly, how many days of leave are there per annum? Many thanks!!

[qatarbabe]

Hi Higgledy,

We are always in need of people. Its afterall the airline industry. We've got orders for quite a few more aircrafts including the A340s and with the upcoming Games in Doha, the more crew, the better.

As for Asians flying to China. That really depends on the languages that you declare that you can speak. I, for example speak Chinese, so naturally kena (get) all the China flights. I never fly back to KL or Singapore. If not, we also get our fair share of European flights. So if you do get into the airline, be careful which language you declare. My friends who speaks malay gets the Singapores and KLs. If u declare that you only speak english, then you are exposed to more chances to get other flights. The system is apparently random (every 2 yrs, u are supposed to have at least flown to each of the destination once).. *i reserve my comments*

As for annual leave. its 30 days. But you take it in 15 day blocks, so technically twice a yr for 2 weeks.

[higgledy]

Hi Qatarbabe,

I really appreciate your help! It certainly clears my doubts on Qatar Airways. Another question if you do not mind, if we take leave and want to come back to Singapore, does the airline give us subsidised rate or free ticket a year? I would love to try but I'm afraid I will not be in Singapore in the coming interview on 22nd July though. However, since you mentioned about having more aircrafts, I believe they still will hold their recruitment drive again somewhere maybe later in the year?

[qatarbabe]

Well, my suggestion is to send in your resume to Qatar Airways first. And then, when they do hold the next recruitment, they will let you know. In fact, my suggestion is to indicate that you would be interested to hear for any recruitment opportunities in Singapore / KL. *I went for my interview in KL*

Like most airlines, we have got 1 annual FREE ticket a yr (on Qatar Airways network, which means u don't have to use that to fly back to Singapore. U can travel and see the world!), and unlimited 90% discounted tickets on Qatar Airways and partner airlines (the list is quite long, they will usually give it you when u join the company, along with the other paper work)

Its never easy packing and flying off to a distant land(whats more to a place so different from home). Do think carefully. Like i did mention b4 in my previous post, alot of Singaporeans come thinking that life here is a breeze and its good money etc.. but they end up leaving in a week because they felt it wasn't worth the sacrifice.

[higgledy]

Thanks Qatarbabe for your concern! I understand what you mean, especially when the country is of another culture. My main concern is that the safety of ladies going out. That can be rather intimidating, when the guys stare as if they haven't seen a woman throughout their lives. As for others, I'm easily adaptable to environment and since I do not live with my parents, I guess it will be alot easier. Yes, I heard the $$ is good, which is 1 of the main reasons why I'm keen. I'm already 24 this year and am holding an office job (which I dreaded the most). Moreover, I would like my mother to be able to travel more frequently & if I get this job, I would be able to provde better for her. Are you a Singaporean as you said that you went KL to attend the interview. Have you ever thought of joining another airline given your experience or going back to your country since you've been there for 3yrs.. It is definitely not easy to "survive" there. New lifestyle, environment, to make new friends.......

[qatarbabe]

I am a Singaporean. Pampered all my life. Lived with my parents all my life till I was 23 and decided to take the risk. In the past, they hired both Singaporean and Malaysians from KL, so I had to go to KL for the interview.

Its ok for a woman here. Its just that you just have to be careful with what you are wearing. In the event that you get harrassed and you report it to the office or to the police, the first thing they ask is "WHAT WERE YOU WEARING?". At the end of the day, their policy is that "we won't help you if you're the one who asked for it".

I wear jeans and a t-shirt most of my life when I go out around here. Even if I go clubbing, I'll cover my fancy *cough cough* top with a cardigan or a shawl. Some girls even wear the local Abaya (what the local women wear here, the black one piece cover) and they hardly ever get harrassed.

The one thing I have to point out to you is this. There isn't any worker's rights union here. There have been rumours that the office only gives 4 days off for compassionate leave (in the event that someone in your DIRECT family passes away), and even when your mum / dad is sick, you may not neccessarily get to take emergency leave. *Its sad as a lot of crew have abused this right in the past, causing them to distrust all crew*.

I take that risk because I've got my siblings here to take care of my parents. But I am thinking of coming home soon. My only concern is the job market situation in Singapore. Unless you plan to make flying your career, one shouldn't stay in this line for too long as it might make it harder for you to find a normal job later on down the line as you will lack the experience. (I've got head hunters who tell me that flight crew are the last people MNCs look for unless its PR or Sales)

But for now, I'm having fun flying. Just lay low out of the eyes of the company, police and public and you'll do just fine.

[higgledy]

Hi Qatarbabe,

you are right. Back here, in big MNCs, they do not want to recruit FA due to the lack of experience. Unless you are back doing something similar like customer service as a banker or even as teacher if you hold a degree, (but as a teacher, even with a local diploma can still apply.) Otherwise, the other market rate doesn't look good. Anyway, I'm sure being a FA for last 3 yrs, you've seen alot around the world & widen your horizons, not everyone can do. I admire you for your courage, for you went KL just after looking at the ad & since stayed in Doha. You are also very helpful & willing to share invaluable information here! Thanks for your advice & I hope to be able to "see" you there in person b4 you come back.

[Rian]

Hey Qatarbabe..

Truthfully, your information truly clears our doubts of becoming a cabin crew.

Well, I'm a guy. Quick question. Do qatar hire male cabin crews for now? And do they hire quite a number of male in SG? For what i can see, for now, emirates keep recruiting only ladies and recently, SIA conduct open days for both ladies and guys.

Previously in May, i do get an email "Shortlisted Invitation" from Qatar stating that i'm shortlisted for the 13 May 2006 open day interview. But i only realised that when i checked that email two weeks later (26 May 2006). I do regret so much for not checking my mail regularly. And now when i check my mail religiously, nothing pops out.

I'm quite raw with this industry. Which is why i think your information do help to boost our confidence...

[qatarbabe]

Hey Rian,

Thanks. its nice to know that at least some of my nagging won't go to waste. Hahaha! *i'm known to b a "grandma" here. Always nagging!*

Well, QR does hire male but they are quite selective. Interestingly enough, a friend of mine was hired recently over men with previous airline experience! Mind you, he isn't some gorgeous hunk and he was in the IT industry.. but it was his personality that won them over. So there really isn't any harm trying. You will never know.

Try sending in your application again. Plus a really nice full length picture of yourself (in a suit preferably) and who knows.

Once you do fly with us, you'd realise that you'll be treated quite nicely simply because you're a guy. whether straight or gay, we do love the men .. its frankly a nice change to the mostly all women working environment here. Hahaha..

Higgledy, I'm sure you'll see me when you are here. My name will pop up at some point. We are a really small population out here. You'll know its me. Trust me.

[higgledy]

Hi Qatarbabe,

thanks & I look 4ward to see you there!

To Rian,

Personally, I think since they've sent you an invitation b4, you stand a good chance. Anyway, I'm sure what Qatarbabe mentioned will add confidence to you, do apply again! Maybe we can all get together over in Doha in future!!

[queenie-me]

I was wondering whether anyone is going for Qatar interview on the 22 july?

[chai ching]

Think its still early ba.... Myabe thats why so far yet, there still isnt anybody talking about going together. But i will be going. Maybe after Emirates and JAL is over. Then perhaps there will be more peoples talking about about Qatar. Are you going also?

But i saw from the forum that you will only PM to those who have receive their invitation email from Qatar only.

I was wondering whether anyone is going for Qatar interview on the 22 july?

[queenie-me]

Think its still early ba.... Myabe thats why so far yet, there still isnt anybody talking about going together. But i will be going. Maybe after Emirates and JAL is over. Then perhaps there will be more peoples talking about about Qatar. Are you going also?

But i saw from the forum that you will only PM to those who have receive their invitation email from Qatar only.

I was wondering whether anyone is going for Qatar interview on the 22 july?

I don't mind actually.. anyone who wanna go can actually go together with me. hehe