Air New Zealand Limited Flight Attendant Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Air New Zealand Limited interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Table of Contents
Flight Attendant
1. How long do you see yourself as a Flight Attendant at Air New Zealand?
How to Answer
The job of a Flight Attendant is traditionally a very high turnover position, and this is no different at Air New Zealand. Your interviewer is fully aware of the high amount of investment that Air New Zealand puts into the training and development of their staff. To try and gauge your long term commitment to the airline, your interviewer is posing this question. A hiring manager will not want to hire you if they think you will not stay in the position for very long. Assure the interviewer that hiring and training you would be worth the investment of time.
Answer Example
"I see myself working for Air New Zealand for the very long term. Travel is a passion of mine, and working for your airline would make that passion become a reality. As I embark on this job search, I am ideally looking for an organization that I can spend the rest of my career with."
Flight Attendant
2. Think about a difficult boss or other person you've worked with. What made them difficult? How did you successfully interact with this person?
How to Answer
During your interview with Air New Zealand, you will want to show the interviewer that you work well with every personality, even though you recognize there are some folks out there who are quite difficult to please. This can be a challenging question to answer, but it can be done with class. Think about the person who is seen as hard to please or the person that people are easily intimidated by. Tell the interviewer what made this person challenging, along with what your relationship was with them. Be sure to mention a few positive things about the person as well, while still making your point. Next, share how you feel your responsibility is to work well with your team and help out however you can, so you chose to adapt to work with this challenging person. Finally, be sure to laugh a little about the situation along the way. It will definitely lighten the mood and show the interviewer you understand some people can be challenging.
Answer Example
"In my current job, I work with a person who brings a negative attitude to work every day. While he is very productive, his attitude towards me and others we work with can make things difficult on some days. I have learned to not take things personally with his attitude and try to kill him with kindness. Now that we've worked together for a few years, we can actually have some laughs with him when his attitude is even further out of line, and he tends to tone it back after that."
Flight Attendant
3. Why are you the best candidate for Air New Zealand?
How to Answer
This question gives you an opportunity to show off your skills, qualities, and accomplishments that make you the most unique and best candidate to be Air New Zealand's next Flight Attendant. Consider answering this question by demonstrating how you have proven yourself in your past roles. You may not know what the other candidates have to offer, but you do know your strengths and the unique ways you can add value to the organization. For example, if you share that you are reliable, offer a scenario that proves you follow through and show up. Consider talking about a difficult project you completed, overcoming obstacles and a tight deadline. Keep your strengths and examples relevant to what you may be expected to accomplish in this new role. Remember, you have so much to offer, so do your best to really sell yourself to your interviewer.
Answer Example
"I think the one quality that is going to make me stand apart from other candidates you are interviewing for this position is my sense of camaraderie as part of a larger team. I am very proud of the times that I've led teams to success in large projects and just plain tough days on the job. If hired at Air New Zealand, you will quickly find out that I am an employee who is committed to my team's success, each and every day."
Flight Attendant
4. If hired at Air New Zealand, what is your general availability for working flights?
How to Answer
Before you offer up your evenings and weekends, be sure that you are clear on what Air New Zealand needs from their next Flight Attendant by carefully reading the posting details and job description for the position. Typically, the hours are laid out in the job description. If it only says part-time or full-time and you are asked about the hours you're available to work, it is okay to ask questions regarding the expected hours for clarification. Once they have laid out the expectations, you can tell them that the expectations meet your availability. You want to show your interviewer that you're excited about the job, and you are willing to make yourself available to work when they need you.
Answer Example
"Coming into this role early in my career, I fully expect to be scheduled for flights to destinations all over the country and to be working on the holiday weekends as well. I am fortunate to be young in my career with no hard commitments, and I'm willing to work as hard as possible to prove myself in this role."
Flight Attendant
5. How do you believe your coworkers would describe you?
How to Answer
This question gives you the opportunity to sell yourself and your ability to be a great team player at Air New Zealand based on feedback that you've received from colleagues in the past. We recommend selecting three words that truly define who you are; the words should have no possibility of being taken negatively. Encouraging is a great option. Caring is also a good choice. Respected might be an appropriate choice and hard-working is a commonly used choice. Punctual is great for those who are always a little early. Customer service focused is an excellent selection. Just be yourself, and remember to keep it positive and related to this job as a Flight Attendant.
Answer Example
"My coworkers have always told me that I am a reliable team player and they appreciate my ability to be called upon when needed to help out in any situation. I believe that a team effort is the key to success in any organization. If you were to talk to any of my former supervisors, they would tell you that I show up to work every day with a smile on my face and a positive attitude in tow. If I am fortunate enough to join Air New Zealand, this aspect of my personality would suit me well as a Flight Attendant."
Flight Attendant
6. At your current job, what are you most proud of?
How to Answer
Happy and motivated employees usually take pride in the work they do. With this question, your interviewer is looking to get a sense that you would take great pride in your work at Air New Zealand. Prior to your interview, put some serious thought into what really satisfies you in your work and how that can project into being Air New Zealand's next Flight Attendant.
Answer Example
"In my current job, I am most proud of the environment that I have created with my team since taking over as crew lead. We have fun and get the job done at the same time. Productivity has increased and turnover has declined steadily."
Flight Attendant
7. What do you think a Flight Attendant's primary responsibility is as an Air New Zealand cabin crew member?
How to Answer
While certainly an open ended question, it is important that you carefully read the Air New Zealand Flight Attendant job description prior to your interview to be able to talk about the two or three main responsibilities. Talk to the interviewer about what you feel is most important to achieve on a day to day basis, and try to focus your answer on the fact that providing excellent customer service is always the first priority in this role.
Answer Example
"As your next Flight Attendant, I feel that my primary responsibilities are to ensure the safety and comfort of your passengers and to be a positive ambassador for Air New Zealand. If hired for this role, you would quickly find that I have a very positive spirit that connects well with others I work with, including both fellow staff and passengers."
Flight Attendant
8. How do you feel about the dress code and professional standards at Air New Zealand?
How to Answer
Uniforms are an across the board requirement for airlines and Air New Zealand expects their staff to be dressed and maintained in a very professional manner. Discuss with the interviewer your thoughts on the dress code and professional standards in the airline industry. It is good to familiarize yourself with the policies of Air New Zealand prior to your interview and be able to speak about your ability to follow them during your interview.
Answer Example
"I 100% agree with the dress code at Air New Zealand and would take great pride in it as your next Flight Attendant. The uniform gives passengers the idea that we command respect and creates an air of professionalism. I would also look forward to the professional look each time I am in flight. I really respect the fact that Air New Zealand allows Ta Moko and other non-offensive tattoos to be visible on staff. While I don't have any tattoos, I respect others who have significant artwork on their body."
Flight Attendant
9. How would you handle a situation at Air New Zealand where a passenger keeps breaking basic flight rules, such as wearing their seat belt?
How to Answer
As a Flight Attendant at Air New Zealand, you will often come across passengers who simply don't care about the rules and regulations of flying. Talk to the interviewer about your strategy for dealing with these types of passengers. In your answer, try to demonstrate that you would be firm, respectful, and professional in your approach with that passenger to help preserve Air New Zealand's customer first culture.
Answer Example
"In my current Flight Attendant role, I have been trained to handle uncooperative passengers in a variety of ways. If reasoning with them does not work, I will then ask them to personally suggest what a reasonable solution may be. If they are unwilling to reason with me, I will let them know the next steps if they do not comply; that can include an emergency landing and future banishment from traveling with our airline."
Flight Attendant
10. Have you ever been on a team where someone was not pulling their own weight? How did you handle it?
How to Answer
In any workplace, some people will be overachievers and others will just scrape by with the bare minimum. To get a feel for how you will work with the entire cabin crew at Air New Zealand, your interviewer is posing this question. Share with the interviewer how you feel when others do not pull their weight in the workplace and how you handle it.
Answer Example
"I am not the personality type to confront someone who isn't pulling their full weight. Unless, of course, I am their supervisor. In all honestly, I would probably just finish the work for them without saying anything as opposed to causing a fuss. You cannot force people to want to work but you can control how hard you work. I like to keep my focus on my own personal performance and let the rest speak for itself. In the situation where safety or excellent service are impacted, I wouldn't hesitate to approach a leader."
Flight Attendant
11. Describe a situation when you demonstrated initiative and took action without waiting for direction. What was the outcome?
How to Answer
If hired as their next Flight Attendant, your interviewer wants to know that you would have the ability to take action without any direction from others when the situation would call for it at Air New Zealand. Tell your interviewer about your capabilities when it comes to taking control of a situation by giving them an example of a time you did just that. Make sure the situation you describe carefully outlines the situation and your thought process in taking action immediately. Also, be sure to talk about the successful outcome of the situation.
Answer Example
"Last year, my current company launched a food bank initiative where teams would compete to see who could raise the most funds and donations for our local food bank in 30 days. We really didn't have anyone willing to take control of the team and track our progress, so I decided to do it myself. I am very organized and have the ability to motivate the people around me. It was very rewarding and worth the additional time. I'm happy I did it because our team almost doubled every other teams' fund and donations."
Flight Attendant
12. Do you enjoy traveling? Tell me about your favorite destination and one destination that is on your bucket list.
How to Answer
Being away from home so often when employed with Air New Zealand can be tough, so be sure to express your interest in travel and new experiences. As a Flight Attendant, you will have the opportunity to fly to many different locations. The interviewer wants to be assured that you would enjoy this aspect of the job, so be open and honest about your favorite destination and your bucket list destination.
Answer Example
"I absolutely love to travel, but it has been very limited up to this point in my life and really a big reason why I'm applying for this job at Air New Zealand. If hired, I would savor the opportunities to travel to destinations in the Pacific like Fiji and Tonga."
Flight Attendant
13. If a passenger got violently ill during a flight, how would you handle this situation?
How to Answer
Being prepared for any situation on a flight is a key aspect of being a great Flight Attendant at Air New Zealand. Your interviewer will be looking to hear that you have the ability to stay calm, cool, and collected during a situation like this, while also being resourceful in how you handle the situation. If you have experience in a situation like this, be sure to describe that experience while demonstrating the specific steps you took to make the situation as successful as possible.
Answer Example
"Last week, I had a very ill passenger who was vomiting in flight. We had a doctor on board whom I asked for assistance so that we could determine whether it was an emergency or simply a virus or food poisoning. I offered the patient a new seat in an aisle closest to the washroom while moving the other passengers to another seat. I was able to get the passenger comfortable with a warm blanket, ginger-ale, and a cold pack."
Flight Attendant
14. If you were asked to take work a long flight unexpectedly at Air New Zealand, how would you handle this?
How to Answer
The life of a Flight Attendant at Air New Zealand can involve the need to be very flexible in your work hours. Due to the nature of the business, there may be times you are asked to work on a long flight on short notice. With this question, your interviewer is looking to delve into how flexible you can be, if hired to be the next Flight Attendant at Air new Zealand. As you answer, be sure to be open and honest about your personal life and your availability to be scheduled on short notice. Discuss with the interviewer how you would react in a situation like this.
Answer Example
"I would be more than happy to do what it takes for the good of my team at Air New Zealand. My previous supervisor commented often on my willingness to take long shifts whenever required. I am very fortunate to have a flexible family life at home and the ability to work when called upon. I would accept the opportunity and maintain a positive attitude."
flight attendant
15. Do you have a current passport?
How to Answer
Since Air New Zealand flies internationally, you would be required to have a passport and meet certain visa requirements to be able to land in another country for this job as a Flight Attendant. If you do have a current passport, be sure that you let your interviewer know you do have one and that you will keep it up to date if hired for this role. If you don't currently hold a passport, ensure your interviewer that you are willing and ready to take the steps needed to obtain one.
Answer Example
"My passport recently expired, but I can renew it immediately. If required, I can pay the additional fee for a rush order on a passport."
Flight Attendant
16. If offered to join Air New Zealand, what are your compensation expectations?
How to Answer
With this question, your interviewer is looking to make sure they can afford you, if they offer the position to you. It is almost always best that you let your interviewer know that you've done your research and that compensation isn't the only reason you are considering a role with Air New Zealand as a Flight Attendant. Answering this question can be tricky, and the wrong answer may disqualify you for the position, so be sure to keep your answer pretty generic and in line with what expectations are for the role.
Answer Example
"While I didn't see a salary range when I applied for this Flight Attendant role. I know from conversation with others in the industry that the range does suit my needs. I would expect that my experience is taken into consideration in making a fair offer to me if I am the right fit for you team. More important to me is a strong organization with values that I can align with, and I know I'll find those here at Air New Zealand."
Flight Attendant
17. What type of emergency training have you completed?
How to Answer
Going into your interview, it is important to know that Air New Zealand requires their Flight Attendants to have CPR and first aid certification. With this question, your interviewer will be looking to hear if you do have any formal training in CPR and first aid. If you do, talk about your certifications. If you don't, no need to fret, as that doesn't disqualify you from the position; the airline sends new staff for formal training frequently. If this is the case, reiterate to your interviewer that you are willing and able to be trained in this aspect of the job.
Answer Example
"I currently do not have CPR certification, but I do understand this is a requirement of the job and would be ready for the training for that certification immediately upon hire. I do have a current first aid certification, as it was required for my current job."
Flight Attendant
18. What is motivating you to come work for Air New Zealand?
How to Answer
Rather than hearing you talk about your own personal motivations for seeking a new position, your interviewer will ideally be looking to hear why you have a passion and commitment to Air New Zealand. This is where it is very helpful to have conducted some research on the company prior to your interview. To really sell your interviewer on your passion and commitment to this job, try to match your own personal goals and values with that of the airline.
Answer Example
"I was really driven to apply to be Air New Zealand's next Flight Attendant because of your customer first culture and your diverse workforce. I have flown your airline as a first choice for the past five years and have not been disappointed in the quality of service delivered to passengers. I'd love to be a part of that."
Flight Attendant
19. How would you handle a situation where an Air New Zealand passenger complained about the passenger next to him for snoring too loudly?
How to Answer
Working as a Flight Attendant, you'll need to be prepared for any situation when it comes to working with passengers. Awkward, and sometimes humorous, situations will come up during your shift, and you need to be able to handle them with ease. This situation can be common on long flights and your interviewer will be looking to hear that you'll be able to mediate this situation with ease to find the best solution for all passengers involved and for Air New Zealand. Assure the interviewer that you can handle these types of situations with ease.
Answer Example
"If a passenger was snoring to the point that it disturbed the person sitting next to them, I would offer a new seat to the individual who was being disturbed, if one was available. It would not be polite to wake the snoring individual. If a new seat was not available, I would offer them a complimentary beverage, movie, and some headphones."
Flight Attendant
20. What would you do if you saw one of your colleagues deliberately being rude to a passenger?
How to Answer
Strong customer service is crucial to the success of Air New Zealand; it is a staple in their company culture. At times, cabin crew can become stressed and out of focus, and this can lead to some bad interactions with passengers. Your interviewer will be looking to hear that you have the ability to diagnose potential customer service issues your colleagues may be having and address those issues promptly. Discuss with the interviewer how you would deal with this type of situation in an effective and personable manner. If you have experienced this before, use a real-life example.
Answer Example
"My reaction to the colleague may differ, depending on if the colleague was one of my direct reports or not. If the individual reported to me, I would speak with them about the situation in private and request that an apology be granted. If possible, I would upgrade the passenger on their flight seating as well. If the colleague was an equal, I would likely leave it be and just take special care and attention on the flight to make the passenger feel comfortable and welcome. If the situation became a common occurrence, I would bring it up with management."
Flight Attendant
21. How tolerable would you be with the passengers at Air New Zealand?
How to Answer
As a Flight Attendant at Air New Zealand, you will often be in tight quarters with people who are rude, panicky, loud, and belligerent. Assure your interviewer that you are able to be tolerant of all types of people, no matter the situation that you are in. If you have direct experience in customer service and working with rude or belligerent people, be sure to talk about how you handled that experience with ease.
Answer Example
"I have worked in customer service related positions for many years, and think I have just about seen it all. I have developed a thick skin and am able to tolerate even the rudest of people. That thick skin would prove to be essential if I were fortunate enough to join Air New Zealand, as I know that travelers are often experiencing the highest of highs or the lowest of lows when traveling."