How does this position fit into your career goals?

"My primary goal in my career as a flight attendant is to become a senior team member and eventually train others in the airline industry. I feel that what Alaska Airlines offers is a strong path towards those goals and I am excited about what this position has to offer."

Is this particular position a good fit? Is it a step up in your career or - a stagnant move that you are just complacent with taking until something better comes along? Assure the interviewer that this position will be challenging for you, is a step up in responsibilities, and that it fits with your overall career goals.

"This position offers the next steps in my career and the growth that I am ready for. I have spent the last couple of years attending additional coursework to get me here, and I'm excited to show Alaska Airlines what I can do!"

What unique qualities about yourself would you bring to our company?

"I have a unique ability to strike up a conversation and build rapport with nearly anyone. This is a great help when it comes to customer service and sales. My up-selling percentages are always very high."

There are some things that your resume cannot do. Showing off your great personality is one of them, for instance! Talk to the interviewer about some of your unique qualities and be sure to tie these qualities into how they will benefit the company, should they hire you.

"If hired to work for Alaska Airlines, I will bring with me my unique ability to take on any customer dispute. I can find solutions to problems that work for both parties. The ability to smooth over a situation involving a customer is one of my unique strengths."

How will you earn the trust of your coworkers?

"I feel that the best way to earn the trust of my co-workers is to be helpful, always do what I promise, and be honest with them at all times. Strong relationships have to be built on these principles."

Workplace relationships are important to nurture. Talk to the interviewer about how you plan to earn the trust of your new co-workers, should you be offered the position.

"I will earn the trust of my coworkers by doing my very best every day and being there to support them and their efforts. Trust comes over time, and I understand that."

How do you determine priorities when you have multiple tasks at hand?

"I will determine which project requires my attention by the number of hours we are behind and then the project size. I am comfortable delegating tasks when needed, but I am also aware that these times will require an additional commitment of hours from me. Never have I under delivered on a deadline."

When you feel torn between multiple projects or tasks, how do you decide which one needs your attention the most? Assure the interviewer that you can be diligent when it comes to assessing your priorities.

"Assuming that the projects have different stakeholders, I interview each to determine the value of increased productivity, morale or revenue, decreased costs, and the overall impact."

What experience do you have using team-based messaging applications?

"I have used a variety of team-based messaging applications. I am best versed in Brosix, AOL Instant Messenger, and Freedcamp. No matter which system you use I am sure that I can pick it up very quickly."

There are many options for communication software and messaging applications. Give the interviewer a brief overview of the apps you are experienced in and assure them that you can learn their internal system, should it be new to you.

"I lack experience with team-based messaging applications besides MSN Messenger years ago. I do pick up on technology quickly and have no concerns when it comes to my ability to learn. What team-based messaging applications do you use?"

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

"Ideally, five years from now, I would love to see myself growing into a more prominent leadership role within your organization. My career interests align very nicely with your company's goals which helps me to see a great long-term fit here."

It's impossible to know where you will be in 5 years but do assure the interviewer that, given all possible circumstances, you could see yourself as a long-term fit for their position.

"A few years from now I would like to be learning and growing in a friendly organization that cares about its customers and its staff. Somewhere like Alaska Airlines! I have been progressing in the administration field for the last three years, and I know there is more to learn such as tricks in Excel, and technical writing."

Think about a difficult boss, professor or coworker. What made him or her difficult? How did you successfully interact with this person?

"I once worked at a locally owned shop where the owner was very demanding. When the owner would walk into the store, employees would announce over their headset system that the owner was in the building, so that everyone could be prepared for his entrance into their department. The owner had great intentions; however, his people skills were a little rough. I could see that he meant well, and I recognized that he wanted to do a lot of good things. When we interacted, I always took his feedback with the understanding that he didn't mean things as harshly as he might say them."

Show the interviewer that you work well with most personalities even though you recognize there are some folks out there who are quite difficult to please. Think about that one person at work who is seen as hard to please. Perhaps there is someone at work who tries to intimidate others. Talk to the interviewer about what made this person challenging and what their relationship was with you. Avoid speaking poorly of anyone and be sure to end your response on a positive note.

"I have worked most of my career in the logistics industry which attracts a large variety of personalities. I am a warm person by nature and have found it challenging to connect with those who are cold and 'matter of fact.' My former boss was this way, so I adapted by sticking solely to the facts when in meetings, and presenting data versus opinions. It wasn't the deepest relationship that I've had in my career, but we made it work for us."

When you suffer a setback, how does that emotionally affect you and your work?

"Experiencing a setback is always disappointing, and can be a bit disheartening, but I understand that it happens from time to time. If I experience a major setback, I will take a few moments to debrief with my manager and discuss what I could have done differently. Then, I move on!"

Everyone handles the stress and disappointment of setbacks differently. Discuss with the interviewer how you typically cope with delays in the workplace.

"I allow myself a moment to be frustrated when a setback occurs, but never publicly. I may go for a quick walk on my lunch break, for instance. When a setback occurs, I prefer to take from the experience rather than have it take energy away from me."

What are your salary expectations?

"Currently, I earn a base salary of $45,000 per year plus a potential 20% annual bonus. Last year my earnings were $52,000, and I would like to stay in the same range or slightly higher."

The best way to discuss your salary expectations is to use your current earnings as an example. Be open, and honest. Transparency is the best choice when salary based questions arise.

"Although my current salary is $45K/year, I am seeking $52K in my next position. Because I work for a smaller organization, they are not able to offer me a competitive compensation compared to the industry marketplace."

Tell me about a time when communication became an issue when working on a team.

"I worked on a team to solve a problem that could have potential effects on our ability to grow the business and reach our goals. Each person on the team was tasked with a different aspect, such as gathering data and analyzing it. We came together to discuss the results but couldn't seem to agree. We were struggling to listen to each person's opinion. I explained my observation, and I suggested we give each person a chance to talk through their findings and opinions, which helped us take a more collaborative approach."

Give an example of a time you when you couldn't seem to explain what you needed from other team members or, talk about how one of your team members couldn't communicate effectively. Be sure to include what the overall outcome was of the situation, and what you did to repair the communication issue.

"My current company recently went through a merger which has caused a lack of communication between the team because people are flooded with thoughts of job security. I suggested my department head that we have a team building event. Gathering everyone together to remind them that we are still a team was very helpful."

What work situations excite and motivate you?

"I am most motivated, on the job, when tasks are organized, and the vibe is positive. I value strong teamwork and good leadership."

It is essential, for your success, that the hiring manager knows how to keep you motivated and excited to come to work every day. Share with the interviewer what they could do, at Alaska Airlines, to ensure that you are happy and productive.

"I am most motivated on the job when I feel like an active contributor and an important member of the team. When I feel listened to and valued, I am excited to do my best work."

Personality fit is important to us at Alaska Airlines. How would you describe your personality?

"I would describe my personality as approachable, light-hearted, and positive. I believe that, if asked, my colleagues and supervisor would say the same about me."

Personality and character are two very different things. The interviewer is looking for more information on your personal traits vs. your integrity. This would include buzzwords such as introverted, energetic, and confident.

"I am confident, friendly, and a go-getter. Are these personality traits that you are looking for in your next hire?"

Rate your communication skills from 1-10 with proper examples backing your given rating.

"I rate my communication skills as a 9/10 as I will, on occasion, have times when I am not as clear as I would like to be. My supervisor and co-workers will attest to my clear and concise communication skills."

The interviewer would like to know more about your communication levels and how your communication skills will benefit Alaska Airlines. On a scale of 1-10, how skilled are you in communication? Why did you choose that particular rating for yourself?

"Communication is essential in the airline industry. I would rate my communication skills as a 7 out of 10 because there is always room for improvement. Because I am an open leader, my team will let me know if I need to clarify anything. Communication needs to run smoothly, both ways."

How do you get along with others at work?

"I get along great with my coworkers. I try to maintain a positive attitude and be supportive, whether I am offering to assist someone who is overwhelmed, or if I am taking time to listen to someone who is having a bad day."

Think about your relationships with coworkers, past and present. Which ones were healthy? What were the dynamics of those working relationships? Think about what you enjoyed about some of your relationships with past coworkers. Excellent communication, sense of humor and support are all great qualities that make co-working relationships fun.

"I put a lot of effort into my relationships with my coworkers. I believe that harmonious relationships in the workplace are important for the happiness of everyone as well as for productivity levels."

If you could start your career over again, what direction would you take?

"I certainly do not regret the direction I have taken my career; however, if I had to start over in a new direction completely I would likely pursue my Degree in Education and become a teacher. Both of my parents were teachers, and they seemed to have a very fulfilling career. I enjoy coaching and leading others so, any tasks in my current career that related to these skills, are very welcome."

A hiring manager will be able to tell a lot about your personality by learning about your other career interests. If you could do anything over, what would you do, and why?

"I would take the same direction! I love what I do, and wouldn't change a thing. The airline industry brings a lot of excitement and fulfillment to my life."

At Alaska Airlines, exceptional customer service is our priority. How will you ensure that our service standards are continually met?

"I understand through my research and exposure to your company that customers always come first. I wholeheartedly agree that the customer must be taken care of, even beyond their expectations. I will ensure that your service standards are continually met by giving the best experience to every Alaska Airlines customer that I come across."

If you are familiar with Alaska Airlines before your interview, you will likely know a little bit about their goals when it comes to customer service. Tie in your knowledge of the company with your service standard.

"I will ensure that Alaska Airlines' customer service standards are continually met by following your service protocols, exactly. I am always willing to lend a hand, and am a happy person, which creates a positive environment for customers."

When have you had to shift your priorities in response to sudden changes?

"In my current role, our schedule is changed on a regular basis and always at short notice. I have been able to adapt very well to these frequent, sudden changes."

Have you been asked to change your priorities on a dime? How do you react to this kind of shift in priorities? Assure the interviewer that you can respond professionally when it comes to sudden changes.

"The airline industry is full of sudden changes, most frequently, when flight times are changed. This affects everyone's schedule when it happens. I can roll with the punches and understand that I need to respond positively and swiftly when sudden changes are made."

The airline industry is full of unexpected scenarios. When have you faced an unexpected difficulty?

"The biggest difficulty that I have faced was my unexpected lay off during the last recession. I had to adapt to a new economy and search deeply for other skills and opportunities. I was able to earn enough to avoid financial strain and am quite proud of my ability to be versatile when required."

How you face unexpected difficulty can say a lot about your character. Talk to the interviewer about a time when you have encountered an unexpected challenge. How did you handle the situation?

"I face unexpected difficulty frequently in my current position. The company is under financial strain, and some days we are not able to deliver the customer experience that we should. I overcome this by giving everything I have when it comes to service. I strive to leave a good impression."

What do you hope to gain most from your time with Alaska Airlines?

"After reviewing the culture and mission of Alaska Airlines, I feel that I would be able to find a long-term fit here and that is most important to me. Your training programs are industry renowned and well respected which is also interesting to me."

The interviewer would like to see that you are wholeheartedly interested in working for Alaska Airlines. What are your hopes and expectations from your time with Alaska Airlines? Talk to the interviewer about the ways you feel you would benefit from this position.

"What I hope to gain most by working with Alaska Airlines is an unmatched level of training and expertise in the airline industry. Your company is well known for its second-to-none training."

List the top 3 skills that will make you an ideal team member at Alaska Airlines.

"I see that your job description requests candidate who is organized, honest, and driven by customer satisfaction. These skills are at the top of my list, but in addition to these, I am a proven leader and can work well under pressure."

When you are asked to list your top skills, it's best to tie in your rock-star skills with the requests contained in the company's job description. Which skills do you possess that are the most helpful for this role with Alaska Airlines?

"Try to include a variety of words that the interviewer does not hear all the time. Be unique! Here are some ideas: - Adaptable- Considerate- Diligent - Intuitive- Persistent- Resourceful- Sincere- Witty"

As a Flight Attendant, you are responsible for ensuring that the safety of all passengers is a priority. What would you do if you felt there was a safety threat?

"My reaction to a safety threat would rely on my on-the-job training. I would want to make sure that I follow company protocol and safety regulations. I believe that if I were faced with a safety threat, I would do everything to ensure passengers remained calm."

Airlines will always have strict safety protocols. Talk to the interviewer about how you would react in a situation where you felt safety was at risk.

"I am well trained on how to react in urgent, distressed, and mayday situations. In any emergency, my first course of action is to ensure the passengers are prepared."

All employees of Alaska Airlines are expected to wear a uniform to work. Are you comfortable with this policy?

Uniforms can be a controversial discussion in many organizations; however, in the airline industry uniform use is more common than not. Discuss with the interviewer your experience working in uniform and your willingness to abide by the dress code within Alaska Airlines.

"Uniforms are very important in this industry so, yes, I am comfortable with this policy. I would love to see the uniforms at Alaska Airlines before I fully commit, of course."

Why are you the best choice for Alaska Airlines?

"I feel that I am the top candidate for Alaska Airlines because I already bring five years of industry experience. My customer service skills are unmatched, and I am fluent in 3 languages which allow me to communicate smoothly with a large range of customers."

What makes you the best candidate for Alaska Airlines? Talk to the interviewer about what makes you a stand out candidate for this role. Be sure to discuss unique skills and characteristics that will make you a memorable candidate.

"As you can see, I am invested in this interview process with Alaska Airlines and will bring this same level of dedication to you if I am hired. You won't be disappointed."

Employees of Alaska Airlines are expected to be reliable, on time, and accessible when on shift. Do you consider yourself to be a dedicated employee?

"In my most recent position I was often recognized for being flexible with my availability. I believe in being 10 minutes early for work. I come with solid references who will be happy to speak to you about my reliability and dedication on the job."

Provide examples to the interviewer on times when you have shown dedication on the job. Assure the hiring manager that you possess the qualities and characteristics for which they are looking.

"I am very dedicated, and would show my appreciation for the role through being a reliable team member of Alaska Airlines."

Aside from your experience working in the airline industry, do you have experience in other customer service based roles?

"I started working at a young age in a restaurant as a server. From there, I moved into a restaurant management role and also attended post-secondary education with a focus on Restaurant and Hotel management. Most of what I've done has been customer service focused."

Discus with the interviewer your experience working in customer service based roles. Take them through your resume and highlight your customer service skills.

"I am new to my career, so this role with Alaska Airlines would be my first customer service based role. I do have volunteer experience with the local Food Bank which gave me valuable exposure to working with the public, and collaborating with a team."

In order to work for Alaska Airlines you are required to pass a criminal record check. Are you comfortable accommodating this?

"You will find that I have a clean criminal background. I'm willing to participate in any background check that you require."

A clean criminal record is a must for all roles within Alaska Airlines. You must be able to pass the criminal background check and may even be asked to present one in your interview. Your answer can be short and to the point.

"I can complete a full criminal background check as well as any drug testing, or other background checks that Alaska Airlines requires."

As a Flight Attendant you will be asked to work a wide range of hours and a lot of overtime. Are you able to accommodate the unpredictable schedule associated with being a Flight Attendant?

"In my most recent position with Airline XYZ, I had an inconsistent schedule that required me to often be on call. I worked many weekends and holidays. This is part of the lifestyle of a Flight Attendant, I completely understand. I'm happy to work any hours that are offered to me by Alaska Airlines."

Assure the interviewer that you are aware of the inconsistent schedule associated with being a Flight Attendant. Use examples if you have some experiences to draw on.

"I am available for a wide range of hours and overtime. I prefer to be made aware of my schedule ahead of time so that I can make appropriate childcare arrangements."

Have you received training on how to handle an in-flight emergency?

"In my role with Company ABC, I received over 100 hours of in-flight situational training. I am confident in my ability to react professionally and appropriately in an emergency situation."

If an in-flight emergency occurred, would you know what to do? Assure the interviewer that you are confident in your ability to handle an emergency situation in a professional manner. If you are new to the airline industry and do not have the related training, be honest about that and comment on any other training you've completed, that may be relevant or helpful.

"As I am new to a career in the airline industry, I have not received in-flight emergency training; however, I have taken emergency response training in my current position at the hospital. I am confident in my ability to react professionally and appropriately in an emergency situation, and I look forward to taking the in-flight training with Alaska Airlines."

Do you have any formal training in First Aid or CPR?

"I do not currently hold a valid CPR and First Aid certification; however, I am happy to complete this requirement right away so that I am fully trained before joining Alaska Airlines."

First Aid and CPR training is a requirement for many roles in the airline industry. Assure the interviewer that you have current and valid certification in CPR and First Aid. If you do not, be sure to express your willingness to do so.

"Yes, I have formal training in First Aid and CPR. I have brought my certifications here for you to see."

Tell me about any airline related training that you have been through.

"I have taken industry-related safety and customer service training with company ABC. In addition to this training, I have four years of industry experience."

Regardless of any industry related training that you have been through, you will need to complete training specific to Alaska Airlines. If you do not have any industry-specific training, perhaps you have training that would be transferable to this role (IE: Sales, Safety, Customer Service, Technical, etc.). Walk the interviewer through some on-the-job training you feel would be helpful.

"Although I have not taken specific airline related training, I do have some current certifications that I believe will be helpful. These include CPR, First Aid, and WHMIS training."

Alaska Airlines Interview Questions

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1. How does this position fit into your career goals?
2. What unique qualities about yourself would you bring to our company?
3. How will you earn the trust of your coworkers?
4. How do you determine priorities when you have multiple tasks at hand?
5. What experience do you have using team-based messaging applications?
6. Where do you see yourself five years from now?
7. Think about a difficult boss, professor or coworker. What made him or her difficult? How did you successfully interact with this person?
8. When you suffer a setback, how does that emotionally affect you and your work?
9. What are your salary expectations?
10. Tell me about a time when communication became an issue when working on a team.
11. What work situations excite and motivate you?
12. Personality fit is important to us at Alaska Airlines. How would you describe your personality?
13. Rate your communication skills from 1-10 with proper examples backing your given rating.
14. How do you get along with others at work?
15. If you could start your career over again, what direction would you take?
16. At Alaska Airlines, exceptional customer service is our priority. How will you ensure that our service standards are continually met?
17. When have you had to shift your priorities in response to sudden changes?
18. The airline industry is full of unexpected scenarios. When have you faced an unexpected difficulty?
19. What do you hope to gain most from your time with Alaska Airlines?
20. List the top 3 skills that will make you an ideal team member at Alaska Airlines.
21. As a Flight Attendant, you are responsible for ensuring that the safety of all passengers is a priority. What would you do if you felt there was a safety threat?
22. All employees of Alaska Airlines are expected to wear a uniform to work. Are you comfortable with this policy?
23. Why are you the best choice for Alaska Airlines?
24. Employees of Alaska Airlines are expected to be reliable, on time, and accessible when on shift. Do you consider yourself to be a dedicated employee?
25. Aside from your experience working in the airline industry, do you have experience in other customer service based roles?
26. In order to work for Alaska Airlines you are required to pass a criminal record check. Are you comfortable accommodating this?
27. As a Flight Attendant you will be asked to work a wide range of hours and a lot of overtime. Are you able to accommodate the unpredictable schedule associated with being a Flight Attendant?
28. Have you received training on how to handle an in-flight emergency?
29. Do you have any formal training in First Aid or CPR?
30. Tell me about any airline related training that you have been through.

Alaska Airlines Interview Questions

1. How does this position fit into your career goals?

2. What unique qualities about yourself would you bring to our company?

3. How will you earn the trust of your coworkers?

4. How do you determine priorities when you have multiple tasks at hand?

5. What experience do you have using team-based messaging applications?

6. Where do you see yourself five years from now?

7. Think about a difficult boss, professor or coworker. What made him or her difficult? How did you successfully interact with this person?

8. When you suffer a setback, how does that emotionally affect you and your work?

9. What are your salary expectations?

10. Tell me about a time when communication became an issue when working on a team.

11. What work situations excite and motivate you?

12. Personality fit is important to us at Alaska Airlines. How would you describe your personality?

13. Rate your communication skills from 1-10 with proper examples backing your given rating.

14. How do you get along with others at work?

15. If you could start your career over again, what direction would you take?

16. At Alaska Airlines, exceptional customer service is our priority. How will you ensure that our service standards are continually met?

17. When have you had to shift your priorities in response to sudden changes?

18. The airline industry is full of unexpected scenarios. When have you faced an unexpected difficulty?

19. What do you hope to gain most from your time with Alaska Airlines?

20. List the top 3 skills that will make you an ideal team member at Alaska Airlines.

21. As a Flight Attendant, you are responsible for ensuring that the safety of all passengers is a priority. What would you do if you felt there was a safety threat?

22. All employees of Alaska Airlines are expected to wear a uniform to work. Are you comfortable with this policy?

23. Why are you the best choice for Alaska Airlines?

24. Employees of Alaska Airlines are expected to be reliable, on time, and accessible when on shift. Do you consider yourself to be a dedicated employee?

25. Aside from your experience working in the airline industry, do you have experience in other customer service based roles?

26. In order to work for Alaska Airlines you are required to pass a criminal record check. Are you comfortable accommodating this?

27. As a Flight Attendant you will be asked to work a wide range of hours and a lot of overtime. Are you able to accommodate the unpredictable schedule associated with being a Flight Attendant?

28. Have you received training on how to handle an in-flight emergency?

29. Do you have any formal training in First Aid or CPR?

30. Tell me about any airline related training that you have been through.