Swati Dhawan Airhostess/Flight Stewardess

The pictorial image of a coyly decorous soul formed on retina confused my neurons that transmit message to the brain. Reason, rarely one comes across an individual sporting smile that spells charms of aplomb and felicity together.

The bundle of goodies personified as Swati Dhawan agreed to spare time for sharing her experience as an air hostess in the interest of the students.

The purpose of the exercise was to get some first hand account for the benefit of aspirants. The choice of going for an ex Airhostess over those in-service was because the lady presently is in to career counseling and could relate more to the aspirant’s requirement.

To start with, tell us something about your self

My Schooling was from St Joseph’s Academy Dehradoon and Graduation in Sociology from Miranda House, New Delhi. After graduation I did basic course of Ticketing Tourism and Reservation and thereafter a diploma course from IATA/UFTA.

Being an air hostess is a dream nurtured by many of the girls, was it the same with you.

No, I wasn’t among those who went for long term plans. I always strived and strive to make feasible short term plans. Though I wanted to join tourism industry but Air Hostess was just something that happened.

Did you prepare for it well in advance or for that matter any assistance from coaching institutes or crash course

No as I said it just happened. I had no advance preparation and I don’t think it’s really required at all to join any coaching institute. All airlines after selecting their crew provide them with sufficient training as all have different services and procedure on board there.

How did you come to know about the opening?

All the airlines including the Singapore airlines come to India to hire crew at least once every year. They also take out advertisements in the newspaper to this effect. All most all the international Airlines have their offices in India. Either they or a placement agency conducts the recruitment process. Where as with some international Airlines like the Emirates (was selected for that too) you can post you CV and photograph at their site and as and when there are openings your CV is taken into consideration.

What was the nature of the test/exam, you were supposed to take

I was short listed just on the basis of my CV and photographs as all the aspirants to this date are short listed for most of the Airlines. There was no written test though I had to go through three rounds of interview, as usual. Knowing how to swim is compulsory with most of the International Airlines and Knowledge of additional foreign language is an additional advantage.

What all was talked about in your final round of interview.

Questions were general in nature. I was asked about my, interest in travel industry, perception of being an airhostess, the kind of person I am and about my family background. But I think the interview board was in to judging my presence of mind, honesty and attitude

Is that, such callings look more for personality traits than academic excellence?

The presence of mind, your attitude, countenance, clear speech and good voice modulation are some essential characteristics that are looked upon. As far as academic background is concerned graduation is the eligibility criteria.

What do you think was the most important reason for your success?

Self confidence is the key to success but while being self confident don’t forget to be modest and don’t be aggressive during GD or interview.

Do you think International Airlines are better to work with, than the domestic ones?

Definitely, the working environment is very professional besides the luxury of earning dollars and the perks of traveling around the world and not being limited to certain sectors only makes working enjoyable but then you also miss your family at the same time

The brighter side and the job hazards of being a steward

As I mentioned above traveling exposes one to lot of things. You deal with people from different countries, culture and background that widens your horizon. Job hazards like emergency landing and hijacking etc. are of course certain things but these are rare occasion. I did not come across any such in span of 5 years.

Your most embarrassing as well as a moment of pride

On my first flight I spilled Champagne on a passenger during the drink service, I apologized and survived.

While graduating off Singapore Airline cabin crew school I was awarded the Best Trainee and the Best Groomed Trainee among the Indian, Singapore and Asian girls.

What all would you suggest to aspirants

To become an airhostess you don’t need to be beautiful but present yourself beautifully. All the best and fly high.

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(As told to Samir Srivastav)