About Airbus
Airbus is one of the world's largest aerospace companies, designing and manufacturing products for the aviation industry. The company works in both the military and commercial sectors and employs over 130,000 people worldwide across various sectors.
Airbus is perhaps most known for its work in the commercial aviation sector. The company builds over half of the aeroplanes that operate in the commercial industry and prides itself on innovation and sustainability. Their mission is to create safer skies by developing zero-emission aircraft that ensure a sustainable future.
Perhaps less well known is the research Airbus carries out into space technologies or their capabilities in cyber security. The work in this field covers military, government, and business sectors and is focused on technological systems.
There are a wide variety of roles available at Airbus, including opportunities for internships, graduates, and experienced hires. Those applying for a position need to ensure that they demonstrate the skills and values of Airbus:
- Customer focus
- Respect
- Integrity
- Teamwork
- Reliability
- Creativity
Airbus Application Process
There are three stages to the Airbus application process:
- Online application
- Online aptitude tests
- Assessment centre
Each stage of the process assesses candidates against the core skills and aptitudes required for the role applied for. Competition for positions at Airbus is high; being prepared and fully understanding what is expected of you at each stage of the process is a must.
Airbus Online Application
To apply for a job at Airbus, candidates need to create an account on the Airbus dedicated recruitment system. From there, candidates can create their own profile and include personal details such as employment history, contact details, any additional relevant information, and upload a CV.
Applicants apply for a specific role using their candidate profile, some positions also require a covering letter in support of the application. It is important to make sure that the cover letter reflects how you demonstrate the skills and requirements of the role and to also keep in mind the core values of Airbus and how these link to your own.
Airbus Aptitude Tests
There are four online tests that candidates must complete as part of the Airbus recruitment process.
The invitation to complete these tests is sent by email once the online application has been received.
Airbus Situational Judgement Test
The situational judgment test assesses how candidates prefer to behave in work-based situations.
Questions are presented as a series of scenarios that you may expect to face when working on the job. Candidates need to select from the list of possible responses which best describe how they would react in the given situation.
There are no right or wrong answers in this assessment. The results give an insight into whether a candidate's values and the way they prefer to work match Airbus's and how adept they are in making decisions and effectively dealing with work-related situations.
It is worth noting the same behaviour will be asked through questions worded in different ways. When completing a situational judgment test, make sure you answer the question honestly and go with your gut feel.
Airbus Numerical Reasoning Test
Understanding and being comfortable using numerical data is a crucial part of many roles at Airbus.
The Airbus numerical reasoning test assesses a candidate's numerical aptitude and how well they can work with and interpret numerical data to solve problems.
Questions are given in the form of tables, graphs, or charts along with a series of multiple-choice answers. Using their knowledge of basic mathematical concepts such as percentages, ratios, or fractions, candidates need to select which answers are correct.
The test is timed, which adds extra pressure, so completing the test quickly but accurately is essential. This timed element also allows Airbus to assess how well candidates can perform under pressure, another key skill required for many roles at Airbus.
Airbus Verbal Reasoning Test
The Airbus verbal reasoning test looks at how well candidates can read, understand and interpret passages of written information.
Questions are presented in the form of short passages. You need to read the passage of information then select whether the statements that follow are 'true,' 'false,' or your 'cannot say' based on the information contained within the passage.
This test measures how well candidates can extract information from the text and use this to make informed decisions. It is important to take the time to read the passage carefully and not to skim read the question. Reading the text carefully before selecting your preferred answer is vital to ensure you don't misinterpret the information.
The test is timed, so in addition to your verbal reasoning ability, the ability to work quickly is also assessed in this test.
Airbus Logical Reasoning Test
The logical reasoning test assesses logical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
In this test, questions are presented in the form of patterns or sequences. Candidates need to determine the rule that links these patterns or sequences and then apply this to determine which of the shapes or patterns follows next in the sequence.
This test relies on the ability to use non-verbal information to solve problems. This could be through drawing specific conclusions from the data and applying this to select which patterns or shapes follow next, or by making assumptions from the data and using this assumption to choose which of the shapes or patterns follows next.
The timed nature of the test means that you need to stay calm and make quick decisions, all necessary attributes for many roles at Airbus.
Airbus Assessment Centre
Candidates who have successfully completed the online tests and application screen will be invited to attend an assessment centre.
The Airbus assessment centre comprises of three stages:
- Group exercise
- Presentation exercise
- Interview
The content discussed in each assessment may vary according to the role applied for. Those who have applied for technical or specialist positions may also attend a technical interview.
Airbus Group Exercise
The group exercise assessment looks at how well candidates can work with others in a team. Teamwork is a competency required in all roles at Airbus. The company believes that its aim can only be achieved by working as one team.
The assessment takes the form of a task that requires individuals to work together to achieve a task. The group exercise enables recruiters to practically assess how well candidates can communicate with each other, listen, contribute and share information to achieve a common goal. Demonstrating leadership skills and empathy within the group exercise are also important to help the group accomplish the task.
Airbus Presentation Exercise
The presentation exercise is often referred to as the case study exercise. In this assessment, candidates are given information about a business scenario individually. In preparation time, they need to review this information and use their critical thinking and problem-solving skills to outline a solution to the problem.
Following their preparation time, candidates then need to give a 10-minute presentation to interviewers outlining their proposal. Questions will be asked at the end of the presentation, so you need to outline the rationale behind your thinking clearly. This assessment also looks at how well you can analyse and synthesize information and summarize your thinking when asked questions.
Airbus Interview
The final assessment in the Airbus assessment centre is an interview. The interview is competency-based and focuses on whether candidates demonstrate the skills and competencies required for success on the job.
Preparing examples of times when you have demonstrated the required skills for the job is an important part of success in a competency-based interview. Being able to link your skills and qualities to the role also demonstrates that you have researched the job and know how you can contribute to the organisation and its goals.
Questions may also be asked on a candidate's motivations for joining the company, so researching Airbus, being familiar with their culture and values, and how these link to your own demonstrates your commitment to a career with Airbus will be useful.
