About Qantas Airways
Qantas is the flag-carrying airline of Australia and is a founding member of the Oneworld airline alliance that also includes British Airways and American Airways. As the most popular - and largest by fleet size - airline in Australia, Qantas has been taking commercial passengers around the world since 1935, and continues to grow, taking 50 million people in the air every year.
Originally founded in 1920 as Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services Limited (QANTAS), a hundred years of development and a group that covers both long-haul and short-haul flights to and from Australia and New Zealand to the most international destinations of any Australian airline has made Qantas a real destination for pilots, cabin crew and ground support professionals who are looking to make a real difference.
If you want to work at Qantas, you need to be exceptional, able to rise to the challenge, and be ready to achieve the impossible with the support of an inclusive and diverse team. 30,000 people are employed by Qantas, with 93% based in Australia, in a range of different positions.
Business areas include:
- Pilots and Flight Operations
- Cabin Crew
- Customer Service
- Brand Marketing and Communications
- Engineering
- Ground Operations
- Finance Strategy and Commercial Planning
- Administration, Support and Services
- Environment and Quality Assurance
- HR
- Legal
- Property Management
- International Careers
- Logistics
- Sales
A flexible, competitive salary package with bonuses and benefits is available to all staff, with remuneration commensurate with experience and job level. The high flying culture of Qantas has an eye on the future while offering world-class customer experience, maintaining high standards of safety and integrity and making a positive impact on the broader community - so passionate, driven and competitive people will love the fast-paced atmosphere.
Qantas Airways Application Process
For each role, the application process might be slightly different, but it pays to be prepared as you cannot be sure what steps you will face. Throughout the application process, keep in mind that Qantas has three pillars that they use to further the business mission:
- Delivering Today
- Looking Ahead
- Acting Responsibly.
Throughout the application process, keep these ideals in mind as it will help you provide examples of how you have behaved in line with these pillars. It is also worth considering how you can demonstrate Qantas Group values, which are:
- Everyone has the right to return home safely.
- Customers determine our success.
- Being a fit, agile and diverse organisation drives innovation and simplicity.
- Working together in an inclusive manner always delivers the optimal group outcome.
- Each employee deserves respect, trust and good leadership.
Qantas Airways Online Application Form
Every application starts with an online application form. This needs to be accompanied by an up to date, tailored CV that actively demonstrates the skills, qualifications and competencies that you have which match the requirements of the role as noted in the job description.
In the online application, you will have to create an account - this makes it easier for you to manage your applications and receive any information from Qantas regarding your details. You might be asked additional questions about why you want to work for Qantas - this is a good time to demonstrate the research you have completed on the role and the business. For some positions, you will need to answer role-specific questions too.
Qantas Airways Assessment Process
Qantas Interviews
The interview is likely to be the first time you will meet the recruitment team, and it is an important step for them to get to know you as something other than a CV.
The number of interviews and the structure will vary depending on the role you have applied for, but in general, you will be interviewed by a member of the recruitment team, a manager of the department you have applied for, or a combination of both.
Be prepared to answer questions about your CV and experience. These are termed 'Behavioural Event' questions and are used to assess your competencies in line with the business values. The best way to answer these questions is to describe the situation, name the task, list the actions you took, and provide the result or outcome. This is known as the STAR mnemonic (Situation, Task, Actions, Result) and is a good way to organise your thoughts when providing examples.
The interview is a two-way street, so you should also be prepared with some insightful questions - not just about what benefits are included in the salary package, but questions about the research you have done into Qantas.
Qantas Cabin Crew Interview Questions
While the interview inquiries may vary, many applicants can expect questions like:
- Why do you want to work for Qantas Airlines?
- Why should we hire you?
- Describe your strengths and weaknesses.
- Describe a time when you have gone above and beyond.
- Describe a time when you have dealt with a difficult customer.
Qantas Airways Aptitude Tests
Qantas uses SHL and TalentQ to create psychometric assessments which are used as screening tools. Psychometric tests are designed to offer a way to differentiate between similarly qualified candidates based on their inherent aptitudes and ability to learn.
The tests usually comprise of:
- verbal reasoning - assessing your ability to read, understand and analyse information presented in text
- numerical reasoning - assessing your ability to read, understand, and analyse data presented in tables or charts
- abstract reasoning - assessing your ability to understand the relationship between images and use this information to reach a logical conclusion
- personality assessments - work behaviour, personality traits and situational judgement.
You will be informed of which type of test you will face during the application process, and it is always a good idea to practice the test beforehand if you can - so you are more familiar with the format and structure, and know what the test is looking for. These tests are usually timed to add more pressure, so practice answering quickly and correctly for the best results.
Qantas Airways Assessment Centre
In the assessment centre, you will be joined by other candidates for a live, in-person assessment. Assessment centres are usually full day events, with a number of different exercises that need to be completed, both in groups and individually.
You can expect to deal with case studies, presentations and role plays.
Throughout the assessment centre, you will be under constant assessment by the recruitment team - so make sure that you are demonstrating excellent communication, negotiation, teamwork and listening skills, no matter what the exercise is. Bringing your best to the assessment centre, from the way you dress to the way you behave, is the way to do well on the day.
Qantas Airways In-tray Exercises
An in-tray exercise assesses the way you prioritise your workload and make decisions. You will need to manage an email inbox while dealing with incoming questions and queries, and will have to decide what needs to be dealt with first, and how to organise your time.
This is a good test of your logical ability and leadership, as well as decision making and problem solving, and is useful for the recruitment team to judge your ability to deal with a variable workload.
Qantas Pilot Simulator Assessments
The simulator assessment is based on the Boeing 747 and is used to assess your in-flight abilities.
This is based on a 'normal' flight, with simple maneuvers and no emergencies to deal with. You will be with a Qantas pilot while you undertake the simulation, and it is CASA authorised and regulated.
This should be a simple demonstration of your altitude flying and pre-flight checks.
There will also be background checks completed at all levels, including criminal background, financial history and references from previous employers.
