About United Airlines
It takes a lot of passion to work at United Airlines, with the average team member interacting with more than 1,000 people each day - it's essential you love social interactions with others and have a big heart for customer service.
If wearing the same uniform style every day and jet lag doesn't bother you, you might have what it takes to land your dream job at United Airlines.
Popular roles at United Airlines include:
- Flight Attendant
- Pilot
- Engineer
- Security
- Food services
- Aviation safety
United Airlines is one of the world's most recognizable global airlines with its HQ based in Chicago. It has a reputation for outstanding customer service and flies to 79 domestic destinations and 111 international destinations in 74 countries. UA's mission is to inspire employees and “help their customers create lasting memories and do great things”.
United Airlines Application Process
United Airlines receives 100's of applications so expect the recruitment process to be more competitive than most. It is therefore essential for candidates to do their homework on the airline and become familiar with the recruitment process to improve their confidence and chances for success.
Before applying it is recommended to read about the airline's values and mission:
- Fly right
- Fly friendly
- Fly together
- Fly above and beyond
United Airlines Online Application
To start the recruitment process you will need to apply for the role you are interested in online. Keep in mind the information you provide should always optimize the opportunity of showing off how you meet the airline's values throughout the process and highlight your understanding of what it takes to be a great employee for United.
It is also important to note that the process can take a few weeks to a few months to complete depending on the number of applications received.
Make sure your resume and cover letter are up-to-date and free from spelling or grammar errors.
You can also expect to be asked some job-specific questions so reviewing the job description is crucial to answering these questions well.
United Airlines Aptitude Tests
With the high volume of applications United Airlines receives, assessments are a data-driven and unbiased way to select top applicants who apply.
The United Airline assessments consist of aptitude tests which help hiring managers shortlist candidates based on their skills, traits, personality and performance. This guide should help you learn about the different tests and what you can expect from each.
You will need to be in the top 50% of test-takers to move forward into the next stages. The tests you take will depend on the position you've applied for.
The assessments include:
- Personality Tests
- Mechanical Test
- Situational Judgement Test
- Written Test
United Airlines Personality Tests
With such an emphasis on customer service and interaction with customers - personality traits are particularly important.
United often uses the Hogan personality testwhich assesses how an applicant would behave in certain work-based scenarios. The best approach to personality tests is to be truthful and honest with your answers. You should try to emphasise traits that reflect the United Airlines values - although there are no wrong answers it's important to be strategic.
United Airlines Mechanical Test
Depending on the role you apply for, you might be asked to take a mechanical test. This is specific to roles such as mechanics, pilots or engineering.
The test is based on different mechanical concepts so it's important to sharpen your knowledge in order to prepare for this test.
A basic understanding of electricity and simple machines including levers, pulleys, and gears will be important as well as relevant concepts and the ability to perform detailed calculations.
United Airlines Situational Judgement Test
Situational judgment tests (SJT) provide a number of realistic multi-choice questions based on how well you can judge different workplace scenarios - what your reactions will be and how they might reflect the values of the airline. The decisions you choose will determine if you best represent the values and goals of United Airlines. This is a timed test that is designed to be answered quickly.
United Airlines Written Test
The written test examines your abilities in a wide range of skills and aptitudes in situations where you might need to deal with customer service challenges and work at United Airlines. Each written test varies depending on the role you apply for. E-tray and In-tray exercises are good ways to practice to prepare for these.
United Airlines Video Interview
The next step in the application process is an online interview that is reviewed via a hiring manager for United Airlines. If you're successful at the online video interview, you'll fly to one of the airline's recruitment hub destinations for a one-to-one interview.
United Airlines One-on-One Interview
The one-on-one interview is an essential stage you should really prepare for. It is your chance to show your potential future employer why you should work for United Airlines. You will be asked different behavioural and situational questions and how your experience will impact your work at United Airlines.
Depending on the role you have applied for, you might have to interview in front of a multi-person panel.
Successful applicants will be invited to a six-week training program that involves understanding the operating/safety procedures for 7+ aircraft.
United Airlines 6 Week Training
If you pass the recruitment stages you'll be invited to a 6-week training program where you will be tested on your customer service skills as well as if you can successfully learn and perform all of United's safety procedures. Team-work is also essential during the 6 weeks.
Once the 6 weeks are up, you'll be ready to fly with United Airlines.
