Hints & Tips

Before applying for a role

We use a variety of different methods to determine the best candidate for a position. Whatever role you are applying for, you can be sure the application process will be fair, objective and comprehensive.

Before applying, please be sure to read the job description carefully and assess whether you have the qualities and skills that will enable you to thrive in the new position.

Honesty and integrity are important values for us, so it’s important to us that you support these values by also acting with honesty and integrity. We appreciate you might want to tell others that you've applied, but please don't share details of the recruitment process as it may compromise the fairness and integrity of the entire selection process. Furthermore, it could advantage other applicants and potentially disadvantage you. It may even disqualify you from the selection process.

The method of assessment we use will vary according to the skills and qualities the successful candidate needs to demonstrate for each role. Our assessment will generally consist of an interview and/or one or more of the assessment methods explained in the sections below. British Airways will always let you know the outcome of your application.

Preparing your application and CV

The application form

To apply for any role with British Airways, you will need to complete an online application form. The exact content of the form varies depending on the role you are applying for. However, you'll always be asked for your personal details so we can contact you.

Sometimes we’ll ask you to attach a CV and answer application questions. Application questions may take the form of a short essay-style question, or we may ask you to answer a series of multiple-choice questions. If you are asked to complete any of these options, the following pointers may be helpful:

• For short-essay style questions, make sure you read the question carefully and answer all parts of the question in full.
• Please stick to the word/character count: this is a strict limit.
• Supplying the minimum information and/or writing short responses may limit an assessor's ability to determine your suitability for the role.
• Proofread your answers for grammar and spelling errors. By completing a draft in Word (or similar), you can utilise the spelling & grammar check functions and character counts.
• Answer all questions honestly.
• If asked a ‘competency-based question’ about a specific occasion, ensure you provide a specific example of the behaviour or skill being asked rather than a generic response on what you would do.
• To support your answers, research the role further where possible, rather than solely relying on the job description.
• If answering a question around why you are choosing to apply for the role/what you can bring, don’t focus entirely on ‘what’s in it for you’. Make sure to highlight the skills and experience that match the job description, and remember to include why you are interested in applying for that role.

Polishing your CV

Sometimes we’ll ask you to attach a CV and answer application questions. Application questions may take the form of a short essay-style question, or we may ask you to answer a series of multiple-choice questions. If you are asked to complete any of these options, the following pointers may be helpful:

• If you’re asked to submit a CV, please tailor it to reflect the role you are applying for.
• Make sure your CV is honest, accurate, up-to-date, concise, and easy to read.
• If your CV is too long, it can detract from your key skills and qualities.

You can see an example CV here.

Before submitting your application, review what you've written to make sure it accurate and error-free. Remember to tick the box at the end of each section to say that you've completed it. When you are ready, press the submit button. You will receive an email acknowledging receipt of your application from the recruitment team.

Preparing for your interview and assessment

Interview

British Airways uses three types of interview: face-to-face, telephone or video. Interviews at British Airways are typically competency-based. This means we’ll ask you for examples of when you have demonstrated a particular skill or quality. Prepare yourself by having examples of when you have demonstrated key competencies required for the job (look at the job description for guidance). Some of your best examples may be times when things went wrong. Don't be frightened to use these, as you can tell us what you learnt. In addition to discussing your competencies, we're likely to ask you about your motivation for the role and establish your fit with the company and team you'd be working in.

Face-to-face interviews

• At British Airways our recruitment interviews are currently conducted either in person or on a video call, such as Microsoft Teams.
• Our interviews are typically conducted by two trained interviewers and last about an hour.
• You will also have the opportunity to ask questions about the role or company.

Telephone interviews

• Prepare for the interview as you would a face-to-face interview.
• Answer the questions honestly and concisely.
• Remember that we can't see you, so speed, tone and clarity of voice are even more important than usual.
• Telephone interviews typically last about 30 minutes. They are designed so we can find out more about you and your suitability for the role, and to give you the chance to answer questions.

Video interviews

• You will be sent details of how to log on and your user details.
• Complete the interview in a time and place where you won't be disturbed.
• Questions will be presented on screen, and you will have a certain time to answer each question.
• Treat the video interview as you would a face-to-face interview.
• You should allow about 30 minutes to complete a video interview.

Work-related exercises

Work-related exercises normally involve you analysing some information or data and presenting it back either in written or verbal format. All the information you need will be given to you on your assessment day.

Handy tips:

• Your ability to prioritise and complete the task as well as the quality of your work will be assessed.
• Read the instructions thoroughly before you start so you understand what you are being asked to do.
• Pay attention to detail and allow yourself time to check your work.

Group exercises

A group exercise typically looks at your interpersonal, teamwork and problem-solving ability. If you’re asked to do a group exercise, you will be in a small group with other candidates. Group exercises normally ask the group to jointly complete a task that requires making a decision.

Handy tips:

• Remember to join in. It is very hard to determine if you are the best person for the role if you don't contribute anything.
• Think about your body language as well as the words you use.
• Participate as much as possible but do listen to others in the group.

Role-plays

During a role-play exercise you’ll be asked to play a part (generally the role you have applied for) and work through a real-time scenario with an assessor who will be playing a particular character. This type of exercise is designed to assess how candidates would behave in a given situation. Full instructions of what you will be expected to do will be given to you on the day.

Handy tips:

• If you have a chance to prepare, it is a good idea to plan a structure for yourself to follow, making sure you are able to cover all the important points.
• Make sure to keep the conversation on track. Listen to the other person but try to avoid deviating from the given task.
• Be confident in your approach and keep control of the situation.

Presentations

Being asked to give a presentation is an exercise that is designed to assess your abilities specifically in relation to the role you have applied. Typically, you are given some information and a specific time to prepare your presentation. You should use the information given to you to help draw your conclusions and present the information back in the requested form.

Sometimes you are given your presentation topic in advance of your assessment day and asked to present it on the day. Other times all the information you require will be given to you on the day.

Handy tips:

• Preparation is key and will help boost your confidence when you deliver the presentation.
• If applicable, make sure to express your knowledge and understanding around the subject.
• Structure your presentation and check that it answers the topic questions.
• Be prepared for questions around your presentation.

Testing

Psychometric tests

British Airways uses three types of psychometric tools: situational judgement tests, ability tests and personality questionnaires.

If you’re asked to complete these tests, you’ll be sent further details explaining what we will be asking you to do and giving you practice information so you can fully prepare yourself.

Handy tips:

• Take full advantage of practice leaflets provided to help practice and prepare for the test session.
• If the assessment is online, take it somewhere where you won't be disturbed and can fully concentrate
• Remember to turn your phone off and don’t take the test when you are tired. Make a note of the date it must be completed by and don't leave it until the last minute.
• You may be asked to retake online tests at an assessment day as part of our verification process.
• Read the practice information and instructions thoroughly.
• Work quickly but accurately and do not spend too much time thinking about one answer. If you get stuck, mark you best guess and move on.

Situational judgement tests

These look at a candidate's ability to identify the correct course of action. Please answer the questions truthfully and do not spend too long thinking about your answers – trust your instincts. We typically use these in customer-facing roles as part of the application process. You will be given instructions and told if there is a time limit.

Ability tests

These are carefully selected based on the abilities and level required for the role.

• They are usually multiple-choice questions, which look at a candidate's ability in areas such as numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, or logical reasoning. You will be sent specific information and practice questions for any tests we ask you to complete.
• If you are asked to complete a numerical reasoning test please read the instructions carefully, which will explain whether you can use a calculator or not.
• For further practice, the website shldirect.com gives additional examples of practice questions, which may be similar to the test you are sitting.
• Ability tests are timed so you will need to work quickly.

Personality questionnaires

These look at a candidate's behavioural preference. If you are asked to complete a personality profile, we will usually ask you to do this online before attending a face-to-face assessment.

• When answering the questions try to think about how you behave at work. Do not try to guess what we are looking for – just answer the questions honestly, we are interested in the real you. There are no right or wrong answers in personality questionnaires.
• British Airways does not use personality questionnaires to sift people out of the process, but we do use them to help inform your overall suitability for the role. Areas from the personality profile may be explored in the face-to-face stage.
• If you’re asked to complete a personality questionnaire, you’ll be given full details of what to do. These questionnaires are not timed but don't spend too long thinking about your response. Please make sure you complete the questionnaire by the deadline we give you.

General assessment advice

• Check your emails regularly, as this is how we will usually contact you.
• Be prepared. Read your emails carefully to make sure you understand what you will be doing and where you need to go. Make a note of our contact details in case you need to get in touch with us urgently.
• Book an assessment time that is convenient for you. For maximum choice, please book your assessment as soon as possible – the most popular times go quickly.
• Relax. We want to see you do well and we’ll do everything we can to help.
• If you’re attending a face-to-face assessment, please wear smart business attire. This is especially true of uniformed positions.
• Be punctual and research your route before you arrive.
• Think about examples of your key competencies and come to your interview prepared to present them to us.
• Research the role and think about any questions you might want to ask us. This is also your opportunity to see if this really is the job for you.
• On the day, don't worry about what any other candidates are doing – just do your best.
• We will often ask you to complete more than one activity when you attend, so don't worry if one activity hasn't gone as well as you would like. Pick yourself up and carry on. Doing more than one activity means we gather a wide range of evidence of the same competency, so one mistake doesn't affect the overall outcome.
• Remember to demonstrate your personality.
• There are no trick questions or activities – full instructions are always given for any activities you are asked to undertake. If you have any questions either before, or on the day of the assessment, please ask. You can even ask the interviewer to repeat or rephrase the question.
• Listen carefully to any instructions you are given.
• Take your time to consider your answers to the questions.
• If you need any assistance or adjustments, please let us know as far in advance as possible.