Eastar Jet has announced a significant change in its cabin crew recruitment process, emphasizing physical fitness as a key criterion in selecting new flight attendants. This move aims to strengthen the role of flight attendants as in-flight safety personnel and shift away from the traditional focus on appearance and image.
Starting in the first half of this year, the airline will incorporate physical fitness tests and interviews into the hiring process. The new physical fitness test will evaluate essential abilities needed for in-flight safety tasks, including handling emergencies and assisting in passenger evacuations. Eastar Jet will be the only airline in South Korea to conduct such physical fitness tests for its cabin crew.
The fitness tests will be conducted in collaboration with a specialized physical verification agency at a local gym. Candidates will undergo assessments in sit-ups, long-distance running, high jumps, arm reach, and voice decibels. These results, along with scores from the executive interview, will contribute to the final hiring decision.
In addition to the fitness test, the practical interview process will be revamped into a “situation response interview.” This new format will go beyond standard self-introduction and Q&A sessions. It will involve role-playing exercises designed to assess candidates’ teamwork skills, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability in dynamic situations.
The updated recruitment process will follow a new sequence: 1) document evaluation, 2) practical interview, 3) executive interview, 4) job screening, 5) physical fitness examination, and 6) final executive interview.
An Eastar Jet official explained, “We formed a task force last year to focus on hiring the most suitable candidates for the true responsibilities of cabin crew members. This includes specialized recruitment consulting to guide the overhaul. Our goal is to reshape the perception that flight attendants are chosen based solely on their appearance.”
In addition to the new recruitment process, Eastar Jet has also made changes to its uniform policy. Flight attendants will now be allowed to wear cardigans instead of uniform jackets, improving comfort and flexibility during their duties. The airline also plans to gradually update its uniform design to ensure greater comfort for crew members while working on board.
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