Update: August 2021
Qatar Airways has now reopened cabin crew recruitment for new entrants and candidates are invited to submit an application via the official Qatar Airways careers website.
Please note, this is the only route to submit an application and candidates should use caution if approached by any other recruiter or agency purporting to act on behalf of Qatar Airways.
An Open Day at Qatar Airways can be a shocking experience for many candidates. We haven’t written about Qatar’s recruitment process in the past because the advice we give in this website isn’t any guarantee of success. That’s not to say that it won’t help (and we always recommend putting a lot of effort into your resume) but Qatar operates a very opaque and confusing recruitment process.
But over the last six months we’ve been inundated with questions from readers about the process. Some of you may have attended an Open Day in the past and wondered what went wrong? Well, we want to answer your questions. Over the last few months, we’ve been doing lots of research to find out what really happens. Speaking with ex and serving crew – and even attending Assessment Day’s. Here’s what happens and what you can do to increase your chances of success.
This article has been broken down into simple, bite-sized chunks to explain every aspect of the process:
5. Waiting for a phone call or email
1. The Background
History
Qatar Airways is one of the world’s fastest growing airlines. It started life in its present form in 1997 and now flies to over 150 destinations with a fleet of 184 aircraft. This year, Qatar Airways was named as the Skytrax ‘World’s Best Airline’. Its cabin crew have received multiple awards and the airline is lauded for its luxurious cabin interiors and service.
For lots more information about Qatar Airways, check out this essential guide.
Future opportunities
As a Qatar Airways cabin crew, you’ll receive some of the best and most comprehensive training in the industry. Taking your career further, you’ll find employers will look up to your level of experience and knowledge. Having worked for Qatar Airways, new doors will open for you in roles within the aviation industry as well as in hospitality and similar careers.
Employers will appreciate your work ethic, in the knowledge that Qatar Airways cabin crew are expected to work very hard. That being said, the airline will provide a generous pay and benefits package along with company provided accommodation. On top of heavily discounted flights, you’ll also receive one free flight to your home country every year.
Work conditions
On the flipside, some of the negative work conditions at Qatar Airways have been well documented – independent human rights groups have criticised the airline for its treatment of staff (particularly female cabin crew). Qatar Airways says these issues have been addressed although some ex-Qatar crew still claim that life at the airline can be difficult.
More details about the accusations (and Qatar Airways response) can be found here.
Nonetheless, many cabin crew go on to have an enjoyable and satisfying career with the airline. Should you be offered a job with Qatar Airways, we suggest carefully reviewing the terms of employment to ensure the offer meets your needs and you are completely happy with what will be asked of you.
2. Minimum Requirements
The criteria listed below are the absolute minimum required to join Qatar Airways as cabin crew:
- At least 21 years of age
- Able to reach 212cm (this can achieve on tip toes)
- Fluent in written and spoken English (a second language, especially Arabic is desirable)
- Minimum High School education
- ‘Excellent’ health and fitness
As all Qatar Airways cabin crew are based in Doha, you’ll also need to be willing to relocate and live in Qatar. Finally, the airline says it looks for candidates with an “outgoing personality” who have “good interpersonal skills.”
Qatar Airways recruits cabin crew from around the world and you can attend an Open Day in any country or city that is advertised – you do not need to be from that country to take part.
However, be aware that Qatar Airways carefully chooses Open Day locations based on what nationalities they desire at the time (for language skills, cultural awareness, etc).
Selection criteria
One of the least understood parts of the Qatar Airways recruitment process is the selection criteria that recruiters use to initially shortlist candidates. It’s an incredibly subjective process that can be highly dependent on the recruiter that reviews your resume.
It’s important to note that your skills, experience and presentation are still very important but unlike many other airlines, these are not the only deciding factors. Recruiters are given specific instructions about what type of candidate they are looking for on any particular day – factors include gender, age, nationality, language skills, height and weight.
There is also the Qatar Airways ‘X’ factor – candidates that recruiters believe will be able to work well in the unique corporate culture of the airline. This is incredibly subjective and recruiters are given a high level of autonomy in their decisions.
3. Current Opportunities
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Qatar Airways has currently suspended all cabin crew recruitment activity. Use the guide below to learn more about the process and prepare yourself for when recruitment does resume.
We’ll regularly review career opportunities and update this post as soon as we learn more (Last updated: May 29)
Existing cabin crew
Qatar Airways sometimes advertises for ‘existing cabin crew’ and offers a separate application process. If you already work as cabin crew or have done the job with a different airline in the past, this can be a tempting way to apply for the role with Qatar.
Be warned, however – it is incredibly rare for recruiters to respond to candidates who apply online for the ‘existing cabin crew’ position. Although it might be worth submitting your application online, you can still attend any Open Day of your choosing.
Online applications
On the official Qatar Airways careers website, you might notice that you can apply for the cabin crew role online. There is no requirement to submit an online application – you can simply turn up at an Open Day without an invitation. If you choose to apply online then you might receive an invitation to attend an Open Day.
Receiving an invitation is for the Open Day only – you will be treated like any other candidate and there is no guarantee that you will be selected to take part in the Assessment Day.
4. The Open Day
Although Qatar Airways advertises these events as Open Day’s this isn’t an opportunity to learn more about the airline or find out whether this is the career for you. This is purely a recruitment event which can be incredibly cut throat in its approach. Nonetheless, you’ll meet a lot of amazing people so take the time you find out more about the other candidates and enjoy the experience.
What happens
Here’s what happens:
- You can turn up at any point between a set time period (this is normally 9am to 5pm but times can vary).
- Most candidates will make sure to turn up at the very start of the day – in some cases, getting to the venue several hours early and forming a queue.
- The event will be held in a conference room – two or more recruiters will sit behind desks and meet each candidate individually.
- You’ll wait outside until called forward. Once inside, you’ll hand over your documents to a recruiter.
- The recruiter will review your resume and you may be asked some short questions.
- At this point, you will either be selected to take part in the Assessment Day or rejected.
Alternative Open Day
Some Open Day’s tell candidates to turn up at the venue at a fixed time – such as being at the hotel by “9am strict.” At these Open Day’s the process is a little different. You’ll take part in more activities as part of the shortlisting process and you’ll learn whether you will be taken through to the next round.
Documents
You will need:
- A copy of your resume / CV
- One full-length photograph
- One passport sized photograph
- A copy of your highest education certificate
The full-length photograph and education certificate is rarely asked for but you should have these with you just in case.
Photograph Standards
- You should be wearing professional business attire (including a jacket and tie for men).
- Stand facing straight on towards the camera, hands down by your side (not held together).
- You should be smiling with a large but natural smile (ideally showing teeth).
- To be taken against a light blue backdrop.
The full-length photograph should be sized: 6×4 inches (15×10 cm). The passport sized photograph should be sized: 45×35 mm (1.77×1.37 inches).
Presentation
Qatar Airways asks candidates to attend the Open Day in ‘formal business attire’. More details about what to wear can be found here.
5. Waiting for a phone call or email
Once you have handed over your documents and spoken with the recruiter, one of two things will happen:
- The recruiter will hand you a piece of paper with details of the Assessment Day. This acts as your invitation. You will be asked to keep this to yourself and not show it to any of the other candidates.
- You will be told to expect an email or phone call at the end of the day, telling you whether you’ve been shortlisted or not.
If you experience option 2, you will not receive an email or phone call. Unfortunately, you have not been shortlisted and your application will not be progressed any further. Having said that, we’ve recently heard of some candidates recieving emails with an invite to the Open Day. This looks like a new change and we would recommend keeping a close eye on your inbox just in case.
Some candidates will actually take a change of clothing with them to the Open Day so that they can go through the process again (and hopefully meet with a different recruiter). The selection is so subjective that this method can sometimes work.
6. The Assessment Day
The Assessment Day will normally be held the day after the Open Day – so make sure you are available for when you are shortlisted. You will be given details about what documents to bring with you. The dress standards are the same as the Open Day.
You will be introduced to the airline and the role of cabin crew with a short presentation. You’ll learn about life in Qatar and have an opportunity to ask questions. This can go on for some time – ensure that you remain engaged and respectful of the recruiters throughout the entire presentation.
Once this is over, you’ll be asked to take the ‘reach test’ and complete an English test. Then you’ll be split into groups to take part in group activities. This part of the recruitment process follows industry standards. I would highly recommend reading this article to give yourself the best chance of success: How to Ace the Group Exercise at Your Cabin Crew Assessment Day 2017 – In Four Easy Steps
7. The Final Interview
There will be several elimination rounds throughout the Assessment Day. But if you successfully pass all elements, you’ll be invited to take part in a Final Interview – this normally takes place on the same day as the Assessment Day.
Many people find the Final Interview with Qatar Airways can be very short – this is not an indication that you have been successful or not. Prepare for the interview like you normally would, ensuring you know your skills and experience inside out. We have lots of articles on how to prepare for your Final Interview as well as examples of popular interview questions.
The recruiter will do their best to put you at ease – they want you to perform well. You’ll then receive information about what you need to do to progress your application.
8. Sending Photographs
If you haven’t already done so, you’ll have to create an online account on the Qatar Airways careers website. This will then give you access to the advanced candidate zone where you can manage your application.
You will be expected to upload photographs of yourself for review by the airline’s central HR team. You must closely follow the instructions given to you by the recruiter. Unfortunately, some candidates will be rejected at this point.
9. Medical Tests
Finally, you’ll need to upload the results of medical tests onto your account. The costs of these tests are borne by you. What tests you are asked to submit will change on a case by case basis.
Typically, these include a general self-evaluation survey, blood tests (for common sexually transmitted diseases, Hepatisis, etc) and a medical screening conducted by a medical doctor or other healthcare professional.
You’ll be assigned a recruitment coordinator who will give you specific details about what medical tests you need to obtain. Should these tests be acceptable to Qatar Airways standards you’ll receive a formal employment offer and details about your start date.
The time this process takes varies between candidates. Remember that Qatar Airways is recruiting a lot of new cabin crew at the moment and backlogs can occur. The whole recruitment process can typically take between 3-4 months but on some occasions this can be longer.
Ehh.. The more I read about recruitment process, the less confident I am 😀 I’m from Poland and I’m eagerly waiting for the Open Day here. In two weeks there is one in Prague, but I don’t feel ready yet..
Hello Agenieska,
If you don’t live too far away from Prague then it might be worth attending the Open Day anyway so you can get a feel for how it works. Sometimes being super-prepared is no gauruntee that you’ll be successful in the Qatar Airways recruitment process. It can take several times to achieve your dream so if the opportunity allows itself, go through the process and see what happens. You never know, you might be more prepared than what you think you are! The very best of luck!
Hi! Thanks a lot for the reply, I thought no one checks the comments 😀 Ehh Im considering going there, I’ll see.. Do you know what happens if they reject me at the begining? How long I’d need to wait to apply again? Im wondering whether I should go now not-fully-prepared and just give it a chance, or apply once I feel totally ready.
Hello again. Yes, of course we reply (although sometimes we’re very slow – sorry!!)
Okay, so if you’re not successful at the Open Day then there is no minimum time you have to wait before reapplying. If you don’t get through the Assessment Day then the standard holding period is 6 months but this can vary.
I wouldn’t want to tell you to go or not to go to the upcoming Open Day being held in Poland. What I would say though, is that if you work on your resume and personal presentation now, there is no reason why you don’t have the same chance of success as anyone else. If nothing else, if you do get knocked back then you will know what to expect for next time. However, if you go down this route, go into it feeling confident and project the very best you.
Holding back to get more experience and building your experience isn’t a bad thing so only get when you feel ready!
All the very best.
Hi! I just came back from OD for Qatar in Prague. I failed 🙁 But it wasn’t typical OD, we started with submit CV (‘just leave it here’) and English & math test. Some people got rejected after that. Then we had reach test & a quick conversation, we had to choose one piece of paper with a word on that and say smth about it. I had ‘SMALL’. Yes, SMALL 😀 I told them that we all should appreciate the small thinngs which happen every day bla bla bla. Then they asked about tattoos & moles etc I told them about my tattoo on my back, and I was super-smiled while saying that (as everyone advises), but it didn’t help. After that like 10 people got in to the next stage. Obviously, I have no idea if it was about tattoo or not, but I think I could at least mention that I’m about to remove it? One girl who work for Qatar adviced me to NOT tell them, and in case I get hired, then remove it before going to Doha 0_o. There was a girl who came from Phillipines especially for OD! She went to Amsterday a week ago and failed ADTER THE FINAL INTERVIEW! Yesterday she went further, but I don’t know if whe got in. Anyway, I need to think about it, whether I should go for another OD in Poland which is in two weeks. If I would knew if they rejected me because of the tattoo. ehh. But still, I’m glad I was there, now I know it’s not THAT scary, I mean all this event.
Oh no! I’m really sorry to hear that! That is certainly an interesting way of doing the Open Day – we’ve never heard of it being carried out like this and certainly haven’t experienced it ourselves. Did the website tell you to be at the hotel at (for example) 09:00am sharp?
You’re right about tattoos – Qatar Airways doesn’t allow them at all and they can’t progress anyone who has one even if they commit to having it removed.
Hi, yes they mentioned to be 9am sharp. Ooh so you say I have no chance for Qatar? But on YT I watched a girl, who said that she met some people with tattoos who got hired.. Anyway, despite the fact that here and everywhere you can find all these information, there was many of girls who came wearing blue trousers, colorful blouses, flat, long hair etc..Or coming at 9;15 (I was there at 7). And I talked to many of them who actually never thought of being a flight attendant, but they saw the event and they wanna earn a lot of money..I mean I don’t judge, but it suprise me that many people are going there only because of the salary ;/ Anyway, I decided to try for other airlines, because actually I care about destinations and flying, living in a fancy apartaments is not priority for me 😉 If you have any posts about other’s airlines recruitment (I saw about Wizz), I kindly ask you to give me a link, as I didn’t find anything. Thanks in advance! 🙂
It’s such a tricky one – we highlight what we call ‘best practice’ recruitment techniques. That doesn’t mean, however, someone who goes completely in the other direction won’t be successful. Sometimes the recruitment process, especially at Middle East airline’s makes no sense. But what we write about is what we have found works the best. We’ve never heard of anyone with tattoos getting into Qatar – that’s not to say it isn’t possible but it’s not something the airline actually allows.
We’re always looking out for airline’s who are actively recruiting!
Hey! I’m Pablo, from Uruguay and I’m currently living in Argentina , last Saturday I went to an open day here in Buenos Aires and I got an email at 3 pm saying that I had been invited to an assessment day the following day last Sunday and so we were 37 people there , we were taken an English exam and they rejected 12 people , then we were taken to the rich exam and I had no problem because I amb1.90 mts tall.. they laugh at me , and finally I had to pick a piece of paper saying what I did for fun .. (I said that I loved spending my days out with my group friends and that I loved doing that because I liked sharing valuable things , etc ) so, after all they called only 2 girls to go to another room and the rest of us , we were 8 people , we all got recected , what should I had said at the oral part asking about things I didn’t for fun ? Please , give me a hand ! I’m so so disappointed! This was my first time at an open day ! I’m 27 years old . Thank you
Hi Pablo,
Many thanks for your message and I’m sorry for the delay in getting back to you. The test you did and are worried about is similar to Etihad’s random question test (more information can be found here: https://paddleyourownk.wpengine.com/2017/10/31/etihad-cabin-crew-assessment-day-pass-random-question-test/#.Wg_gDEtpH_Q )
It’s really difficult to know what may have happened and one element of the day shouldn’t be taken in isolation. We always say the Qatar selection process can be very subjective so please don’t try to dwell on your own performance too much.
It’s really interesting to hear that you received an email invitation for the Assessment Day – this is the first time we’ve heard of this happening. Something we’ll be keeping a close eye on.
Hey! Thanks a lot for your reply !
Yeah. I came into the room and one of the two recruiters asked me what made me come there and what I was doing with my life .. that was it ! She told me she would send me an email by 7 or 8 pm And a few hours later I got the email inviting me to the assessment day .. I think they rejected me because I was really nervous ! We were only 5 people from 519 applicants . Actually, I don’t know what they are looking for ! It’s been the most strange interview i have ever had ! Ps: here I attach the email they sent me : https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/1cde83e2df846a11055d81688b2e828013d197a3e6b91d4d7533637cf8cd1c02.jpg
I’m so sorry for the delay in getting back to you.
Now that you have had the experience of going through the Open Day, I hope you’ll find the time and chance to attend a second. With your experience and knowledge of how it works, it will put you in a good position to be more confident and impress the recruiters. The very, very best of luck!
Hi, I’m planning to have a bob haircut this weekend, and there will soon be an OD next weekend. My ideal style is a slight curly bob, which to be side-parting. But do you think curls might not be so appropriate for Qatar interviews? Would you suggest it to be straight instead?
Would love to have some guide. Thank you!
There’s no set way of wearing your hair but we always advise copying a style that you would be expected to wear if you were to become cabin crew with Qatar. In that respect, your hair should be straight and preferably worn up so that it doesn’t touch your collar at all and there are no loose strands. You can wear a bob but again, it should not touch your collar. I hope this helps.
Thank you so much 🙂
I want to cut short because I really struggled to make the worn up hairdo (French twist) neat hehe… Will have a straight bob that doesn’t touch my collar for sure 😀
Thanks again for the advise!
is it true international airlines don`ot accept a person with orthodontic braces? for example Qatar airlines?
This really depends on the airline. I would be extremely surprised if Qatar Airways accepted a candidate who was in the middle of a phase of dental treatment. It’s not a red flag ‘no’ but with so many candidates to choose from, QR can be very picky! You shouldn’t have a problem at European or North American airlines although Asian airlines are less likely to accept a candidate with braces.
Approve
Hello,am from uganda in africa . am interested in becoming a cabin crew with qatar airways but have never heard of any open day in our country .how can i apply on line.thanks .Hajarah
Hi there and thanks for your comment.
Unfortunately, Qatar Airways very rarely visits African countries – it’s one of the unfortunate things about the way airline’s like Qatar hold their recruitment process. You can apply for the role on the Qatar Airways recruitment website but you’ll most likely simply be visited to attend an Open Day. As a result, you would have to travel to a country where they are holding a recruitment event at your own expense. Unfortunately, there’s no way around this.
Hello everyone,
do you know when I can attend my next Qatar Open day in case they will not choose me at the first Open day which si next week? It means they won´t give me an invitation for Assassement day. Thank you =) Have a nice day
The official answer is 6-months but very few people listen to this and it is rarely noticed by the recruiters.
Hi there!
I’m from Hong Kong. Just noticed they’ll go to Manila and Singapore in the coming December for Cabin Crew recruitment; however I heard that Qatar are coming to Hong Kong during May 2018 or Taiwan… I couldn’t find the information on its home page, may I know whether you have the information?
Thank you!
Unfortunately, we don’t have any information about Qatar visiting Hong Kong or Taiwan next year but hopefully this information will become available soon.
hey..last day i attend to colombo cabin crew open day..i think i have to try again..the thing is im 28 year old. when all candidates in big hall lady recruiter came and give introduction to s this is cv drop only.and also she xplain minimum requirement.she said high school diploma.but career web site mention high school education.i did for my school grade 13 combined maths physics and chemistry.for ordinary level i have great result.and i have 6 year hospitality experience srilanka and maldives.currently im working in maldives as front foce receptions in star level resort.when my turn comes i went inside and lady recruiter take my cv and passport copy and she return my education result sheet.she asked what you do..this is my first time i wa sbit stress and nervous..
i answered im working in maldives and working as reception.she said if u successful u will recive sms or email and wait for until 8 pm.i didn’t receive anything.
can u help me??do u thon 28 years is too old for this designation??what will be mistakes of me?
i feel lady recruiter bit aggressive
hey..last day i attend to colombo cabin crew open day..i think i have to try again..the thing is im 28 year old. when all candidates in big hall lady recruiter came and give introduction to s this is cv drop only.and also she xplain minimum requirement.she said high school diploma.but career web site mention high school education.i did for my school grade 13 combined maths physics and chemistry.for ordinary level i have great result.and i have 6 year hospitality experience srilanka and maldives.currently im working in maldives as front foce receptions in star level resort.when my turn comes i went inside and lady recruiter take my cv and passport copy and she return my education result sheet.she asked what you do..this is my first time i wa sbit stress and nervous..
i answered im working in maldives and working as reception.she said if u successful u will recive sms or email and wait for until 8 pm.i didn’t receive anything.
can u help me??do u thon 28 years is too old for this designation??what will be mistakes of me?
i feel lady recruiter bit aggressive
I’m so sorry to hear that you weren’t successful on this occasion.
It sounds like you have some great experience so the best thing to do is to work on your resume, personal presentation and confidence in speaking with the recruiter. It can sometimes take candidates several Open Day’s before they even get shortlisted – it can feel like there is no reason for the rejection. Review your performance and improve upon this for your next application.
Sadly, the Qatar Airways selection process is very subjective so I can’t say exactly what you should do on the next occasion.
The very best of luck!
I’m so sorry for the delay in getting back to you. We can’t remember the last time Qatar visited the USA for a recruitment day – we are not aware of any Open Day’s to be held in North America in the near future.
Hi, I have a question that I didn’t find an answer for online
I am 22 years old and I have BA in English literature, I want to attend to an open day but am not sure about it because my body shape is kinda too slim and am not sure if it will make me a problem, knowing that I don’t have any disease but it’s simply genetic, so my question is would I be shortlisted because of my “body weight”?
Thanks in advance.
Hello Israe,
Thanks for your message. I’m sorry to hear you’re concerned that your body shape might be a barrier to becoming cabin crew. Most airlines stipulate that a candidate’s weight must be in proportion to their height. Occasionally, some airlines offer a maximum weight but very rarely stipulate a minimum weight. As long as you are classed as being of a healthy BMI then you should be absolutely fine. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that airlines like Qatar Airways do judge candidate’s on their image – Unfortunately, it’s difficult to judge whether your body shape would preclude you from being successful.
Hello Kris,
Thank for getting in contact. Yes, they absolutely would consider progressing your application – the recruitment process can take several months and this is something recruiters regularly take into consideration. However, I don’t know whether the online application will automatically reject you because of your age.
Qatar’s recruitment process is highly subjective – travelling to another country for the Open Day is a huge risk but we know many people are willing to do just this. After all, you have to be in it, to win it!
If you are prepared for the potential of disappointment then absolutely make the trip. The very best of luck!!
Hello. I would love to work for the airline. Am Kenyan. So they have an open day in Uganda and I am currently applying. My issue however is my weight. Do they give you a chance to lose the weight while training or do they reject you if overweight( BMI indicates am slightly Overweight). Other than my weight, my experience and personality are outstanding! Thank you.
BMI is only one indicator of your overall health. However, many airlines will state that your weight has to be in proportion to your height. Generally speaking, you would need to be at the required weight before commencing training.
KJ, while work experience can be a great advantage, your situation isn’t unusual and many people have gone on to land a job as cabin crew with Qatar Airways. However, the recruitment process is highly subjective so it can sometimes be difficult to know where you went wrong if you end up being rejected. We always advise carefully reviewing your performance after every application and doing all you can to fill in the gaps in your resume – in this case, it might be getting customer service experience. The very best of luck!
Hello,
Thank you PYOK for being such an amazing source of information! We all really appreciate your help in this daunting process!
Does Qatar only posts there open days for the current month?
Based on past experience, would you say it is likely they will release new dates in March? I am in Cape Town South Africa.
Your assistance is greatly appreciated! Thanks for being awesome!
Oh thank you so much for your kind words! Qatar normally post up to a month and a half in advance – we see cities throughout South Africa appearing every couple of months so although we can’t say for certain, we would normally expect recruiters to visit Cape Town at some time soon!
Hello PaddleYouOwnKanoo, i really appreciate the information you have given concerning the entire recruitment process!
i have a quick question though, I recently applied online for the cabin crew position ,since Qatar had a shortlisted campaign in my Country where you are only required to apply online.So i was wondering whether they will give an update on whether you have been shortlisted and if not will they send you a “Regret ” message or will you not get a message and have to assume you haven’t qualified.I would really appreciate your reply. Thanks.
Hello, thank you for all the information above!
I am from İstanbul, Turkey and Qatar Airways haven’t showed up here since 2015. I am planning to attend the open day in Kyviv, Ukrain but the transportation and accomodation (2 days I guess) costs will be wasted if there will be an open day in Turkey within few months. I was wondering whether I can attend to an open day in a certain city from a different country or not. And if there is an open day held in following months in Turkey soon, or not..?
Thanks in advance