How to Craft a Compelling Cabin Crew CV: Writing Guide and Tips with Examples

In the highly competitive aviation industry, becoming a cabin crew member in the UK is more achievable than you might think. This guide shows you how to create a modern CV to help navigate the diverse career paths, catering to every level of expertise from skilled professionals contemplating a career change to recent school leavers. 

Knowing how to write a good CV is crucial in securing an interview and launching your career. Firstly, are you aware of application tracking systems (ATS)? Many organisations use this software to scan and read job applications. Ensure you use a professional cabin crew CV template to get noticed by potential employers. 

Here’s what we cover in this article to help you write the perfect CV for cabin crew: 

• Key sections and information: guidance on how to write a CV for a cabin crew job and the essential components to include.

• Tailoring your CV: tips for creating a customised and concise CV.

• Real-life examples: how to showcase your passion for becoming a service crew member, and how to highlight your cabin crew skills and qualities, even if you have no experience.

• Insight into role requirements: understanding what airlines look for candidates, training options and how to qualify.

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Cabin crew CV example 

In this service crew CV sample, Victoria presents over three years of experience in aviation and customer service. This professional format for an air hostess CV presents key qualities such as excellent communication skills, relevant work history, education and key accomplishments for recruiters to scan clearly. Check out the cabin crew cover letter for more inspiration!

What to include in a cabin crew CV?

Whether applying to British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, or any other airline, your CV should demonstrate your understanding of the job requirements and include key sections such as:

• Personal information: Full name, contact details, and potentially a professional photo on a CV to show recruiters.

• Personal profile summary: a brief introduction highlighting your cabin crew aspirations, soft skills and strengths.

• Certifications and attestations: mention any relevant certifications such as Cabin Crew Attestation (CCA), European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) or a cabin crew medical certificate.

• Work experience: detail your previous roles, focusing on customer service, safety awareness, and teamwork skills. This is especially important when you're crafting a CV for a service crew or as a flight attendant.

• Education: list your educational background with any relevant training or qualifications related to a cabin crew role.

• Skills section: highlight key cabin crew knowledge and competencies, like handling inflight emergencies, cabin crew equipment knowledge, and interpersonal skills.

• Languages: indicate your language skills, especially if applying to British Airways or Virgin Atlantic cabin crew international roles.

When applying to specific airlines, ensure your CV is tailored for each job. For example, a British Airways cabin crew CV might focus on exceptional customer service and safety procedures for inflight emergencies, while a Virgin Atlantic position might emphasise style and comfort. Always align your CV and cover letter with the airline’s brand and values by referring to the job description. For more guidance, use a master CV to write a job-specific CV.

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How to write a CV for a cabin crew job in 5 steps 

1. Take your CV to new heights with your personal profile 

A well-crafted cabin crew CV profile summary is your opportunity to make a strong first impression on potential employers. This section should convey your qualifications, career aspirations, personality, unique qualities, and how these align with the specific airline role.

Suppose you are aiming for an entry-level position or for a supervisory role because you love to travel and interact in a multicultural workplace; highlight your top soft skills and accomplishments in this section to impress employers.

For more tips on how to write a personal profile on a CV for a cabin crew job, read our article. 

2. What are the essential skills for a cabin crew CV? 

Your CV skills section is critical to showcase your relevant abilities and competencies relevant to your job targets. Include a combination of hard and soft skills to impress recruiters and demonstrate versatility.

Hard skills, encompassing job-specific technical abilities, should be listed in bullet points within relevant sections such as certifications and skills. Soft skills, reflecting personal traits gained from education or experience, are best highlighted in the personal profile and work experience sections.

5 essential skills for a cabin crew CV:

1. First aid and medical training: ability to provide immediate medical care in emergencies, a critical skill for handling in-flight health issues.

2. Safety awareness: knowledge of health and safety procedures to ensure the highest standards of care for passengers and crew during flights.

3. Aircraft systems knowledge: understanding the operations of the aircraft, which is essential for managing and troubleshooting potential issues.

4. Cultural sensitivity: awareness and appreciation of different cultures, enabling effective communication with passengers from diverse backgrounds.

5. Communication: excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills to convey information, manage passenger expectations, and maintain a calm, authoritative presence to resolve queries and requests.

For more inspiration, browse our article on what key CV skills to add for a flight attendant role or explore similar roles such as the travel agent CV example.

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3. Share your career journey: Work experience on a cabin crew CV

In the work experience section of a flight attendant CV, start by listing your job titles, locations and dates using a chronological format. Outline essential responsibilities and duties then highlight your achievements or accomplishments in bullet points. 

Use quantifiable results to demonstrate impact on previous employers and companies. Use action verbs to strengthen your CV and showcase your professional contributions and what result they had, such as 'managed in-flight emergencies', 'collaborated closely with team members', or 'implemented company policies and procedures'.

Work experience examples for a cabin crew CV

Cabin Service Manager, TUI Group, London, 2018 - Present

Oversee and manage all cabin service operations to create a safe, comfortable, and pleasant flying experience for passengers. Lead a team, provide guidance and ensure in-flight service delivery is efficient. Implement and monitor safety procedures and conduct regular training sessions to ensure regulatory compliance. Resolve passenger complaints and concerns, contributing to positive customer service.

• Achieved and maintained a 98% customer satisfaction rate through efficient management of cabin service operations.

• Spearheaded a team, ensuring a 20% reduction in response time.

• Conducted regular safety training sessions, resulting in a 15% increase in compliance with industry safety standards and reduced safety-related incidents.

Cabin Crew, RyanAir, Birmingham, 2020 - Present

Demonstrate skills and knowledge related to crew responsibilities and in-flight service. Continuously ensure passenger safety, comfort, and satisfaction by executing safety protocols, emergency procedures, and first aid. Consistently provide outstanding communication and problem-solving abilities, adeptly managing various in-flight scenarios. Collaborate seamlessly with the cabin crew team to guarantee the smooth operation of in-flight services, contributing to a positive flying experience for passengers.

• Successfully managed safety protocols and emergency procedures, ensuring readiness for any in-flight situation.

• Received consistent positive feedback from passengers, contributing to a remarkable 95% customer satisfaction rate.

• Attended recurrent training sessions and earned a 98% certification exam success rate. 

Private Flight Attendant, VistaJet, London, 2018 - Present

Caters to the unique needs of high-profile clients on private jets, providing tailored customer service to enhance their travel experience. Maintaining the highest standards of cabin appearance and client care. Coordinating with the flight team to ensure compliance with flight schedules and handling special requests efficiently,

• Maintained a 98% client satisfaction rate by delivering customised and attentive service.

• Improved service delivery efficiency, reducing delays by 20% through proactive coordination.

• Enhanced operational procedures, boosting the efficiency of private jet services by 25%.

Cabin crew CV with little to no work experience

If you have no experience that is directly related to this role, consider pursuing courses or part-time work to strengthen your CV and develop cabin crew transferable skills. Customer service or hospitality experience like waitressing, demonstrates multi-tasking and time management when managing orders, serving customers, and attending to requests in a fast-paced environment. Take advantage of seasonal work opportunities to boost your skills and experience.

Customer Service Representative, Global Contact Solutions, Glasgow, 2021 - 2022

Excelled in managing a high volume of customer inquiries and efficiently resolving concerns,  improving customer satisfaction. Developed strong communication and problem-solving skills while addressing diverse passenger concerns effectively. Recognised for maintaining professionalism and composure in challenging situations, fostering positive customer interactions.

• Handled an average of 60 customer interactions, providing timely solutions and maintaining detailed records of resolved cases.

For more information, refer to our article or learn how to list work experience for extra guidance in this section. 

4. Boost your CV with an education section

There are various ways to qualify for a cabin crew role. Employers typically request two or more GCSEs in grades 9 to 3 (equivalent to A* to D) to start training or be accepted for entry-level roles. You should consider including any secondary school qualifications, college diplomas or relevent degrees to increase your chances of a successful job application.

Educational pathways include:

• College courses like an NCFE Level 2 certificate or Diploma in Air Cabin Crew, or broader travel and tourism courses.

• Apprenticeships involving on-the-job training and formal instruction, typically requiring 5 GCSEs including English and Maths.

• Training programs that lead to certifications such as the Cabin Crew Attestation (CCA) and EASA qualifications.

Examples of education:

• BTEC in Travel and Tourism, Manchester College, UK, 2021.

• Online Aviation Safety and Customer Service Course, AviationSkillsOnline, UK, 2023.

• BA in Hospitality Management, University of Edinburgh, UK, 2019.

• 11 GCSEs A-B including Maths, English and Spanish, Greenwood High School, Manchester, 2015.

Additional requirements may include:

• Valid Airside ID

• UK Disclosure Barring Service (DBS). Check Garda Vetting Check (GVC) for Irish applicants

• Cabin Crew Medical Report by an authorised Aeromedical examiner

• Overseas criminal record check.

Learn more about applying directly for jobs with current airline members and refer to the UK Civil Aviation Authority for more information on airline requirements.

For more information, refer to our article on how to write the CV education section.

5. Enhance your CV with additional sections 

In the dynamic aviation field, ongoing learning and adaptability is crucial to success. Showcase your personal and professional development by adding additional sections to your CV. This additional information demonstrates your commitment to achieve your career goals and enhance your credentials.

How to list courses and certificates on a cabin crew CV 

In the aviation industry, continuous professional development is key. As the field evolves rapidly, staying updated with the latest advancements, regulations, and best practices is essential. Boost your CV by listing relevant courses and certificates to showcase your cabin crew knowledge.

Examples of courses:

• BTEC Level 2 Certificate/Diploma in Air Cabin Crew

• Safety and emergency procedures

• Digital training and new technologies 

• Customer Service Excellence 

• CPR and first aid.

Use this format to present courses on your CV for a flight attendant:

• Course name, Issuer, Issued date (date of completion/in progress)

Example: 

• Safety and Emergency Procedures Training, Digital Safety Institute, Online Course, 2022.

For guidance read how to list courses and certificates on your service crew CV.

How to add languages to a flight attendant CV 

Highlighting language skills on your cabin crew CV is crucial for demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively with diverse customers when working for international airlines. In this section indicate your native or bilingual languages alongside languages you have learnt with a brief description.

Examples of languages:

• English (Native): fluent in reading, writing, and speaking.

• Spanish (Professional proficiency): capable of handling service requests and emergencies.

• Mandarin (Conversational): basic understanding, for greeting passengers and simple interactions.

Learn how to present language skills on your CV. 

How to add references to a CV 

Adding references to your CV can be a powerful way to build credibility. Include professional references who can attest to your qualifications and work ethic in the aviation industry. You can easily add a section to your CV to indicate that you have references available.

Key takeaways 

If you're looking for an easy-to-use CV maker for cabin crew jobs, we have the tools and resources to help you succeed. Writing an effective application for cabin crew roles involves showcasing your skills, qualifications, and passion for customer service. Prioritise tailoring your cover letter and personal profile to each airline’s brand and values. Highlight your unique strengths, relevant work experience, language skills and training certificates that align with your job targets.

Next steps? 

If you're ready to kickstart your career but need help writing a job-specific CV, our CV Writing Service can help you achieve your dream job. If you’re writing a sample CV for cabin crew without experience, use our easy CV Builder to save time and effort. Stay organised with our advice on how to track your job applications and add the finishing touches with the best tips on how to send your CV via email. For more practical guidance, consult these 10 steps to improve your CV. 

FAQ 

What qualifications do I need to be a cabin crew in the UK? 

While specific qualifications aren't essential, having GCSEs in English and Maths is typically required. You must be at least 18 years old, meet height requirements (usually 5'2" to 6' 3"), pass a medical report, demonstrate swimming ability, and obtain a (CCA) certificate.

Do I need cabin crew training? 

Yes, cabin crew training is essential and airlines typically provide specialised programs covering safety and emergency procedures, customer service, and aircraft courses. Training is crucial for ensuring passenger safety, customer satisfaction, and strict compliance with regulations.

How do I become a cabin crew member?

We recommend researching specific airlines to understand their unique technical requirements, including age, height, and language skills. Tailor your CV to highlight relevant qualifications, work experience, and key attributes in the job description. Undergo training to obtain your (CCA) certificate from approved airlines or organisations. If shortlisted, prepare some good questions for your job interview.

How much do cabin crew members get paid? 

On average in the UK, entry-level cabin crew members can expect to earn between £15,000 to £20,000 per year, with the potential to earn £30,000 with experience and promotions.

Should I add hobbies and interests to my cabin crew CV?

Consider adding hobbies and interests to your cabin crew CV to provide insight into your personality. Focus on hobbies that showcase desirable qualities such as teamwork in sports or cultural awareness from travelling or volunteering in a multicultural setting.

Do flight attendants need to know two languages?

While it is not a strict requirement for flight attendants in the UK to be fluent in two languages, having proficiency in another language other than English can really help with your application. Language requirements vary on the airline and the routes they operate.