Given your experience in hiring, what qualities set successful candidates apart and help them excel in their roles?

Let your personality shine through, other candidates may have just as much experience as you, but what really sets you aside from your competition is your unique personality.

Don't be afraid to ask questions to find out if the role is a good fit for you, potential employers will appreciate your interest & will value your honesty in finding a role that you value.

Ensure your CV is personable, share your personal interests, add your favourite quotes, you will really stand out and the employer can see what makes you tick.

Prepare - always do your research on the role and the company prior to your interview. Going in blind will show you are not very interested in the role. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.

As a member of the BA strategic recruitment team, I recognise the significance of each applicant's journey and the value they bring to our dynamic community. Your success in our application process matters deeply to us, and I'm here to offer guidance on how you can truly shine:

- Thoughtful responses to application questions: every response you provide in the application is a chance to showcase your passion and suitability for the role. Take the time to delve into each question, crafting responses that authentically reflect your skills and experiences.

- Tailor your CV with precision: your CV serves as your initial introduction to us, so make it count. Customise it to highlight the experiences and achievements most relevant to the position you're applying for. This demonstrates your understanding of our needs and your commitment to contributing meaningfully.

- Craft compelling STAR stories: in interviews, utilise the STAR method to structure your responses effectively. Sharing the Situation, Task, Action, and Result of your experiences provides us with clear insights into your capabilities and accomplishments.

- Embrace your authentic self: authenticity is key throughout the process. Share genuine stories and perspectives rather than relying solely on rehearsed answers. This genuine connection helps us understand who you are beyond the resume.

- Practice with precision: practice makes perfect. Engage in mock interviews to refine your communication skills and build confidence. Utilise online resources to simulate interview scenarios tailored to the role.

- Highlight your unique value: identify what sets you apart and emphasise it. Whether it's a specialised skill or a unique experience, clearly articulate how it aligns with our company's vision and objectives.

- Ask thoughtful questions: interviews are a two-way street. Ask insightful questions that demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and our company culture.

By investing effort into your application, tailoring your materials to our needs, and embodying these strategies, you'll significantly elevate your application and make a lasting impression. Best of luck, and remember to stay true to yourself. We're excited to potentially welcome you to our team!

1. Highlight Leadership and Teamwork experience

Make sure to emphasise leadership experiences and any past experiences that demonstrate your ability to work effectively in team settings (this can also be in education) and ultimately how this was underpinned by effective communication and your ability to prioritise. There are crucial qualities in the aviation sector .

2. Showcasing Results and Achievements

Make sure these accomplishments are clearly highlighted with specific metrics wherever possible, as this helps demonstrate the tangible impact you've made in your roles.

3. Demonstrating Continuous Learning

Consider elaborating on any specific courses, certifications, or initiatives you've undertaken to further your skills, especially those related to aviation, customer service, or leadership development. Doing so will showcase your above and beyond approach to develop your career, that so many of our colleagues are empowered to do.

4. Consider and demonstrate demonstrate how you align with our values

With any role at British Airways, be it Pilots, Cabin Crew, office staff such as myself, we all abide by three key pillars that guide everything we do. These are, Safety, Security & Service. We recognise their importance in our daily lives and they are never compromised. They guide every decision we make at every level, and we all recognise our own personal responsibility and accountability to ensure they are upheld in our own roles. For example, Safety and Security may be fairly obvious for Pilots and Cabin Crew, but for me, this could also take the form of ensuring GDPR / data compliance, ensuring the safety and security of personal data. Again, Service may be fairly straight forward for Pilots and Cabin Crew, but again in my role, this could take the format of how quickly we communicate recruitment decisions to candidates, and their experience during our assessment processes etc. In summary, these three pillars matter to us all in very different ways, yet they remain a constant unifying set of foundations that make us, BA. It is this level of understanding and self-awareness that we look for when we conduct any screening, assessments or interviews. In any application you make, or any assessment you are a part of, do be sure to demonstrate your appreciation and understanding of these pillars, relating them to the role you are applying for, as it will definitely help you stand out as having done your research, and invested in our brand on a deep level.