Interview experience:
After submitting my resume to PSA through their website (career tab), I received a response from Kaylee inviting me to a group interview. This was approximately three days after I submitted the resume. The group interview was for February 2, 2012 @ 9:00 am. The initial email asked me to reply on whether I was still interested in the position. I replied immediately and received a second email (almost immediately) giving me more information regarding the process (not detailed - just informational).
I arrived at the PSA Training Facility (by the way - the building is not marked, it is the building directly across from the headquarter building and you must pull up to a stop gate very close and it will go up) at 8:40 am on the day of the group interview. I parallel parked (not many guest parking spots, but many PSA training staff spots open). I immediately noticed that there wasn't many cars in the "guest" parking area (all which were spots that you needed to parrallel park). I immediately noticed that the parking lot and building were in shabby condition. Walking into the building I noticed a sign that indicated the training facility was located on the second floor.
At the top of the stairs was a very small lobby area. There was one other applicant that arrived right before I arrived. She was a really nice lady that I chit chatted with while we were waiting to be greeted by a PSA representative. Five other applicants arrived soon after. The In-Flight Director, Debrah arrived and told us all to "hang tight" and that the interview would commence shortly. All of the applicants made small talk and introduced each other. We discussed where we all lived. We were all very surprised that we were all from Ohio (three of us were very local and the other four was within two hours of the airport).
At approximately 9:10 am - we were greeted by Kaylee (HR Recruiter). She led us all in a conference room. There were four PSA representatives. Kaylee (HR); Debrah (In-Flight Director); Tracy (In-Flight personnel) and Andrea (In-Flight Manager). We all found a seat and the session began. Debrah lead the initial informational session. We were presented a power point presentation about PSA Airlines; benefits and salary information; explanation of reserve responsibilities; etc... The way that they presented everything up front made me feel that they had recently hired and trained many flight attendants that once on the job, changed their mind about working either as a flight attendant and/or PSA Airlines. They really pointed out the fact that we would be away from home at least 21 days per month. They also reiterated that the hourly rate was for flight hours and that we would be working much more hours than what we would be paid. This would equate to about $15,000/yr gross. Taken from this would be approximately $100/pay period for uniform; medical premium (single); union dues. There was also an initial fee of $60.00 to pay for union representation. They also reiterated that even though we lived very close to the DAY base - we would most likely be domiciled (based) while on reserve in Charlotte or Knoxville. The explained that if we wanted to commute - this would eat up our days off (flying in the day before; flying out the day after our shifts) and we would be responsible for hotel accommodations; food; etc... They even mentioned that we most likely would get fat because of the irregular eating habits and fast food consumption of flight attendants.. (lol). They were really up front on the extreme hardships of being a flight attendant (especially for the first year to two years). On a positive note, they did say that most of the flight attendants get their line within 12 - 18 months typically. On a national chain - this sometimes can take a decade. They also mentioned that the next training class was starting on February 13th. You would need to have your passport and supporting documentation showing EXACTLY the same information ( exact name - ie.. if drivers license includes middle name or initial - the other documentation needs to be exact!!) before you could start your training.
After the long presentation, we were invited to ask questions. I asked three industry related questions ( one in regards to the training and since I lived so close to the facility if I would need to stay at the Englewood Holiday Inn with a room mate or if I could stay at home). They basically said that I would need to stay with the other trainees because some of the homework would be with the other trainees. Only one other applicant asked a question and it was in regards to "maternity leave" ... this applicant was chosen to stay for the one on one interview (kinda strange I thought).
Before we took a break - we were given a partner that we would obtain their full name; city and state that they lived; where they worked; and some sort of interesting information about them. We were to come back from break and introduce that person to the panel and to the group. Then the other person would do the same. We were given approximately a 15 minute break in the lobby area to gather the information for the introduction. I'm sure that the panel was forming opinions on first impressions on each of us during the break and deciding what type of pop question to ask each of us based on our appearance. We were then led back into the other side of the conference room to give our introductions.
My partner and I were the first up. He introduced me; my first and last name; my city and state; my current job title; and my "interesting" information. He was asked if he could live with any tv family - which family would he live with. He answered - The Kardachians ... lol. Then he was asked which Kardachian would he prefer. He chose Courtney.
THEN - I gave my introduction of him. I also introduced him with his first and last name; current city and state; his current employer; and the "interesting" information that he chose to share with me. I was then asked my question which was "What is the longest amount of time that you ever went without sleep" I responded that I prefer to get at least 5 - 8 hours of sleep each evening, but I prefered 8 hours. I then asked the interviewer - "Do you mean ever" She said yes - ever. I said - well - probably 24 hours without sleep. She immediately asked - Why didn't you get any sleep within 24 hours My answer immediately "eliminated" me - I answered - this is when I was younger and I probably was "partying" - NOT A PROFESSIONAL response at all!!! Needless to say - at break and when they only asked back the people that they decided to do a one on one interview with - I was not asked back :( Live and learn I guess. At least I was honest ... What I was doing when I was in my 20's and what I am doing now in my 40's is much different. However - I should have thought before answering - and replied "insomnia" ...
After I flubbed - my mind was in wander mode. The only other question that I remember being asked of one of the other applicants was "If you could be any female tv lawyer - which one would you be" The applicant mentioned that she did not watch much tv, so they gave her another pop question in which she asnwered quite eloqently. I can't remember what it was (remember - I was still in shock that I had answered my question so unprofessionally. This is not like me. A definate reason to be eliminated!
In hindsight - I can understand that the "introducing" the other applicant to the group was both to test our speaking skills as well as our listening skills. So - be prepared in your group interview to gather much "pertinent" information from your partner and look at the panel when you are introducing the person. Try to find "interesting" accomplishments and give your partner pertinent "intersting" accomplishments to speak on your behalf.
Good Luck - I hope this information is helpful to anyone interviewing with PSA...
to get the remaining 5 gouges on PSA Airlines.
PSA Airlines Study Guide Questions:
1. Tell us about yourself, such as your occupation.2. What 3 attributes would you bring to our company?
Honesty, Hardworking and attention to detail.3. Can you describe everyone in the group?
Great people and I hope everyone gets hired.4. Why do you want to be a PSA Flight Attendant?
Excited about PSA's Future and the homelike enviroment. Family Enviroment.5. What does LAV mean?
aircraft lavatory6. If you sell 4 beers and 3 wines at $4.00 each then your next flight 5 beers, how much money should you have?
48.00$7. Departure time is at 4:35PM and your need to be at the airport 45 minutes prior to departure, what time should you be at the airport?
350 pm
3:45 PM8. What major characteristic makes a successful flight attendant?
people person , Honest and hardworking.9. How soon you could begin training once notified?
ASAP10. Have you had a time where work prevailed over your personal plans?
being on reserve you make plans and sometimes a trip comes up and that prevails over personal lives.
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