My Emirates Cabin Crew Interview Experience - From CV handing in to Golden Call (Hong Kong)

I remember couple months back when I received the email for attending the Emirates cabin crew open day, I was frantically searching online for tips and advice for the interview! I read blogs (english and chinese), forums, asked friends - I did everything I could think of (this is how much I wanted the job)! I swore that if I got the job offer, I would write a blog post on my own experience so that I could help others. So here it is!

It all started a few months back when I applied for the Emirates cabin crew position, for an interview in Hong Kong, online. A few weeks after applying, I received an email invitation to the Emirates open day. Once I got the email, I was sure to get everything prepared for the day.


OPEN DAY
I arrived about an hour early but luckily I wasn't the only one so there were a few girls there to talk to whilst we were waiting for the day to start. As the hour went by, more and more people arrived. I made a guestimate of 350 applicants that day. There were too many people and so the recruiters didn't play their introduction video and got straight down to business. We were told to hand our CVs to them with a photo, starting from the applicants who were standing up. Some people misunderstood and queued up to hand in their CV even if their seat was right in front of the recruiter - unfortunately, they didn't get through to the next round.

emirates cabin crew interview
This is the photo I attached with my CV and application form. It could be a casual photo, but I wanted to show the recruiters that I could take on the Emirates look so I snapped a picture at home before the interview. Make sure you have a big smile in the picture! They sure do like it!
This round is all about first impressions! This is a great tip I gathered from reading all the blogs I could google on Emirates cabin crew interviews. Although many people didn't, I was sure to dress according to the dress code, which was business attire. I wanted to let the recruiters see how I would be with the Emirates look. I made sure I had my hair neat and tidy in a low bun, red defined lips, groomed brows, tidy uniform, knee length skirt and a big, confident smile at all times. I found Lisa Single's videos particularly useful for this!

emirates cabin crew interviewemirates cabin crew interview
I tried out the Emirates look days before I attended the interview to make sure everything was ok and I felt comfortable! 

I was one of the last to hand in my CVs and I still remember being very nervous when I was queuing up. When I got called over, I remembered to greet the recruiter by her name and I have a habit that worked well for me which was that I asked her "How are you?". I made sure to remember her name as it shows off your friendly side and that you have a good memory and are observant - I heard recruiters like it! We had a nice little chat whilst she flicked through my CV briefly - this is VERY important! Please note: I sat in front of the recruiters and saw that for candidates who didn't talk at all had a big "NO" written across their application form on the spot. It's very important to be friendly as a cabin crew and that's what the recruiters are looking for.
We all left after handing in our forms and CVs. I went to meet my friend for ramen and 2 hours after the interview I received a call! I was SO happy - the recruiter called back to invite me to the Assessment day which was happening the day after. I was assigned number #15 as my number for the selection process. I was so happy that I even forgot to ask about the time and location but I assumed it would be the same as the Open Day.


ASSESSMENT DAY
I was correct! I arrived an hour early - again. I already saw some girls in suits waiting so I went to say "Hello". I found out later that they hadn't received their call but came to make sure that the recruiters hadn't missed their name. To be honest, I felt very sad for them as the girls flew in from Korea just to attend the interview but she was not selected for the assessment day.
When everybody arrived, we could see that there were only around 100 of us who were invited. First off, they showed us the introduction video that was supposed to be shown the day before and we had a Q&A session. We were given a name tag for the day, which was very useful as you MUST refer to other candidates by their names to show the recruiters that you are a team player and it shows off your friendliness and observation skills.


PART 1 - Small group discussion
We were split into groups of around 15-16 candidates and were paired up and given a card in which we had to 'think outside the box' and suggest different ways to use the item on the card. She showed us an example, it was a picture of a parachute and we had to think of a different way to use the parachute. Some people said for taking photos, then I suggested maybe we could use it as a dress - the recruiter was impressed with my idea! My partner and I were given a card with a rose on it.
As we were discussing, the recruiter would call you out one by one to do the arm reach test of 212cm tiptoeing. She also asked if I had any tattoos or birthmarks when I went to do my arm reach test. I saw many girls stretching before the test, which was very funny but apparently it works well! Some girls unfortunately didn't pass the arm reach test so they had to leave right away.
Once everyone had their arm reach test, we had to present to our group our ideas. I don't think the recruiter was really listening to WHAT we were presenting, but HOW we were presenting it. I made sure to start off with "Sally and I discussed and one idea we came up with was...". Points to remember during presentation:
(1) Refer to your partner - this is a team task, not a competition.
(2) Eye contact with your audience and the interviewer.
(3) Speak clearly in an adequate voice.
(4) Act professional - don't giggle and nudge and wobble around.

After, we were all asked to wait outside and the recruiters came out and called our numbers one by one to hand us a slip.
"Congratulations! you have been successful.." YES! I made it!



PART 2 - English test
We walked into the room and there were desks with exam papers on. It was just like an university exam! The exam was easy and most of us got through to the next stage of selection, with the exception of 3 candidates.


PART 3 - More Discussion and Role Play
This part, I would say scared me the most. We were given a scenario: We are the hotel managers and the hotel is overbooked. There are 8 guests waiting to be checked in but only 2 rooms available. We had to first discuss which two guests to give the rooms to. These guests include a family with babies, a famous celebrity who is attending a fashion event in the hotel, a travel blogger etc. The recruiter walked around us listening to our discussion. At this stage, I remembered not to be competitive and aggressive, but to LISTEN and CONTRIBUTE. Always listen first and use phrases like "I agree", "What do you think about..", "I understand, but maybe we could also think about..". TEAMWORK is the key! Be a team player. I observed that two girls were very quiet, whilst one girl was very dominant, so I actually asked the two girls (of course, by their names) what they thought so we could include their opinions too. I saw in the corner of my eye that the recruiter was impressed and she started scribbling away after I made that move.

After discussion, we gave in the two guests that we would like to offer rooms to. The recruiter then role played one of the other angry guests who didn't get a room offer. This was a very difficult part and I could see the girls shaking as they responded to the 'angry customer'. The recruiter did a very good job at role playing. I was not sure how well I did but I made sure to apologize first and give immediate solutions for the customer. For example, always offer the customer immediate service - you do not need to mention about reflecting to the management team as it does nothing for the customer. What I did was I offered a spa session and lunch for the angry customer. The recruiter said she wanted to change clothes so I thought outside the box and offered clothes from the fashion show for the 'angry customer' to change into. I think the key is to keep a smile, be sorry, give immediate solutions and don't freak out!

At the end, the recruiter again called us out one by one to receive our slip.
I was still shaking but I looked...rubbed my eyes and looked again..
"Congratulations! you have been successful.." WHAT?! I couldn't believe it! That means I will be going to the final interview!!

There were 15 of us left, out of 350 the day before. Of us, there were 2 guys and the rest were girls. We exchanged contact numbers immediately and opened a WhatsApp group. It was so nice to have a group to talk to and to worry together.

That night, we were all asked to complete a personality test online which was very confusing but just go with how you really think, the recruiter said.


PART 4 - Final Interview
I scheduled my interview at 9am two days after the assessment day so I could spend a day to prepare all the things that I had to bring to the interview. There were many regulations as to the photos we had to bring to the final interview so I basically had to take all my photos again. We had to bring:

(1) 6 passport photos in a suit, with a big smile.
(2) A full length photo in a suit up against a plain background - our legs had to be together and hands were by our sides.

My full length photo!
(3) 2 casual photos, one full length and one from the waist and above - these could be any photos but be sure to find one that you have a big smile and are dressed appropriately. We were told to bring more photos to the interview so the recruiter could help us choose the best ones.
(4) Certificate of completion of highest level of education.
(5) Passport copy.
(6) Updated copy of CV.

I was early again, of course. Punctuality is a great deal for crew members and I made sure I arrived before the recruiter did as I was the first interviewee that day. The interview was very relaxed. They first asked me to fill in a form and they checked through all the things that I had to bring - unfortunately my university documents were not ready so I had to send it to them via email after the interview.
The interview questions were based on past working experience to see how I work in the workplace. Some questions I was asked were:

Q: Tell me a time when a customer was not happy with your service.

Q: Tell me a time when you helped a customer.

Q: Tell me a time when you had conflict with your co-worker.

Q: Tell me a time you had to adapt in order to respect a different culture (not exactly this wording but this is what she meant)

Q: What was the most difficult thing you experienced when you moved to Hong Kong? (I moved to HK 4 years ago, I was born and bred in the UK)

You can tell that the questions are about very personal experiences so I wont share my answers here but here are a few tips I would tell anyone who is about to attend a final interview for Emirates cabin crew:

(1) PREPARE! - it's difficult to think on the spot and I prepared my answers for the questions the night before. It was very helpful that I read many blogs and wrote down a list of possible questions and prepared them tailored to myself. I'm very sorry that I don't remember all the questions but please do search for other crew's interview experiences - it will help!
(2) Talk in detail! Tell the interviewer all the juicy bits of your story! Tell him/her how the customer felt afterwards, tell him/her how angry the customer was, how calm you were when you dealt with the situation.
(3) Be yourself! When it's a one to one interview, it's very easy to tell if you're being yourself or not so just treat the interviewer(s) as friends. Remember this job is all about being caring and friendly. Don't be afraid to treat the interviewer as your friend!

When the interviewer asked me if I had any questions for them. I was totally being myself, I asked her how to correctly pronounce her name (She had an unusual name) and we had a nice chat. Be sure to wish them a safe flight back to Dubai to leave a good impression!


PART 5 - Golden Call
Afterwards, it was all a long waiting process. One day after work, I checked my phone and saw a missed call from a number starting '+97..'! Could that be it?! the Golden Call?
I was trembling as I went to check my online status on my Emirates jobpage. It read "Joining Formalities in Progress" which means I DID IT!
Emirates do not work on Fridays and Saturdays so I waited until Sunday to receive my call.
"Hello Zoe! I'm glad to inform you that your application for the cabin crew position at Emirates has been successful" - THANK YOU THANK YOU!! I wore the biggest smile on my face for the whole day.

emirate cabin crew barbie
My dream job! haha
Now, you may be asking me when I will be moving to Dubai. I personally have a medical problem which may mean that I am not successful in the end. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the selection process and have met a lot of friends because of this interview. I am glad that I have ticked off one of my childhood dreams - to be a flight attendant. Although I may not be able to fly around due to a shortage of haemoglobin levels, but I am grateful that I have the potential to be a flight attendant.

GOOD LUCK to all of you who are about to or undergoing the selection process for Emirates cabin crew! I hope this blog post helps you out!

60 comments:

  1. Hi Zoe. Do you mind i ask you about your medical problem, you mentioned that you're shortage of haemoglobin levels. Do you have thalassemia ?

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    1. Yes that's right! :( I have thalassemia unfortunately.

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  2. Hi, Zoe! Congratulations for passing all stages. I pray that your medicals will be okay.

    Also, I want to ask a question. I am a Filipina, currently residing in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. There will be an Emirates Open Day in Bahrain (near Saudi Arabia) on October 18. I am planning to attend. But there are rumors that Emirates freezes hiring of Philippine passport holders. Do you think it will be worth the risk? I will be spending my whole 1-month salary for this journey.

    I also have this kind of worry that... What if I get invited on the assessment day, but I am using a Saudi-based phone simcard (but roaming activated), will they still call me?

    I am very scared! I hope you can give advice for me. Thank you!

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    1. Hey :) I'm sure they'd call you no matter what as the Korean girls in my interview received a call despite having a korean phone number.
      I'm not sure about Philippine passports but Emirates definitely loves cultural diversity and from your message, I assume you know quite a few languages?! This will be an asset to you!

      However, in my opinion, I would not risk it. A whole month's salary is a lot! I would not recommend that you spend too much money on the interview process as it is a tough one to get through all stages. During my interview, I met many Korean, Thai, Taiwanese, Swiss girls who flew in for the interview process but didn't make it through even the first stage. I felt upset for them for the money and time they had invested in the first interview for disappointment.

      Maybe you could consider any other airlines?
      I hope it all works out for you, whether you decide to attend the interview or not! Hope this blog post helps you in any way possible. All the best!

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    2. I am willing to fly to other country for the Open Day, because no airlines conduct one in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. But I am planning to go to Saudi Arabian Airlines HQ in Jeddah and do walk-in. I am really nervous. Reaching 1st stage will be alright for me. I am really hoping and praying for the best.

      Another question, do I need to wear stockings (nude color)?

      Thank you again!

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    3. For Emirates, Yes! you should!:) it was the dress code for the assessment day for myself and I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to wear skin coloured stockings for the Open day too :)

      Good luck in your interview :))

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    4. Hi zoe! I have phillipine passport , what is the issue? :(

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  3. Hello! I applied online and its current status is Application Unsuccessful – Updated: 08-Sep-14. I never attended AD nor OD. Is it alright to attend OD? Will they still consider my application? Thanks a lot.

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    Replies
    1. I believe open days are for everyone, even if you have not yet applied online :) Good Luck!

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    2. So there is a chance for me to be chosen to come to AD (if I have all what it takes) regardless of my online application status, is that right?

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    3. I believe so!:) there were girls who didn't have an online application reference number until their final interview!

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  4. Hi Zoe, your blog was very interesting and helpful. I'm planning to apply to other airlines. If you don't mind, may I ask what your height is? and is it true that you must have a pearly white teeth? Thanks!

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    1. I am 5'4" :)
      and..I'm not exactly sure if they like pearly white teeth, but they at least for emirates, they LOVE big smiles. The red lips make your teeth look whiter anyway ;)
      good luck to you!:)

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    2. Hello!!my height is about 163cm n about 5'3'.can i apply for it??n were there any who could reach 212cm about my height??5'3'..

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  5. hae Zoe,your blog is really helpful i have an interview soon but i don't have a blazer to compliment my skirt suit,can i go without the blazer or will it lessen my chances of being selected.

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    1. I believe you need a full suit, which includes a blazer. It was specified on the dress code of my interview invitation.
      Good luck with your interview :)

      Delete
    2. Hii zoe :), your tips looks really helpful, id like to know what should a candidate bring exactly to a recruitment event ,since my friend seems nervous while obtaining her letter asking for an updated CV, a copy of the letter and a photograph ...what kind of photograph exactly?

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    3. hi Zoe,your blog was very helpful. actually ive been reading and re reading and re reading your blog, ive been invited for the initial interview on Saturday.

      and im having this problems, i accidentally deleted the email that was sent to me. I dont worry about the place where it will happen but what I am worry about was the requirements they asked me to bring. Do u mind if I ask you what did you bring on that day? those requirements that was sent as well to you? I am actually thinking to ask for a copy again of the email but Im still having second thought thinking that it can affect my application and their impression as well. If you can share it with me it would be a great help Zoe.Thank you so so much in advance.

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  6. hi ^^ Your blog is really informative ! I will be going to Emirate interview this week and i came across that you gt rejected because of Thalassemia. Are you an alpha Thalassemia carrier too ? I am really sorry for that and wish you all the best in future undertaking. Thanks.Your reply is much appreciated.

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  7. Hi Zoe! My name is Jan and I am considering applying to Emirates as cabin crew. Could I steal some of your time and ask you some questions regarding your experience. My email is vanzoelen@gmail.com. Let me know!

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  8. I want to see more your emirates story !! please update more !!

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  9. Hey zoe! First of, so sorry to hear that your journey as a flight attendant was stopped short due to your medical condition. Your post however, has been extremely helpful for those of us with similar passions and interests in flying as well. I'm planning on going for the open day in Singapore this month and I'm in the process of tailor-making my resume so that it would increase my chances of being selected for AD as well.

    I'm not so sure whether or not to complete the online form but I'll just do it along with attending the open day. Do you have any advise for the resume online to optimise my chances?

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  10. Hello Zoe. You mentioned you have thalassemia. Which type? Is it major, minor, beta? thanks! :)

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  11. Hello Zoe,a question.during the final interview, among other requirements is a passport,what can one do if they dont have it yet?

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  12. Hey Zoe, I'm planning on going to the Open Day in Lisbon this month. But I don't know if I should just attend the Open Day or if I have to complete any form before going! Can you help me please?
    Thank you so much!

    I'm not so sure whether or not to complete the online form but I'll just do it along with attending the open day. Do you have any advise for the resume online to optimise my chances?y

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  13. Hi Zoe. I'm Rai. Your blog really helpful. Thanks a lot. I'll never forget u. Actually, I'm planning on going to the Open Day in Malaysia this September. I understand we should wear business attire but I'm not sure whether or not I can wear a dark grey suit n a knee skirt with black blouse in Full Length photo n is it essential to wear a blouse with collar to pass the interview?

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  14. Hi Zoe, very helpful article. If i may ask, whats your height? I am afraid if i will pass the tiptoeing test.

    Thank you!

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  15. hi zoe iam peace. iam 156cm tall and i wud really love to apply for cabin crew. i love to explore and meet new people and i believe that i can give it my best shot, however am scared with my height i might not be permitted to go through. if i have all that it takes does my height really matter ? thanks

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  16. Hi Zoe
    you are so kind person
    thanks for your kindly writing!
    I am also preparing for the Emirates on this month to Europe for taking the interview
    It was really heapful one and I hope I can meet in Dubai :)
    thanks!! <3

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  17. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  18. hi . do you mind if i ask you about Thalassemia you have? its thalassemia trait,minor or? Because im going to attend Invitation day for emirates interview. I have thalassemia trait which i worried for.

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    Replies
    1. I'm minor. But my haemoglobin level was not over 11 so I would not pass the health check in Dubai for FA at Emirates!

      Delete
  19. hi . do you mind if i ask you about Thalassemia you have? its thalassemia trait,minor or? Because im going to attend Invitation day for emirates interview. I have thalassemia trait which i worried for.

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  20. Hihi. May I ask, r u apply the make up in ur resume photograph?

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    Replies
    1. I have make up in that photo :) I'm due a post on how to do the makeup and what kind of products I used. I'll get that done when I have time :) thanks for reading!

      Delete
  21. Hi Zoe my assessment day is for 27th April but unfortunately I have a leg plaster can attend or they will send me home ?

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    1. Sorry for the late reply! hope your interview went well!

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  22. Hi Zoe my assessment day is for 27th April but unfortunately I have a leg plaster can attend or they will send me home ?

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hello Zoe..I had my final interview today, got there 5minutes to time..my interview was for 1:30 and I was there at 1:25.. The interviewer told me that if I'd been there earlier she would have interviewed me since she just waiting.
    Does this reduce my chances of getting this job. I also checked my online application immediately after the interview. It said interview complete...what does this mean?

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    Replies
    1. It just meant your interview was seen. From what I know is, the recruiters are just there to pass on messages to the head office in Dubai and they try to help you so don't be too worried :) hope everything went well!!

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  24. And by the way the interview lasted 14 minutes

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  25. Thanks for sharing ur experience and also sharing useful tips with us .I've always wanted to be a cabin crew .But the problem is , the only work experience I've had over the years is in being a singer with a liveband .I want to change this job so I attended an aviation school and studied air ticketing and reservation ( This is actually the highest form of education I've been able to acquire at the moment ) .My questions are .1. Will my lack of working experience in a secular organization be a hindrance in getting a job as a cabin crew ? .2. What abouit not having a university degree ? Your views will be highly appreciated .Thanks in advancr !!

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    1. Sorry for the late reply! I had no work experience in the aviation sector prior to my interview (and I still don't) so don't worry! Also, I believe the highest education level required is high school :) good luck! I hope you get your dream job!

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  26. how tall are you ? I'm 153 cm and I dream to be a cabin crew :( but I'm not tall enough... what I can do ?

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    1. I'm 165cm :) you can tip top during the reach test so do practice at home :) good luck!

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  27. Hi zoe! I just applied online and when i checked my status it is unsuccessful. Does that mean didint pass the online?

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    1. Hmm..I'm not sure. You should ask Emirates, or it may be that the system was not updated yet :) do let me know if you become successful! I really hope this blog post helps!

      Delete
  28. Hi Zoe. Your blog is really interesting and helpfull. I am planning to attend an OD tomorrow, the 9th of July 2016. Can you please advise me, because I am hesitating what do you think they will appreciate in the CV, what kind of experience is an asset? Thank you for the quick answer :)

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  29. I think they only really look to see if your education qualifications match their requirements. Good luck!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for answering so quickly!! That so nice of you :) What do you mean by ''education qualifications'', does this means having as minimum a secondary education or something else( because I a have a Master's degree already)?

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    2. Yes! So I think you'll be fine! Just remember to be nice when you hand in your forms ;)

      Delete
  30. Hi im a filipina , Its really helpful that there are people like you sharing exp.and giving tips for aspiring f.a. Like us . Have some few questions regarding requirements. I only stand 5'2 can i still cont'to apply? And i have tattoo but i think it cant be visible would they allowed tattoo? Also i have few scar's on my legs that comes from my seasonal allergy . Thanks in advance.

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  31. Hi Zoe! Would just like to say I really appreciate you taking your time to write this for us all it has been extremely helpful! Looking to apply in the near future however I have just turned 21! From the applicants that got through what kind of age were they?

    ReplyDelete
  32. This is very educational content and written well for a change. It's nice to see that some people still understand how to write a quality post! h1b news

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hi Zoe. Your blog is very helpful. Thank you sooooo much. I'm fluent in English, German, Korean, Japanese. Do you think it can a advantage, or not? Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
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