Applied online. Was given a phone interview a couple weeks later. Phone interview caught me by surprise, but was able to answer the questions about customer service and my experiences fairly well and was invited to a group interview in PHX.
I had done as much homework as I could for the in-person interview. Dressing professional is a must. They will dismiss you if you aren't dressed professional or don't fit in your clothes. All the applicants arrived the morning of the interview at PHX airport and were shuttled to the US Airways training facility. The shuttle van took about a dozen people at a time, and I'd say there were about 50 people total. Once you reach the training facility, you check in, show your ID, and get a name tag. From that moment, some of the interviewers are there to greet you and you must be on your game. Smile, be friendly, ask questions.
The first portion included sitting in a jumpseat to see if you can physically fit. One by one, everyone did that and then proceeded to do a reach/height test by grabbing a piece of equipment in a mock aircraft overhead bin (without shoes). I can tell you that at least one person was eliminated because they couldn't fit in the jumpseat. Following these two sections, the entire group was now split into two groups. At this point, the real interview starts.
One of the managers gives a brief presentation on the company and position. It's important to listen and ask questions at the end. I took notes at this part. Concluding the presentation is when all the applicants stand in front of the room (with the interviewers all in the back taking notes) one by one and give a one minute self introduction and list three qualities that make an outstanding flight attendant. I felt that this portion of the interview was key. Have only THREE qualities prepared and practice a minute-long speech! Too many people were only naming one or two qualities, or five or six. Many people also fumbled with their words, didn't speak confidently, or didn't elaborate on their choices. This is your first real impression to the panel.
After everyone had their turn, we went on to a small group exercise. At this point, we were divided into groups of four and given a plane crash scenario to which we had to work as a team to come up with our best answers. This exercise is also very critical, not so much for getting the right or wrong answers, but working as a team. There will be at least one recruiter watching each group, so make sure to be vocal and work as a TEAM. After this exercise concluded, we were fed lunch for about 1/2 hour.
Following lunch, an HR rep came in and read off a list of names that would be "taking the next step in the process" which was code for "going home". My heart was pounding at this time, but luckily, my name was not called and I moved on to the second half of the day, which was the 1 on 1 interviews. At this time, from my group, there were eight of us left, and then eight more from the other group joined us. We were all happy and all congratulated each other for the progress thus far.
The 1 on 1 interviews were actually more relaxed than I had expected. The key is answering questions using the STAR method and citing specific examples from past experiences. We were all in the same room at the same time so make sure to focus and have examples from previous jobs to reflect upon. After everyone was done, the head manager came in and asked us to do one last exercise. If you make it this far, you'll know what it is...
All in all, the interview was conducted very well. The recruiters/interviewers were all current flight attendants for US and most had 25+ years with the company! Everyone was nice and they welcomed all of us new hires to the family. I am a male, and have work experience as a gate agent and flight attendant. This is a highly competitive job. Do your research and make sure to follow directions at the interview. The company wants outgoing, friendly, reliable employees.