What can I expect from British Airways?

At British Airways, we take recruitment and selection very seriously. While it's clearly in your interests to be treated fairly and with respect, it's also essential that we select people with the qualities essential to our continued success. Our team is comprised of experienced recruitment professionals with diverse backgrounds gained in blue chip businesses and from within British Airways itself. When recruiting, we ensure we take an objective view and follow best practice guidelines laid down by The British Psychological Society (BPS) and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). We also carefully adhere to Equal Opportunities legislation.

Our recruitment methodology is based on looking at capabilities - also known as competencies. These capabilities are sets of behaviours, skills and knowledge that can be determinants of job success and focus on what the role for which you've applied involves. They're a valuable tool in ensuring consistency and accuracy in assessments and increase the reliability of the selection process.

What will my assessment consist of?

Our selection process may involve up to three stages depending on the position for which you are applying. Stage One includes the application form, and if you meet the first set of criteria here, you'll be invited to attend a second stage one day assessment. For some roles you may be required to sit tests and another exercise before progressing to the final stage.

The assessment methods we use include group exercises, interviews, psychometric tests, presentations, fact-finding exercises and one-to-one role play. But don't panic - you will be involved in some of these, not all. Before your assessment we'll write to inform you what you will be doing on the day. Rest assured that the exercises will examine capabilities relevant to the role for which you are applying and represent activities specifically associated with the job.

- Group exercises

Group exercises look at how you work with other people, in particular examining your influencing, communication and teamwork skills.

- The interview

The interview is about you and your experience. You will be asked for examples of how you behaved in different situations drawing on examples from work, university, school, a club or home. We won't throw in a 'killer' or 'trick' question to put you off, or ask unrelated questions to see how you behave when caught off guard.

- Psychometric tests

Psychometric tests are timed exercises that look at your ability and potential. The tests we use most often focus on verbal and numerical skills. We may also include a personality assessment which is another tool designed to find out a bit more-about you. It adds to our understanding, but is not the sole basis of a decision as to whether you would be successful or not; after all we don't look for a particular type of personality, but actively value diversity.

Normally you would sit two tests, but for senior roles you may be required to participate in more. Before the day, we will send you information about the tests you will be asked to carry out, along with advice on how to prepare. For more information, click on the website link below where you can practice tests similar to those you might be asked to take. This is the website of an Occupational Psychology company whose tests we use in our assessments.

www.shldirect.com

- Presentations

The presentation is a chance to show your ability to communicate to a group of people. You will be given the topic on the day and will have time to prepare. On some occasions you may be sent information prior to the assessment day.

- Fact-finding

The fact-finding exercise looks at your ability to interact with someone else and obtain information from them. You will be given all the relevant information on the day and will have preparation time prior to the exercise.

- Role plays

Role plays usually involve an assessor acting as your client or customer in a simulation of a negotiation exercise, interview or performance appraisal, for example. You will be given a briefing before the exercise starts.

How do I prepare for my assessment day?

Reflect on what you have done at work, university, school, in a club and even at home. Think about examples of when you have interacted with people, the problems you may have encountered, the outcomes and what you learned from these situations. Think about why you want the position and what skills would be required for the role. Concentrate on what you do well and what you need to do to improve. You could seek feedback from sources such as colleagues, friends, tutors, customers or clients.

Prior to your assessment try to have a good night sleep. Get to the assessment in good time and if you're going to be late, please give us a call and we will try to accommodate you or endeavour to book you in for another assessment day.

Remember it's your day and it's about you. Our aim is to assess you fairly and give you the best opportunity to demonstrate your potential - and to assess whether British Airways is right for you.

How do I apply?

If you wish to apply for a role have a look at this website. Once you find a role description that you are interested in, select 'apply' and follow the application instructions.

GOOD LUCK!!