Application process

We use a multi-stage application process to find the most suitable candidates for each role. Whichever position you're applying for, you can be sure the application process is fair, objective, and comprehensive.

Please read the job description carefully before applying for a role. We recommend you think about whether you have the necessary qualities and skills to be successful and happy in the role.

To apply for any role in British Airways you'll need to complete an online application form. Unfortunately, we cannot accept speculative CVs.

 

Online application and assessment

Stage 1 - Online application and assessment

After registering online, you'll be asked to complete two online ability tests and a personality questionnaire.

Ability tests are based on the needs of the job. Multiple-choice questions assess your numerical, verbal and logical reasoning. Please read the instructions at the start of the assessment carefully. These will state whether you're allowed to use a calculator. The assessments are timed, so work as quickly as you can.

Personality questionnaires assess your behaviour in different situations at work. Simply answer the questions honestly, because we're interested in the real you. There are no right or wrong answers in personality questionnaires: they help us understand your overall suitability for the role and aspects of your personality profile may be explored in the face-to-face interview.

 

Telephone interview

Stage 2 - Telephone interview

Following the successful completion of your online assessment, you will be invited to take part in a telephone interview.

Telephone interviews typically last for about half an hour and are designed to help us learn more about you and your suitability for the role. They also offer you an opportunity to ask questions.

  • Prepare for this interview as you would a face-to-face interview
  • Answer honestly and briefly
  • Remember that we can't see you, so speak more slowly and clearly than usual

 

Upload documents online

Stage 3 - Upload documents online

At stage 3, you will be asked you to upload some basic information about yourself. This information will be reviewed as part of the pre-employment screening process, if you're successful at the assessment centre (Stage 4).

 

Assessment centre

Stage 4 - Assessment centre

During the assessment centre, we will assess your competencies as you participate in group and individual exercises.

Before your assessment can begin, you'll be required to present at least four original documents and two colour photocopies of each. These documents will:

  • Confirm your identity and address;
  • Prove your right to work in the UK; and
  • Provide proof of your National Insurance number (if you have one).

Please ensure you bring these documents and copies with you on the day.

The assessment includes:

  • Icebreaker - Get to know the other applicants and the facilitators who are running the session.
  • Situational Judgement Questionnaire - This multiple-choice questionnaire will ask you to identify the best course of action in a variety of situations. Remember to trust your instincts.
  • Group Exercise - A group exercise typically looks at your interpersonal, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. If you're asked to participate in one of these, you'll be in a small group with other candidates. Remember to join in - it's hard to determine if you're the best person for the role unless you contribute.
  • Role-Play/scenario based activity - Play a part (usually the role for which you've applied) and work through a real-time scenario with an assessor, who'll play a certain character. This type of exercise is designed to button how you'd behave in a given situation.

 

Offer stage

Stage 5 - Offer stage

We'll confirm the outcome of the assessment centre within five days. Please be aware that a conditional offer, if made, will require you to successfully complete a personal history check.

 

Personal history check: stage one

Stage 6 - Personal history check: stage one

Trust and security are vital to all our customers and staff at British Airways. Before you can start work with British Airways, you need to complete a right to work check and a five-year personal history check.

You'll be supported throughout the screening process, but it's your responsibility to provide complete and accurate information, and appropriate evidence, at all stages.

 

Driving assessment

Stage 7 - Driving assessment (only applicable for certain roles)

Within all areas of British Airways, health and safety is paramount. Ground Operations Agents, as new drivers of British Airways vehicles, must be both safe and competent.

During the test you will be asked to drive to a standard that is safe, competent, and legal. You will be given five minutes to help familiarise yourself with the vehicle and settle any nerves when you first start.

The outcome of the test will be 'pass' or 'fail'. You will not be asked to reverse around corners or turn in the road.

All driving assessments take place at Waterside - the British Airways Head Office.

 

Medical assessment

Stage 8 - Medical assessment (only applicable for certain roles)

For some roles within Heathrow Operations, we'll need to assess your medical suitability. Our medical assessments take place at Waterside - the British Airways Head Office.

 

Personal history check: stage two

Stage 9 - Personal history check: stage two

At this stage, we will contact your current employer (or gap referees, if applicable) to obtain your final reference. This will complete the personal history check.

 

Discussing your application

Honesty and integrity are important values for us at British Airways. We need to ensure all our employees support these values, so it's important to us that you also act with honesty and integrity throughout the application process. For instance, we appreciate you may wish to tell others you've applied for a role at British Airways, but please don't share details of our recruitment process as that could compromise the fairness and integrity of your assessment - or someone else's. Sharing details of the assessment process may even disqualify you from the selection process.


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