Congratulations! You’ve navigated the interview process and received a job offer as a corporate flight attendant. Before accepting, carefully consider these crucial aspects to ensure the offer aligns with your career goals and financial needs.
First, clarify the employment type: Is it a full-time, part-time, temporary, or contract position? Ensure the official offer matches your initial understanding. If complex legal language is involved, consult an employment specialist or attorney.
Next, understand your compensation structure. Will you be paid hourly, per diem, by the job, or through a salary? What are the expected working hours, and does the company offer overtime pay, bonuses, or profit sharing? Determine if the operation falls under Part 91 (potentially longer duty days) or Part 135 regulations (typically with limited duty days).
Job titles matter. Will you be a flight attendant, cabin attendant, or host/hostess? Pay scales and training requirements often differ based on the position. Inquire whether the company covers initial and recurrent training, such as FACTS or FlightSafety. What other training opportunities are available?
Evaluate the benefits package. Does it include comprehensive health and dental coverage through an HMO, PPO, or POS plan? Is the company self-insured? Understand your contribution to insurance costs, coverage caps, and prescription benefits. Also, determine if family members are covered.
Retirement planning is crucial. Does the company offer a 401(k) or a traditional pension plan? If not, can you afford to be solely responsible for your retirement savings, given the offered salary? Clarify the number of vacation days, paid holidays (hard vs. soft days), and personal/sick days provided.
Explore additional benefits. Will the company reimburse education expenses, eyeglasses, or out-of-pocket costs? Do they provide a cell phone, laptop, or PDA? What are the catering arrangements, aircraft supply procedures, and uniform policies? Will you need to pay upfront and seek reimbursement, and how long does reimbursement take? Are cash advances or company credit cards available? What level of hotels are typically used for crew accommodations?
If the salary seems inadequate or benefits require excessive out-of-pocket expenses, be prepared to negotiate for a higher offer.
Finally, consider these factors: Who will you report to? What is the company’s policy on promotions and layoffs (severance, notice)? Who can you approach if problems arise?