Recruitment FAQs

Find answers to questions about the application and assessment process, virtual and onsite interviews, and more about life at British Airways.

Your application

How do I apply?
All vacancies can be found via our careers site. You can either search for them using the ‘search’ function or visit a specific career area to find out more about the different opportunities available. Once you’ve identified a suitable vacancy, simply click on apply and follow the instructions.

Can I send in my CV to be considered for any ‘open’ vacancies in the future?
Due to the volume of applications we receive, we cannot accept any direct applications for un-specified roles. So please apply directly. Once you have submitted an application for a specific role, on occasion, you may be contacted about other suitable vacancies.

How can I be notified of any new vacancies?
We recommend you register for job alerts and select the relevant areas which you are interested in.

What do you look for when you review my application?
As part of the process, we will look at whether you meet the criteria for the role and are eligible to apply. We’ll also take a closer look at your CV, skills and experience and how you’ve have answered your online application questions. For some roles, you will also be asked to complete online tests or questionnaires which will help us understand your suitability further.

I am an international candidate and wish to be considered for a role. Can I apply?
For some roles, we are able to offer full or partial sponsorship. Before applying, please visit this page for further information to make sure you are able to meet the requirements.

If I am unsuccessful for a role, when can I re-apply for the same position?
For most roles, you can re-apply after 6-12 months. This will be communicated in your outcome email.

Your interview or assessment

Will interviews be held in person or virtually?
Most interviews are run virtually but we are returning to more in person interviews. This will depend on the role you have applied for. You will be given further information and guidance should you be successful in securing an interview with us.

Do you treat virtual interviews the same as onsite interviews?
Yes, although the setup is different, we treat virtual interviews in the same as in-person. If your interview is virtual, make sure you are in a quiet setting with a neutral and professional background and that you have a stable internet connection that allows you to use your camera during the interview. Test this before attending your interview.

How should I dress for my interview?
For both virtual and face-to-face interviews, make sure to wear smart business attire.

Do you offer travel and accommodation costs to attend the assessment?
We do not offer any re-imbursement for travel or accommodation costs.

After your assessment

How long do you keep my application for?
As per our data protection policy, we will delete all your details and your application after 6 months. You can withdraw your application at any point via the system.

How long does the referencing process take? What does it involve?
Our referencing process as a safety-critical organisation can be complex, especially for airside roles. The process can take up to 3 months. For non-airside roles, this is often a lot quicker. In order to help us process your application quickly, you will need to make sure to give us the correct and accurate information from the start and follow the process as outlined to you at the point of offer.

What other checks do you complete as part of the application process?
This is role-dependent. However, for any customer-facing or airside roles you should anticipate taking part in medicals, drugs and alcohol testing and Criminal Records Bureau checks. We also have a tattoo policy for any uniformed roles.

The assessment process

Any tips for preparing for my assessment or interview?
We want to get to know you so just be yourself. Here are some top tips you may find useful:

• Research British Airways and the role thoroughly.
• Reflect on your key skills, qualities and experience and how they would help you be successful in the role you are applying for.
• Think of some great examples of when you have demonstrated these skills, qualities and behaviours previously - You could use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to help you structure your responses.
• Be calm and prepared – plan your journey to the interview location or if your interview is virtual, ensure your computer and internet connection is working well in advance of your scheduled time.
• Look the part and dress professionally (even if attending your assessment virtually).
• Remember to smile :-)

Do you use ability testing as part of all your assessment processes?
Not necessarily. Any requirement to complete any testing will be made clear to you during your recruitment process. You will also be given further guidance at this point on how to prepare and complete the assessments.

Life at British Airways

Is there an option to work from home?
We are advocates of flexible working. Building a Better BA is all about collaborating. Some of our roles will require you to be on-site – this is particularly the case for roles where colleagues are involved in the operation and the work cannot be done remotely. Many of our job adverts will make it clearly what type of working arrangement will be considered. We encourage you to discuss this further with your recruiting manager.

Do you offer part-time contracts and flexible working?
The type of contracts available will depend on the role. Our job adverts will make it clear what type of contracts will be available. We encourage you to discuss this further with your recruiting manager.

What benefits do you offer?
Joining British Airways means you will gain access to a fantastic range of benefits including staff travel, enhanced discounted tickets, co-parent leave, pension with additional voluntary contributions including medical, dental care, electric car scheme, Perks at Work and other discounts and benefits from both British Airways and our partners. Our benefits package is constantly evolving and improving. Your full benefits package, salary and pensions will be shared with you in detail at the point of offer.

Troubleshooting

I can’t get back into my application. What do I do?
If you’ve already registered, click on ‘My Account’ at the top of the page and enter in your details or use your social media account. If you’ve forgotten your password, you can ‘Request a New Password’ from the system.

It has been a while and I’ve not heard anything. What should I do?
Always check your account for any updates and also your junk mail to ensure you’ve not missed anything. We aim to contact all candidates as quickly as possible but sometimes there are delays in processing your application, especially for volume roles.

Additional support

What does the Disability Confident Employer scheme cover?
Under the scheme, we are committed to offering all applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role the chance to take part in the first stage of the assessment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments, please make sure to include your request in your application form. We are always happy to support you and will contact you to discuss your needs if you are shortlisted.

What is a reasonable adjustment?
We aim to support all our candidates with additional needs such as a disability or health conditions to perform at their best during the recruitment process. The types of reasonable adjustments we offer will depend on your individual needs. We are always happy to discuss your requirements further.