How we hire

We want to make sure our candidates know what to expect when they apply for a job with British Airways - the journey from application to offer can be very different depending on the role you’re applying for.

Safety and security are our number one priority, so pre-employment checks are an essential part of your route on board, whatever career area you’re applying to join.

We also know that a lot of time and effort goes into every application, so we always aim to let you know whether your application has been successful or not.

Cabin Crew

Application

It all starts with an application on our careers website, where you’ll be asked about your motivation to join British Airways.

Online assessment

We’ll then ask you to complete an online assessment featuring a series of questions designed to show us how you would respond in certain situations.

Assessment

When you pass the initial screening, we’ll ask you to book an appointment at one of our assessment centres. It’s your chance to show us what working for British Airways really means to you through a series of group and individual exercises and an interview.

Offer

We’ll then send you an offer and contract via the application portal.

Pre-employment checks

Nearly there…We’ll then start your pre-employment and security checks; these include Criminal Record Checks (CRC) and full five-year employment checks. We will also ask you to book your medical, uniform fitting, psychcoative substance test, height and reach functionality assessment and security interview appointment.

Welcome on board

Once your pre-employment checks are successfully completed, we’ll invite you to attend your Cabin Crew New Entrant Training. Depending on your role, you’ll need to complete a Wet Drill course with our appointed training partner before your training can begin.

Pilots

Application

You’ll be asked about your motivation to join British Airways. Once you’ve done that, we’ll then ask you to record answers to a series of interview questions so we can find out a bit more about you.

Technical assessment

This is where we assess your ability to work under pressure and how you react to increasing workload with a computer-based test.

Group exercise

Here’s your chance to show us how well you work in a team, using a scenario you may face in your day-to-day role as a pilot with British Airways.

Interview

The moment where we can get to know each other, and for you to demonstrate you have what it takes to become a British Airways pilot.

Simulator

An assessment of your performance in the flight simulator, currently the A380. You’ll then be put into a holding pool pending an offer of a start date.

Pre-employment checks

Once you've accepted an offer we’ll then start your pre-employment and security checks; these include Criminal Record Checks (CRC) and full five-year employment checks. We will also ask you to share your medical forms, book your medical, uniform fitting and psychoactive substance test.

Ground Operations

Application

It all starts with an application on our careers website, which includes an assessment and safety test.

Assessment

When you pass the initial screening, we’ll ask you to book a virtual or in-person assessment through the online portal. This involves a series of exercises; reading and following instructions, two scenario discussions, and an individual interview with British Airways colleagues. We’ll also conduct Right to Work checks.

Provisional offer

You’ll receive a provisional offer and start date through the application portal and get access to a “Welcome Site” providing you with useful information before joining us.

Pre-employment checks

We’ll start your pre-employment and security checks. These include Criminal Record Checks (CRC) and full five-year pre-employment vetting in the form of references (from your former employers or educational institutions for example).

Pre-course learning

You will need to complete your pre-course learning prior to your start date. This includes GSAT (General Security Awareness Training). Ground Operations will also need to complete BSAT (Basic Security Awareness Training).

Offer

You’ll receive your confirmed offer and start date through the application portal. We’re committed to hiring the very best talent from across the industry and can’t wait for you to join us.

Training & driving test

If successful at the assessment centre, you'll be required to complete a driving test in a British Airways vehicle, or asked to pass one with training.

Head Office

Application

The journey for Head Office roles will vary depending on which role you apply for, but we’ll always ask you to complete an online application.

Assessment

If you pass the initial screening, we might ask you to complete a further assessment which may include an ability test, personality questionnaire, or pre-recorded video interview. Don’t worry, it will all make sense once you start the process.

Interview

What happens next depends on the role you've applied for. We’ll invite you to attend an interview, virtually or in person. This is often a one-stage process; however we may invite you to further stages for some roles, especially specialist or senior positions.

Offer

If you have been successful, you’ll receive an offer from us followed by an e-contract on the application portal. This will give you access to our ‘Welcome’ site which will provide you with all the useful information you need to know before joining us.

Pre-employment checks

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Sponsorship & international candidates

We want to attract the best talent to British Airways. In some cases, we’re able to provide Skilled Worker visas for international candidates who are successful in applying for one of our UK-based roles, but who don’t currently have a right to work here.

We provide support for a variety of Head Office and Operational roles, including Engineering and our Graduate programmes.

Our Skilled Worker visas range from between three and five years, with some fully funded, and others part funded. In some cases, we offer full relocation support including flights, hotel, and cargo costs as well as part-funded support for dependants.

The type of sponsorship we offer will depend on the role you’re applying for. We’ll make it clear on the job description what kind of support, if any, we provide for the role.

Pre-employment checks

Our number one priority is to maintain the safety and security of our people and our customers, so these checks are essential for everyone who joins British Airways. We understand these may appear complex, but we’re here to guide and support you through this process which typically takes between 12-16 weeks.

You’ll need to give us full details of all your previous employers going back five years. This includes recruitment agencies, education, and any gaps in your employment - even if you only worked for them for a few days.
Before you join, we’ll start contacting the referees you’ve given details of.
You’ll also need to apply for a Criminal Records Check (CRC) also known as a Disclosure Baring Service certificate (DBS) and an overseas CRC if you have lived abroad for a continuous six months in the last five years.
For Flight Crew and Cabin Crew, closer to your start date you’ll be invited to book an appointment at our Waterside offices to complete your uniform fitting, security interview, medical and psychoactive substance test.

Accessibility & reasonable adjustments

We’re committed to being a fair and inclusive employer. We take care to follow best practice and train all our assessors to a high standard.

We know people may need adjustments during the recruitment and assessment process, or have reasonable adjustments because of a disability.

If this applies to you, please let us know on your application form when prompted, or contact our recruitment team here.

quoting 'Assessment Adjustment' within the email subject header.

As members of the UK government’s Disability Confident Scheme, we’re positive about employing, retaining, and developing disabled people. This means if you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010 and meet the essential criteria for the role you’ve applied for, we’ll put you through to the next stage of the recruitment process.

If you wish to apply through the scheme, please use this form.

quoting ‘Disability Confident’ and the role you're applying for within the subject header.

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