After submitting a quite straightforward application on the British Airways website, I was invited to complete an online assessment, which required me to answer a handful of questions (multiple choice) about what I would do in given situations and a few more maths-related questions e.g. currency conversions, time zones etc.
The day after the online assessment, I was invited to attend an assessment centre and there were a handful of days and times available.
I was one of 30 candidates at British Airways' Waterside Head Office for the assessment. We were first asked to complete a very short questionnaire about tattoos, piercings, booked holidays etc. and then had our various documents checked. The instructions given ahead of the assessment were very clear on what needed to be provided.
From the large waiting area, candidates were taken in small groups for a quick check of height, reaching and stretching ability, before returning to the waiting area.
All candidates were then taken into a room for a short presentation about what the day had in store, including a video; offering an insight into the airline and more about the role, routes, example rosters etc.
Groups of 5-6 candidates were taken into rooms and asked to work together to solve a problem. It was nothing too taxing and more of an exercise to see how you work as part of team. I do not believe there were right or wrong answers, providing there was some logic behind decisions being made. Three members of staff observed the discussions taking place. Contribute too much or not enough and it's unlikely that you will get through this part of the assessment.
The role play was next on the agenda and was fortunately completed without an audience - just you and the assessor. He/she reads through the scenario with you, then gives you two minutes alone to familiarise yourself with it. Again, it is nothing too challenging. Before the role play starts, you are asked to read the information on the card aloud. The role play itself lasted only 3-4 minutes.
This is the first part of the day completed and it is at this point that unsuccessful candidates are sent home.
Successful candidates go through to the next stage, which is the 2-1 interview (two members of staff interviewing a single candidate). In my case, it lasted around 20 minutes, and I was asked why I wanted to become cabin crew, what strengths I would bring to the role and then a number of competency questions (tell me about a time when..).
On completion of the interview, I was free to leave, and told to expect a response within 7-10 days. The response actually came the following day with the exciting news.