Air Canada interview questions

I applied online and about four weeks later received a email from someone in HR asking if I was still interested in the position. After confirming- about a week later I did a very simple phone interview (basic screener type questions, just be yourself) and at the end of the phone interview before hanging up I was scheduled a face to face interview for a few days later. The face to face interview was “business attire”, which I found a little strange given the job at hand. Nevertheless I suited up, and subsequently felt overdressed at the interview as predicted. The interview it’s self was quite easy and short after the interviewer was made aware that I already work the ramp for another airline and hold a valid security clearance. At the end of the interview I was scheduled the medical for the same afternoon. The medical was again quite simple and the nurse was super nice. They start with a basic vision test (cover your eye and read the letters on the wall) and then move on to a little mobility test that includes stretches and getting you to walk around the room in the catchers position to simulate what it’s like walking around inside the cargo hold of a airplane. Following the mobility test is a hearing test and then finally a (urine) drug test. A note: if at the end of the medical the nurse asks you to have a sheet filled out and signed by your doctor don’t freak out. I’m on a certain drug that she wanted to know more about so I had to have my doctor describe when, why and how much of the drug I needed. I got the job, so as long as you get it filled out and send it back promptly it shouldn’t matter. All in all simple and relatively painless process. I had an advantage because of the experience and credentials I already hold but even if you don’t have those as long as you show up, be yourself, dress nicely and demonstrate that you are capable of handling the job you’ll be just fine.

Applying online was straight forward. Arranging the interview was simple too. HR does a phone screening to make sure you are worth bringing. The type of questions on the phone are usually reserved for in-person interviews, however due to the nature of the job and scale of hire, this was probably to ensure only those truly qualified to meet in person were scheduled. Note that their Operations Centre is in Brampton and if you don't live in or near it make sure you leave very early to beat traffic. Be aware that they require very specific documentation brought to the interview: two copies of resume, references, as well as a security clearance application form due to the nature of their industry. This means clear copies of government ID, thankfully libraries have scanners. They also asked for a official transcript for post-secondary education or original copies of the diplomas. What was annoying was they did not even ask for them at the interview so I had to rip them out of their (expensive) frames for nothing. HR also indicated that two union reps would be present and they were not. Two managers who supervise the schedulers however are not the reporting managers. They took turns asking valid questions and elaborating on answers or follow ups well. I enjoyed meeting both and having previous scheduling experience made the process delightful. The questions were relevant and fair for the position. At the end there was a "self-assessment" which is really a 15-minute written test to ensure you have the minimum competencies for the role. First, you had to convert 12-hour time into 24-hours, as used in aviation as well as other 24-hour operation industries. Second, you convert some 24-hour into 12-hour. Third, you had to add hours to 24-hour time to calculate flight delay timing. Lastly, there was a three-part geography test: four major cities each in North America, Europe, and Asia. If you struggle with the first two then you would need practice to get used to it. The third test is easy and knowing basic addition and that after 2359 comes 0000 +1 day is important. The last one was more fun and anyone who does not know basic world geography should not apply. Please note that this was a temporary position where you train for a month and shadow for 5+ months where you would have lots of exposure to perform the role with support of permanent staff. It is also a unionized position (Unifor) where the salary is based on a scale. Being a training/shadowing temporary position, the annual salary was set @ ~$38,250 (May 2018), regardless of experience, and no benefits or accrual of seniority as a temp that MAY be eligible for a permanent place. The job is based on a three shift rotation (apx times): 0700-1500, 1500-2300, and 2300-0700 overnight. They described the shift pattern as 3x AMs, 3x PMs, then 3x Days Off. The overnights would need to be completed ~ 5-6 times in a 12-month period in 6x ONs in a row. You need to factor this into your work-life balance consideration with family or personal arrangements and that fact that you may not get a full Saturday & Sunday weekend. I did prefer the idea of having to travel to Brampton off-peak and having three days off together. I was told that shift swapping is common-place and among employee agreement and not managed by supervisors. It sounded like if someone preferred overnights you could trade with them.