The Missing Gap

25 October 2015 // Sunday 

So if you read my last post, it was long overdue for more than a month. 

Ever since I failed the SIA interview, I was just waiting for Silkair's email to commence work. 

I received their email on 1st October informing me of my bond signing on 19th October and also the offer package sent to my mailing address. 

Spent quite some time reading through though and some of the clauses left me in shock (good and bad). 

Aside to that, I've been busy with my Chinese Orchestra practices for our Annual Concert 2015: Our Musical Journey on 23rd October. Happy to say that it was one of the most challenging concert but we've conquered it! It was one of the concerts with the best audiences too that made the interactive encore piece so fun. 

I worked part time at my old workplace too once in a while (cos I still had to support myself duh) and that was how I spent most of my October. 

I had initially hated having a month's break because it would make me so lazy but now I'm enjoying myself (of course the sleeping in everyday part) that I don't feel like I'm starting work tomorrow. 

Yes, tomorrow is D-Day and I'm having mixed feelings. Hoping for the best with #MIBatch150 and all thes best for my new job!

Got myself a new wallet from Charles & Keith (new wallet, new beginnings) and Weiming Ronnie got me a plane Pandora charm! 

My last day before commencement was officially spent sleeping and eating and this needs to stop. 

Lastly, I've gotten myself a new travel buddy on my new journey! Keep checking this space for more!

Till then :)

Another Step Further

12 September 2015 // Saturday

So... Fate has decided that I should fly with Silkair.

Of course I'm disappointed but actually not that much, because I know I still can fall back on my Silkair plan. (I know I sound damn mean putting Silkair as back up but hey)

Well anyway, just a brief write up on the interview process for those interested.

So prior to this cabin crew recruitment for SIA, I read up a lot from forums and websites and tried my best to learn from others' lessons before. My first job interview was when I applied for my current position at Shangri-La Hotel, and to be honest, it was a very easy interview, probably because I've already been with the company (part-time) for three years and also, they urgently needed a replacement to fill up the vacancy.

So put aside that interview. When I was preparing to go for Silkair's interview, I read up a lot about the company background, thought of the possible questions interviewers would throw at me and how would I answer. I did put in my best effort and I guess it worked out well for me.

Comparing Silkair and SIA, of course I put in a tad more effort in my preparation, and I figured out I couldn't use my "snobbish" attitude for the SIA interview (I was a little too confident at the Silkair interview, gotta admit).

I went to research on SIA's company background and read forums and blogs on interview tips. Although the walk-in officially starts at 8.30am, forums mentioned that candidates will always reach way before the designated time. I guess its just the Singaporean "kiasu" attitude haha.

So no harm going early, I reached Suntec at 8am and registered myself in Group 13 (which means there's about 120 people in front of me because it is 10 person per group). I was fourth in the group (not as lucky as during Silkair's interview where I was the last candidate in the group).

I was lucky that the girls in front and behind me were friendlier than I thought, and were almost of the same age as me. It was all our first time, though this guy Kenny said it was his fifth already.

The whole process was pretty quick, a lot of movement and waiting here and there. After registration (which took about 2mins checking IC and collecting your application form), we were asked to take a seat in the waiting room in our groups. In less than 5mins a lady ushered us back outside to wait for our turn to enter Round 1.

Once we were inside the room, we were asked to introduce ourselves and explain why we would like to join SIA. This was basically an introductory round and I really believe the answers don't really matter as much. 

I was very lucky and passed Round 1 though I didn't think I did well (I was a tad nervous). But nonetheless 6 of us went through Round 1 and were ushered to wait for Round 2 - the debate session.

I have read on forums that some debate questions are pretty tough, and because it was too wide a topic to revise, I just prayed for an easy topic. 

Six of us were seated in the room and we were given 1min to know your partner and introduce him/her. This was followed by the debate, where I was asked to agree that money can buy happiness and discuss with 2 other teammates. Not too difficult a topic, but sadly I didn't make it through. 

Time check: 9.54am. Yeaps I was done for the day. 

Silkair here I come!!! 

P.s this post is way overdue because I was occupied with other commitments. Should check out my next post for more :)

Sentimental Emotions

01 September 2015 // Tuesday

Had dinner with Amanda yesterday and I told her how sad I was feeling having to leave my workplace. After all, friends who know me know that I am a very sentimental person.

Throughout this one year or so, apart from the girls in DJ 冬菇 who made me so much happier at work with our silly jokes, I believe Marcus is next in line whom I will miss dearly.

I was afraid of him when I first joined, as I often heard about how fierce he was when he yelled at others. He was very meticulous with his work, thus setting his high standards apart from others.

I got reprimanded by him multiple times when I first joined. He might not have been the best manager around, but he sure taught and guided me a lot along the way.

A year into my job, I noticed he slowly opened up to me and we started getting closer like friends. Though he always called me names and talked to me rudely, I always rebutted and I think he didn't know what to do with me either. He often commented that I made his blood boil. Hahaha.

But then, now that I'm about to leave all these memories come back and I'm sure I will miss him. I always believe that a coordinator is doing his/her job well if he/she thoroughly knows the temper/character of her boss.

I recall the other day when he stood beside me instructing me to check something for him, when I casually asked if he changed his cigarettes. I used to buy him cigarettes in the morning whenever he ran out of it because there's no convenience store near his new house. Hence I'm aware of the brand he usually smokes. He was so shocked by my question that he started telling others how his coordinator was able to detect this slight change. I guess seeing someone everyday does make a difference in noticing their daily habits.

And the other day, he texted me on his off day, "I might be going to Taka... You want anything?" I questioned his text because he wouldn't be popping into office anyway, but he replied, "no la... If you want bubble tea then I pop by lor" which caught me by surprise. Marcus has never been this kind of considerate person, haha.

He bought us Koi in the end (ya he went to Lucky Plaza) and when passing the drinks to me he gave me another box of pastries and told me very hurriedly, "this one for you only ah!" and drove off in his Peugeot. I couldn't help but feel so much love from my usual cold and aloof manager.

When my colleagues from Reservations heard that I'm leaving, a few of them actually asked in exclamation what is Marcus gonna do without me. Hahaha, I know he can survive without me. After all he's changed 7 coordinators in his 7 years here. Its just that they tell me I'm probably the only one who could get along so well with him by far.

I joked to him about how I will tell my replacement of his needs and preferences, such as his favorite flavor (matcha), and his chocolate preference (non-pure) and his choice of bubble tea at Koi (which he doesn't even know himself lol).

Sometimes its wonderful to have HTHTs with him while on our way to meet clients, and I'm glad how he gives me advice in my future endeavors like my senior. He always feels old with me but I feel otherwise. I admire his maturity but he can sometimes really get on my nerves too.

I told him once that I'd invite him to my 21st birthday. He told Theresa that he wouldn't come, but would buy me a a big gift, in which Theresa told him, I wouldn't want his present I'd want his presence. Hahaha. I'll miss him so dearly.

He's flying off to Middle East for his business trip this Saturday and won't be back before my last day.

He treated me to lunch yesterday with Theresa and wished me all the best. This sounds like a confession post for him but nah, there'll be more to come for others.

#16moredays

Another Step Closer

31 August 2015 // Monday

Its a back-to-work Monday.

Had a short getaway to Malaysia over the weekends to visit my relatives there and I flew there by Tigerair.

I had never felt so occupied on this flight as compared to all my previous flying experiences.

Probably because I know, this is what I will be doing in future and I paid extra attention to everything the cabin crew did.

But after all, Tigerair was a budget carrier. They only had 4 crew onboard and no meals were served.

I noticed how they were clicking their counter while greeting passengers on board the aircraft. I paid extra attention to the in-flight announcements (although the speaker didn't have exactly good English). I listened when they were demonstrating the safety instructions. And I couldn't help but kept noticing the time they required to complete certain tasks.

It was so interesting that I couldn't help but feel even more excited for my upcoming endeavors.

I constantly did a self check for my physical condition onboard during the flight. I wanted to ensure I wasn't encountering any issues such as dry eyes, dizzy spells or discomfort for I would be living most of my life this way in future. Glad to say none of the above applies.

*****

As I've mentioned before that my commencement date has been postponed to end October, I'm contemplating on heading for the SIA recruitment on 12 September. Am trying very hard to prepare myself for the interview because I'm sure that's what I really want.

I have always been in love with our airport, both by the overall and the interior. Stepping in to T2 and checking in felt so good. Having priority access to the departure lounge as a Singaporean was another added advantage. Am so proud be Singaporean, free from wars and currency depletion and corruption and all, so all the more I want to represent my country's best airline and spread my wings across the globe.

Anyway, I enter the departure lounge early so I could shop at Pandora (tax free yay!). I was clad in my mandatory heels so I could walk properly with grace. The impeccable service from the retail outlets and the customer service personnel at almost every 10 steps blew me off my feet. I couldn't describe the feeling seeing how everything worked so well on its own.

I headed to my boarding gate and entered the gate pretty early. The previous flight has yet to depart still. I glanced out of the window and saw a Boeing 777-200. I was so proud seeing that logo and how huge this giant was. And I thought of how wonderful it would be to soar in the air through the clouds in this beast.

Okay, wake me up from my day dream already. I think I stared at the aircraft for at least 20mins and couldn't help but kept smiling to myself.

I just felt so close to SIA, just this close. I wanted to give my best shot again, because I believe in grabbing every opportunity that comes along lest regretting missing the chance later.

I went home and searched for more information on SIA's cabin crew training. Seeing the uncountable high-technology equipment such as wave-simulator and life-sized aircraft, I couldn't help but gave a little scream inside. I almost couldn't contain my excitement!

So that concludes this post with me deciding... to go for the walk-in interview!

Wish me luck! :D

Plan B

25 August 2015 // Tuesday

It was a hell of a long wait for their reply. I guess it all goes to show how much all this matters to me.

I finally heard from them and they told me that they will slot me under the next batch of training date, which is tentatively set in October.

Which gives me almost a month of hiatus.

This wasn’t what I originally planned though. I didn’t need a break before I started, and furthermore I didn’t want to spend a month with no income.

But I guess I’m left with no choice.

I’d probably go ahead with working for Formula 1, and maybe work part time somewhere.

*****

I just got to know that one my ex-colleagues who left the company last month has been recruited by SIA.

Jealous is all I feel now. Jealous in the positive way though, envious?

I always believe that things happen for a reason. Having the abrupt one month hiatus now makes me wonder if I should try out SIA again since my last attempt three years back.

I went to their website and, guess what. They’re having a recruitment drive on 12 September.

I guess everything falls in place now.

Still fighting myself deep inside on whether I should go for it. I’m a little torn apart inside because I wonder if my next move to try for SIA will affect my job in Silkair.

Confused. What's my Plan B?

计划永远赶不上变化

20 August 2015 // Thursday

For non-chinese readers, my title means "changes precedes plans".

I tendered my resignation on 2 days back, which confirmed my last day of service with the company on 17th September. That leaves me 3 days before I commence on 21st September with Silkair.

I didn't think I needed a break before my new commencement therefore the short period between both dates. I even had thoughts of working for Formula 1 as part time as it is almost a norm for me every year. Furthermore, why not earn a little more $$?

However, more often than not, as my title mentioned, my plans were often ruined by last minute changes,

Just got an email from Silkair this morning informing of my new commencement date on 14th September, one week earlier than expected. Which goes to say that bond signing is also moved to a week earlier, on the 8th.

My last day was supposed to be 17th September.

I'm stuck in a dilemma now and I don't really know what to do. I have replied them asking if I have to join the following batch of new hires if I cannot make it for this new commencement date.

Awaiting their response right now.

D-Day

18 August 2015

S***** Yeo

Director of Sales 
Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
22 Orange Grove Road
Singapore 258350 

Dear S*****

Please accept this letter as formal notification that I am resigning from my position as Sales Coordinator with Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore. My last day will be 17^th September 2015, Thursday.

Thank you for the opportunity to work in this position for the past one year or so. I’ve greatly enjoyed and appreciated the opportunities I’ve had to meet many of our clients, to undergo training and take on several responsibilities beyond my daily work. It has been a great pleasure working with everyone and I’ve learned so much more about interpersonal skills, sales strategies and working as a team, all of which I will take with me throughout my career and my entire life.

I will do up a handover list for my replacement in my current position and ensure that I impart all that I’ve learnt to the next candidate for him/her to fulfill his/her daily tasks as a Sales Coordinator. Please let me know if there’s anything else you’d like me to assist in the meantime too.

I wish the company and all of you continued success, and I hope to stay in touch with all of you.

Sincerely,

Justina Lim

**********

It was the day where my countdown officially starts. I finally tendered my resignation letter.

I’ve had tons of second thoughts during this period while deciding when to tender. It was supposed to be last Friday, but then I decided to do my dental claims before I officially leave the company so I postponed the date till today (after I did my claims yesterday).

I actually had the letter ready from weeks ago, and I actually found it hard to break the news to my Boss and hand her the letter, even though she had already known of this news beforehand.

Marcus insisted to join me in my Boss’ office, and he did all the talking. It was like breaking someone’s trust and friendship to me. We had been together for more than a year; feelings were bound to develop.

And for friends who know me, I’m who gets emotionally attached very easily. Lest to say being in this place from when I was 16 till now, 5 years.

Well, the time has come for me to go so I guess there’s really no point looking back at those times.

So the countdown starts today, #34moredays.

The Good News!

28 July 2015 // Tuesday

It has been more than 5 working days and I haven’t heard from them.

I couldn’t find a reason to convince myself as to why I hadn’t heard from them…

I was pretty worried and on the other hand my dad kept pestering me about the results because he wanted to plan for a family trip to Europe end of the year, which obviously wouldn’t materialize if I got accepted.

I waited on yet another week and expressed my concern to my best friends. Amanda convinced me that if it didn’t work out I should go try again, but I wasn’t exactly sure if that was what I wanted though.

Ronnie went to the temple in Bugis to pray for me and I’m thankful for that.

And guess what, the very next day, I got a reply from them!

“I refer to your recent medical examination done at Fullerton Healthcare Clinic. I am pleased to inform you that you are fit for employment of the above position.”

*throws confetti*

So blessed to have gotten confirmation, but then again, nothing is firmed up until I’ve signed the employment letter. I did secretly pray to the deities too, and I thank them for answering my prayers.

I was informed that my commencement date is tentatively set on 21^st September and will be asked to sign the letter in mid August.

Till then, I just wanna treasure the time left to hang out with my friends and colleagues before I start my journey off land. 

As usual; I can't wait.

Medical Checkup

16 July 2015 // Thursday

I applied for half-day leave this time for my afternoon scheduled pre-employment checkup at Fullerton healthcare at Raffles. I had to fill up some declaration and I chanced upon the attached email from Silkair’s HR with the list of new hires. Apparently all of us from the final interview got in except for 1 guy. Sad to hear but at least Teresa, Jazreel and Nabilah got in too!

I waited for about 20 mins before proceeding for blood and urine test, eye checkup, followed by an x-ray and a consultation by the doctor.

The doctor who drew blood from me observed my fingernails and started telling me that he suspected I had diabetes. He kept asking whether I was sure about my condition and whether my family had any history of diabetics, in which I replied a firm no. The other nurse who came in even added in saying, “He’s a doctor so you must trust him, he is definitely right about his judgement.” Oh well. I just brushed his comments off.

Took me almost 2 hours to complete the test and I left for my activities after that. The email stated that they will inform me of my results within five working days.

Can’t wait!

That Fateful Call

14 July 2015 // Tuesday

9.13am. That unknown number.

Ever since I started on my Sales job I have been receiving unknown calls from my clients, my guests, vendors and even colleagues whom I’m not close with.

I didn’t use to answer these calls in the past, but I kicked that habit ever since I joined the company.

But this time, it wasn’t my client nor my guest. It was HR from Silkair.

And here I am sitting in office fretting over this call though I have been waiting for it.

Ironic isn’t it? When people say you start to wonder if you really want something after you’ve tried all means to earn it.

(It is cliché to say but) my dream was always to be a cabin crew. This has always been my dream. Of course the travelling part entices a lot, but another part of me love customer service. So why not?

Though the failure from SIA and JAL my past experiences did hit upon me and I wondered if I was really suited for this job and eligible for it, a large part of me wanted to try harder and prove myself.

And thanks to the push from Amanda (she informed me about the recruitment) and her support for me, there I went again embarking on another journey in my life which I least expected to happen.

That 1-minute call changed my life from now onwards.

I wouldn’t say it is a life-changing experience since I haven’t began my journey as a cabin crew yet. But I’m sure I would come back, a different person from who I was, and with more maturity, and more knowledge than I could ever gain from any 9 to 5 job.

I answered that call in an uncertain “hello”, subconsciously wary of the caller on the other line.

When he clarified where he was calling from, my heart skipped a beat and I stepped out of my desk to speak to him.

“Congratulations, you are selected for the pre-employment medical checkup.” I was elated to hear this and almost couldn’t contain my excitement. He said that he will drop me an email to fix my checkup date before ending the call.

I receive the email about 30 mins later and saw the checkup date but had to reschedule it because I had to work that day. After liaising with the clinic directly, I fixed my checkup date on 16 July.

Can’t express my excitement more with the fact that I am yet another step closer to fulfilling my dreams.

A Second Chance

10 July 2015 // Friday

I took leave in preparation for today again. Guess it goes to show how determined I am this time.

Well, not that prepared actually. I didn't have time to take new ID photos with my contacts. So I had a very bad plan... To take the ID photos before heading to Changi Airport.

I grabbed my documents and my erhu (because I had class that evening) and headed to the MRT station where the photo booth is located. I resorted to the photo booth in recent years because I actually get to see how I look before snapping the photos, which makes a huge difference.

Once I was done I took Bus 858 straight to Changi Airport and arrived just before 11.30am. I no longer needed the map because I already knew my way. As I was walking nearer and nearer my heart sank further and further. I told myself to hang in there and kept reassuring myself that I could do it.

I prayed hard that I will be the last candidate again and alas, my prayers were answered! I was candidate #10 again but this time in Group 3. The interviewer at the registration table read my application form and noticed I indicated that I had applied before. She asked me when and which round did I passed. "June 26, to be specific, until the final interview," I replied with my brightest smile ever. She took note and once again led all of us into the other room.

I couldn't help but observe the other candidates before we started on the interview (because I had lots of time from walking and waiting for the others to measure their height). There were five guys and five girls this time, much to my surprise. I felt comfortable and less nervous, probably because I already knew what to expect.

Needless to say I passed the height test and took my seat as candidate #10. This time there were three interviewers, all different from my previous interview and all of us were seated at a square table. One of them spoke and had us to introduce ourselves and explain why do we want to be a cabin crew. You'd be surprised at the answers, really.

*pardon my description of the candidates again please*

The first guy was Rasheed, he was Malay and really buff. His speech was really short though, like less than 2 minutes. But he sure was confident.

The second guy was Amir, and he works in SATS, so he actually know the interviewers. He looked like he was in his 40s, but I may be wrong.

The third guy works in SIA's KrisFlyer lounge where they take care of passengers flying First Class before they board the plane, He was pretty eloquent and confident, but he probably spoke too much (more on that later).

Then followed by Teresa, a NTU graduate in EEE. Then there was Jazreel from RP's IEM, together with Nabilah (they're friends duh).

Another guy Junyang who didn't look prepared at all because (1) he wasn't wearing a tie and (2) he was peeling his nails when talking. Big no no to fidget while talking.

There was another girl by the name of Chua Linn, but I totally have no impression of her, Prolly because we didn't talk much.

The guy right before me was Melvin, and he was from Jetstar. Because he was the only one already flying, he had an engaging talk with the interviewers with technical phrases and words which none of us understood of course.

We had a little longer wait outside the room this time and I spent this time trying to figure out who will get pass Round 1 while secretly hoping I'm one of them. The results were shocking: they called my name first though I was #10; the SIA guy didn't get in, neither did the Jetstar guy. Needless to say, Junyang didn't make it through too. Which also meant that seven of us passed! Whopping seven haha.

Time for the skin check and the Malay interviewer from last time apparently recognized me and she allowed me to skip the skin check since I already passed this round. I waited anxiously while everyone went to the private room for the 1-on-1 interview. What was more shocking was that everyone came out, invited to the final interview! Every single one except Chua Linn.

When it came to my turn (yeah I was last again) but this time it was a Chinese interviewer who looks just past my age. Amir (see before) who succeeded in the 1-on-1 interview reminded us to smile more during the interview.

And there I was trying my best to smile at her despite her pulling a straight face. She asked a few more questions and repeated the same scenario question from the last time. 

Ref: "What would you do to if one of the passengers is worried about taking the place as it is his first time onboard and he is even more concerned withe the recent flight accidents?"

When she asked me to tell her more about Silkair, I thought to myself, here's my chance; my efforts did not go to waste! I flooded her with all the info I had read online. She looked stunned and calmly replied, "I guess you did your homework..." I gave her an awkward smile haha.

"Okay, so I will give you this letter as a formal invitation to the final interview."

I got through!!! Although its not official but its another step closer!

While filing up more application forms for the final round in the holding area I chatted with the three other girls (Teresa, Jazreel & Nabilah) who got in together as well and decided we'd grab lunch together before heading back for the final interview in about two hours' time.

We had a great lunch and a wonderful sharing session and it really amazes me how we managed to click well in such a short time! (I know it may be too early to say so)

During these 2 hours, I started having second thoughts about the job. I realize I probably couldn't bear with all the sacrifices I had to make in exchange for this job. I was ready to skip those special occasions like Christmas or Thanksgiving, even ready to sacrifice my 21st birthday celebration! But the thought of leaving my colleagues and missing CO practices just made me think twice...

Thanks to Amanda who managed to persuade me to go for the final interview since I came so far and I must say I did not regret my choice!

The final interview was conducted in the registration room, but the setup was now 11 chairs in an arc facing three interviewers. Which also means that from all the candidates only 11 of us were selected! What an honour :)

And so… we were interviewed by the Flight Manager, VP of Operations & Director of HR. The VP of Operations was kinda the main person doing the talking, and he sure was a funny guy which helped relieve the tension in the room.

The final interview lasted about an hour with each of us speaking for about 5 minutes each. The VP likes to crack informal jokes that are beyond the purpose of the interview. But nonetheless it was an enjoyable hour and that was all for the day.

I can’t wait to know if I would be in but during the interview the VP said things like “I hope to see all of you soon, which I believe we will see each other for sure” which makes it sound like we were all gonna pass the interview.

May the odds be ever in my favour.

Voyage Wanderlust #VA112

Introducing my 4th blog in 4 years: Voyage Wanderlust.

All it took was just a moment for me to decide to work on this again.

21.06.15 // Sunday

"Amanda sent you an image"

I opened up her text on Whatsapp and found that she sent me a shot of Silkair's recruitment ad on the papers.

I decided to give it a shot. I marked my calendar and prepared all the necessary documentations. I was prepared to give my best shot again.

Back in 2012, Amanda and I had tried for the recruitment for SIA when it came to our school during the career fair. But unfortunately I didn't even get through Round 1, lest to say the countless interviews to pass before officially being recruited.

In 2013, I submitted my application online to try for JAL when they had a recruitment exercise for Singapore. And neither did I get any response.

I think it is almost everyone's dream to be a cabin crew because who doesn't love a job where you can travel at the same time?

These two failures brought my hope of being a cabin crew further down because I knew where I stood amongst everyone. I wasn't the prettiest girl in school, neither was I blessed with flawless skin or perfect eyesight.

But God is fair. He gave me a slim figure and an ideal height standing at 5" 6. I couldn't ask for more.

Friends and families have always praised me for having a model-like figure and always urged me to either be a model or cabin crew, but it never grew on them that it doesn't take just good height and figure to be either. It takes much more than that.

I don't know where I found the courage to try the recruitment again. I just wanted to prove myself once more. But I wasn't bolstering high hopes.

26.06.15 // Friday

I applied for leave 2 days prior and that simply meant I had set my mind on this. I wasn't exactly ready to quit my job, but I just knew that something was bugging me to leave and aim for more.

I kept it simple with just a black flare dress and my mandatory heels from Charles & Keith. I grabbed my educational certificates and the documentations and set off after a hearty breakfast. After all, a good meal was necessary to start the day well.

I arrived at Changi Airport around noon after a 40 minutes bus ride from my home. I found my way to the head office with the help of the map I printed from their website.

When I arrived in the registration room, I was greeted by nine other candidates seated in rows facing two other interviewers at the registration table. One of the candidate came right before me (I believe) and she was still at the registration desk, so the other interviewer got me to take a seat first.

Shortly after, the interviewer at the registration desk invited me over to assist me with the registration. She checked through my educational certificates, my application form and advised that I am in Group 5.

Immediately after, she asked everyone to follow her to another room. I was the last candidate in Group 5 and I was secretly feeling good about it because I knew how much of an advantage I had for being the last candidate.

We were brought into the interview room and there were 10 chairs placed in a arc facing the interviewers. We were asked to remove our shoes to verify our heights as stated in our application forms before taking a seat. We were also asked to stretch both hands and try to reach a masking tape on the wall, which I believe is their minimum requirement to reach the overhead compartments in the aircraft. I of course, had no issue with that part.

We took our seats according to our numbers (I was #10) and we were asked to introduce ourselves while standing at our own seats.

*pardon my description of the candidates please*

The first candidate was a Malay girl who works in Jetstar and he job is to print boarding passes. The second candidate was a Malay guy who also works in Jetstar and he is responsible for "tearing" the boarding passes (quoting from him). Needless to say, they're friends and came for the interview together.

When he was asked to say more about the history of Silkair, he could only quote generic statements like "Silkair is a very big company", which obviously proved that he didn't do his homework. Well, at least I did mine.

Then there was Francis in his 40s, working as a casino dealer in MBS. His command of English was not very proficient, but I guess he was pretty enthusiastic about the interview. he even joked about how he wouldn't start a mini casino onboard which ended in awkward silence.

Another Indian girl started by saying she was with Qatar for 5 years. When asked why the switch in airlines she simply said she wanted to relocate back to Singapore, which of course is a valid reason I suppose. However, when asked "Why Silkair" she replied after a short pause, "I love Sikair," which in return, got her questioned by the interviewers "why".

Guess her answer? "I really wanna join Silkair."

Damn she's not answering the question at all. The interviewers exchanged glances and thanked her for her time. I wonder if she understood the question at all.

Then was another girl who kept going on about how she loved traveling and telling everyone which countries she's been to. The interviewers obviously had no interest in the food you had in Bintan and the beach in Phuket. And as expected, she expressed her interest of joining as cabin crew because of her love for traveling.

Another lady by the name of May was from Sikair before but left to be a full-time mother. Now that she wants to join back, she kept sharing how much passion and love she has for the company. No comments on that.

In short, I got pretty confident as I listened to the other candidates' responses because it was ridiculous. Six of them actually quoted "Being a cabin crew is my dream because I love traveling." This girl who majored in Chinese Studies in NTU even said, "I watched the HK drama Truimph in the Skies and I want to fly like them." Can't believe anyone actually used that as a reason for the interview.

Nonetheless, I reminded myself not to be conceited although to be honest, this is by far the first interview I've been through so comfortably.

Then came my turn, and I quoted what everyone else said and turned the tables around.

"Who doesn't love traveling if we had money? Of course the traveling is an attractive perk but to me, a job is a job and since I get to learn more than a 9-5 job, why not?"

Thanks to my NYP lecturers who taught me that ending your speech with a question is definitely an opportunity boost. The interviewers invited us to step out of the room while they decide who to pass the round. And guess what? I got through!

I was so excited and tried to make friends with this other girl in the shipping industry because we exchanged glances earlier while waiting for the results.

We were brought to another room with tables and chairs and two closed rooms. We were asked to put on the uniform for the skin check. They checked my forearms up to the elbow, checked my forehead and neck, followed by a casual walk.

Subsequently, each one of us were led into the private room for the 1-on-1 interview.

It was nerve-wrecking because we didn't know what to expect, but after the first candidate came out we dug info from her and felt much more relieved.

And did I not mention that the girl who kept going on about her trips got through as well?

However, she did not pass Round 2. All the other three candidates were asked to step out of the room after the 1-on-1 interview ended to wait for the results. And all of them received the same result: "That's all for today, thank you for your time." One of the other girl still verified with the interviewer if that meant that she is not selected.

All three of the other candidates left eventually and wished me good luck for my Round 2.

So I was left alone after the three of them left and the silence isn't really helping to calm my nerves.

The interviewer was a very nice Malay lady who asked me to tell her more about myself, and asked me few other questions such as "Why cabin crew" and "Why Sikair". Of course. I answered well enough, because I had prepared for all these questions prior to the interview day.

She asked me to name a few destinations that Silkair flew but I only read up about countries, so I kinda failed that one quite badly. To my surprise, after I stepped out, the interviewer sat down in front of me and this was what she first said: "I only have one concern."

I was so surprised because I was expecting the same result as the previous three candidates! The interviewer told me that her concern was with my eyesight as it is a little too high. Furthermore I haven't tried contacts before, hence she told me to come back again with my contacts. I was quite disappointed because it meant I had to go through from Round 1 again.

I found it such a pity but thanked the interviewer anyway. I wasn't feeling any regrets because I know I tried my best. Just as I stepped out of the room, I did a quick turn back into the room to check on the next walk-in recruitment date. She told me 10 July and I nodded in acknowledgement.

10 July 2015; here I come.