Airline hiring isn’t as transparent as you’d hope, especially when it comes to cabin crew interviews. If you’ve ever walked out of one feeling unsure about what went wrong, you’re not alone. Recruiters rarely give clear feedback, and they definitely don’t spell out exactly what they’re looking for.
But they do drop hints—through their words, their body language, and even their silence. Understanding these signals can mean the difference between moving forward in the process or walking away confused. Let’s break down what recruiters really mean when they say, “We’ll keep your application on file” or “We encourage you to apply again.”
TL;DR:
- “We’ll keep your application on file” usually means no—don’t wait for a call that’s not coming.
- Body language matters—tone shifts, silence, and rushed goodbyes often signal rejection.
- Strong candidates get follow-ups, smiles, and longer chats—engagement = interest.
- No feedback doesn’t mean no message—recruiters expect you to read between the lines.
- Adjust and reapply smarter—rejections often come down to confidence, energy, or small mistakes you can fix.
Why Airlines Never Tell You the Real Reason You Were Rejected
Airlines receive thousands of applications, and they can’t personally coach every rejected candidate. Instead, they rely on a mix of rehearsed phrases, neutral feedback, and strategic silence to filter out applicants. They also want to protect their brand—no company wants a rejected applicant trashing them online.
But just because they don’t say something outright doesn’t mean they aren’t saying it at all. The trick is to listen beyond the words.
Recruiter Code: What Their Words Really Mean
There’s what recruiters say, and then there’s what they actually mean. If you take everything at face value, you’ll spend months waiting for a call that’s never coming.
“We’ll keep your application on file” sounds hopeful, but in most cases, it’s a polite way to say, “This isn’t happening.” If they really saw potential in you, they’d say, “You should apply again for our next opening”—not just dump you in an unseen folder.
“We encourage you to apply again” can mean two things. Either you were close but didn’t quite fit this round, or they’re just being polite. If they say this while making actual eye contact and sounding genuine, take it as a good sign. If it’s rushed, don’t get your hopes up.
“We’re looking for someone with a little more experience” is recruiter-speak for “You didn’t come across as confident enough” or “You lacked a key skill we were hoping for.” Sometimes, experience isn’t about work history. It’s about how well you handle pressure, whether you project authority, or whether you seem like you’d survive a chaotic 12-hour shift with demanding passengers.
“You did really well, but we had a high volume of strong candidates” is one of the most frustrating phrases to hear. It usually means you were good, but someone else edged you out. The worst part? If they actually liked you but someone just fit better, they can’t say that outright.
“We’ll get back to you soon” is only promising if they give you a specific timeline. Otherwise, it’s a soft rejection. Airlines move fast when they want you.
Emma’s Interview Wake-Up Call: What She Realised Too Late
Emma had applied to airlines for a year. Two final interviews, two rejections. Both times, she walked out feeling okay—until the rejection emails came.
The second time, something felt off. The recruiter had started off friendly. Then, halfway through, her tone shifted. The smiles faded, the responses got shorter, the eye contact dropped. The interview ended faster than expected. Emma already knew.
Later, she asked a friend who had been hired. The difference was impossible to ignore. Her friend got extra questions, more engagement, even a joke or two. Recruiters had leaned in when she spoke.
Emma had been too reserved. She gave all the right answers, but she didn’t show enough personality. When she applied again, she focused on being more engaged—more natural conversation, less rehearsed politeness. This time, she got the job.
What Recruiters Won’t Say Out Loud—But You Need to Know
Recruiters judge fast. They can spot nervousness, overconfidence, and hesitation within minutes. Some decisions are made before you even sit down.
If recruiters seem disengaged when you answer, you might already be out. Strong candidates get follow-ups, smiles, and longer conversations.
If they’re taking a lot of notes, it could mean two things: They’re interested, or they’ve already ruled you out and are just documenting the reason. If they barely write anything, they might have already made their decision.
If a recruiter suddenly changes their tone—going from warm and chatty to distant—you might have said something that raised a red flag. Maybe you hesitated when asked why you want the job. Maybe you sounded unsure about the lifestyle. Recruiters are trained to catch uncertainty.
No Feedback? Here’s What Airlines Don’t Want to Tell You
Most rejected candidates leave wondering what they could improve. Airlines rarely tell them.
It’s not just to protect their brand—it’s to avoid arguments. Some candidates push back when given honest feedback, and airlines don’t have time for debates.
There’s another reason: They don’t want to reveal their hiring formula. If candidates knew exactly what to say, it would be too easy to game the system. Airlines need to see natural confidence and adaptability, not memorized answers.
The best way to figure out what went wrong? Compare your interview to successful candidates. Did they get more follow-ups? Did they seem more relaxed? Did recruiters react differently? Small differences can make or break your chances.
Are You In or Out? How to Tell if Recruiters Are Interested
If recruiters ask follow-up questions beyond the scripted ones, they’re interested. If they joke with you or engage in casual conversation, they’re testing your social skills and personality—which is a good sign.
If they give you a clear next-step timeline and mention what happens next in detail, they’re serious about you. If they seem rushed or vague, they’ve likely already made up their minds.
Another huge clue? If they introduce you to someone higher up or mention that they see you as a good fit. Recruiters don’t waste time hyping up candidates they aren’t considering.
Rejected Again? Here’s What You’re Missing
Rejection in airline hiring isn’t always about you doing something wrong. Sometimes, another candidate just fit the puzzle better. Maybe they had a second language. Maybe they had the right energy for that airline’s culture.
The trick is to use every rejection as a lesson. If you keep getting cut in group assessments, you might need to speak up more or engage better with the team. If you keep failing final interviews, you may need to refine your answers—or show more personality.
Some of the best cabin crew got rejected multiple times before landing the job. It’s about understanding the gaps and working on them.
Final Thoughts—The Game You Need to Play
Airline recruitment is full of hidden messages. The words, the body language, even the recruiter’s posture—all tell a story, if you know how to read it.
When recruiters are vague, they’re saying more than they let on. When they don’t give feedback, they expect you to figure it out. And when they genuinely like you, they make sure you know—even if it’s not in words.
If you’ve been struggling with interviews, start paying attention to these signals. The more you understand what recruiters mean—not just what they say—the better you can adjust and finally land that job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why don’t airlines give clear feedback after a cabin crew interview?
Airlines avoid giving feedback to protect their hiring process and prevent arguments with rejected candidates. They expect applicants to figure out where they fell short by comparing their experience to those who got hired.
How can I tell if I did well in a cabin crew interview?
If recruiters ask follow-up questions, joke with you, or explain the next steps in detail, that’s a good sign. If they seem rushed, vague, or disengaged, you’re likely not moving forward.
What does “We’ll keep your application on file” actually mean?
This is usually a polite rejection. Airlines rarely revisit old applications unless they see strong potential and specifically encourage you to reapply.
How soon do airlines contact successful cabin crew candidates?
Top candidates often hear back within days or even hours. If you don’t receive an update within the timeline they mentioned, chances are you weren’t selected.
Can I ask for feedback if I get rejected?
You can, but most airlines won’t provide it. A better approach is to analyse how recruiters reacted during your interview and work on improving weak areas for your next attempt.