The short answer to this question is: YES. An introvert or a shy person can be a flight attendant, there is absolutely no reason why not.
At first glance, it seems that being a flight attendant and being someone who is shy are two things that just don’t go together.
When most people think about flight attendants, they picture someone who is outgoing, bubbly, and all the things that are the opposite of shy.
But if you think about it, being shy or introverted isn’t being antisocial, it means that you appreciate being around people to whom you are close, and prefer one-on-one interactions over large group settings.
Okay, having sorted that out, let’s take a look at some of the questions that I get most often asked about this.
Are There Shy Flight Attendants?
Of course there are!
As someone who has worked for over 15 years in this exciting career, I can assure you that I’ve met all kinds of flight attendants.
Some of whom are extremely shy, introverted, and quiet.
And, of course, others who are extroverted, sociable, and very talkative.
But here’s a thing that many people don’t quite understand; it is possible to be both, to be introverted and extroverted, depending on the situation, mood, and people you are with.
Actually, I think most of us are a bit of both things to some degree.
Nobody is one hundred percent introverted or extroverted.
You might consider yourself as an extrovert when you are out with people enjoying their company, and at other times an introvert because you are shy around people you have just met and don’t like to reach out them.
This doesn’t make you one or the other, it makes you emotionally flexible. Embrace it!
So, as you can see, if you want to know if there are shy flight attendants, the answer is yes, in the world of aviation there is room for all types of personalities.
What Kind of Personality Do You Need To Become a Flight Attendant?
There is no right or wrong personality type.
You can be quiet, timid, or reserved, but regardless of which you are, you will definitely have to enjoy face-to-face communication.
You will be communicating with passengers every day, with co-workers, and with pilots, so it would be impossible to do your job without talking to people.
But, it’s not only your personality that counts, it’s also your attitude.
A flight attendant should be:
- Positive
- Empathetic
- Approachable
- Proactive
- Team oriented
- Flexible and adaptable
- Culturally sensitive
- Attentive to detail
- Easy going
- Discreet
That’s some list, isn’t it?
But, don’t worry, you already possess these attributes, otherwise, you wouldn’t be wanting to do this sort of work.
The trick is to know when to use them and bring them to the fore.
How Likely Am I To Get the Job if I’m Shy?
It depends on your level of shyness.
You don’t have to be an extrovert to get the job, but you need at least to be able to socialize with others during the assessment day.
Plus, you will probably have to participate in a teamwork simulation exercise, and you might also have to talk about yourself in front of others.
So you can be shy or introverted, but you do need to be able to cope with these situations.
Recruiters want to see whether or not you can work in a team, can connect with a group of strangers, and how you would perform at work.
Take into account that most of the time in the flight attendant’s job, you actually don’t know the people you’re flying with, so you need to be willing to meet new people every day at work and interact with them.
If you are shy, during Assessment days or in group exercises, just try to socialize, and blend in with others.
It could help to make a friendship with just one person and stick with them, instead of hanging out in big groups.
Make sure you listen, speak up when you have something to say, and always be respectful to everybody.
What if they make me speak in front of the group?
Do you know what the most common fear amongst people is?
It’s not fear of heights or spiders or the dentist, it’s a fear of having to speak in front of others.
Public speaking terrifies a huge amount of people, extroverts included.
So if you are worried about speaking in front of the group, just remember that nearly everyone else in the room is feeling the same.
Pretend that you are talking one on one to a friend and keep eye contact with the other candidates just for a couple of seconds at a time.
You got this!
Actually, from one shy person to another, I don’t think that extroverts get hired in any more numbers than introverts.
Obviously, they do have an advantage when it comes to interviews, especially if we talk about group interviews because they are comfortable with social interaction and they find it easier to talk to new people.
But this is not always positive.
Being super extroverted, monopolizing the conversation, or wanting to be the star of the show at all times might end up in people thinking you are annoying.
Extroverts sometimes think that they are far more interesting than they really are.
Does the Flight Attendant Job Help Lessen Shyness?
Yes, it will positively influence your communication skills and will help you manage to overcome the anxiety you get with social interaction.
But most importantly, it will help you gain personal balance when you are around new people.
When you first start out, it can be hard for you to integrate and participate in the chattiness and gossip of your co-workers, deal with hundreds of passengers, or even tell a disruptive passenger to back down, but in the end, you will get used to it.
Trust me, when you have sorted out your first disruptive passenger successfully, there will be no turning back for you.
Is the Flight Attendant Job a Good Career Choice for Shy People?
Why wouldn’t it be?
It’s a great challenge and it will help you boost your comfort and confidence level, and help you collaborate effectively in a team.
And all of that will have a spill-over effect in other aspects of your life.
It’s a win, win.
What Are the Advantages of Being an Introverted Flight Attendant?
Introverts are good listeners and they think before they speak or act.
This can be of help when dealing with passengers’ problems.
They also stand out in critical thinking, a skill that allows them to make logical decisions and effectively solve problems.
They can maintain focus. This is something essential when we talk about safety and long duties, flight attendants need to be always alert and vigilant in case any emergency arises.
They are prudent and cautious, showing good judgment in avoiding unnecessary risks.
They pay attention to details. This is one of the top qualities of a flight attendant, not only for the satisfaction and comfort of the passengers but also for spotting any safety issues.
Wrap Up: Can a Shy/Introverted Person Become a Flight Attendant?
Absolutely you can be a successful flight attendant and also be shy. You might have to stretch your comfort zone at first but it becomes easier and more natural with time and you will eventually find yourself becoming less shy or introverted in your personal life.
There is no better or worse personality type for the flight attendant job.
In the end, the best flight attendant is the one who is constantly working towards improving themselves, making an effort to leverage their strengths and improve their weaker areas.
So, it’s down to you – are you up for it?
