How to Write an Aviation Cover Letter
It probably won’t apply to all jobs in the industry, but a cover letter a good way to distinguish yourself from the pack..
[File photo: Adobe Stock]
So far in this series, we have covered how to write an aviation resume and how to apply for a pilot job online . There is a third career media skill that is important to know, though it won’t apply to all positions, and that is how to write a cover letter.
The cover letter may seem like a bit of an anachronism, and in some ways it is. Few large airlines ask for one anymore; you may have noticed that the AirlineApps base application doesn’t even allow you to attach a cover letter (or a resume, for that matter). At large airlines doing a great deal of hiring, the process is quite data-driven, and the computer that spits out your name to be interviewed by a human will have zero appreciation of a well-crafted cover letter. Still, even at these companies you will bring your resume to the interview, and this should be accompanied by a cover letter—even if it seems destined to languish, unread, in the interviewer’s file folder.
The cover letter assumes much greater importance for corporate jobs, at smaller companies, whenever mailing or emailing your resume unbidden, when pounding the street and “cold-calling” potential employers, and when meeting recruiters at job fairs. Your cover letter accompanies and enhances your resume by fleshing out a potential employer’s idea of you. It’s more important in the early stages of your career, when your credentials alone aren’t so impressive. By presenting a neat, well-organized, well-written cover letter, you are introducing yourself as a neat, well-organized, and intelligent candidate—a future employee more valuable than your certificates and hours alone might indicate.
Not a Writer?
The challenge here is that there are plenty of people who are neat, well-organized, and intelligent who are not naturally good writers. If this describes you, I highly suggest that you enlist the help of more literate friends or family members, even to the point of having someone ghost write your basic cover letter. If you don’t know such a person, hire one online (starving writers are a dime a dozen), and get them to proof your resume while you’re at it. Readability is everything; an overly wordy, confusing, or typo-riddled cover letter will quickly be cast aside.
What Goes in a Cover Letter?
Your cover letter should take the form of a one-page business letter; an example is above with a key for reference. The letter need not be long, and in many cases might fill half the page. It should be left-justified in block format, with a single space between most elements before the signature block. It should be semi-formal in tone, use active voice, and be personalized for each job that you are interested in. Most will be similar enough that it’s useful to create a baseline stock copy, and then modify as needed.
The first element is your home or permanent address, without your name or title (1). After a single space, put today’s date, in written rather than digital format (2). Next, write the name and address of the company you are targeting (3). Ideally you will know the name and title of the person who does the hiring, and this should precede the address. Do some digging if necessary; this will demonstrate knowledge of the target company.
The salutation (4) should be personalized if you know the recipient’s name, and should take the form of “Dear Ms. Lastname,” “Dear Mr. Lastname,” or “Dear Firstname Lastname.” If you don’t know the recipient’s name, the salutation should be gender-neutral. “To Whom It May Concern:” is rather impersonal; “Dear Sir or Madam,” or “Dear Sir/Madam,” is better.
The body of the letter should be three or four paragraphs. In the first paragraph (5), state your purpose for writing, i.e. your interest in the job. This is a good place to demonstrate knowledge of the company, to appropriate their buzzwords or slogans, and to drop the names of any internal recommendations. This is a place for active verbs and vivid adjectives. You are capturing the reader’s interest.
In the middle paragraph or paragraphs (6), you are summarizing your background and experience as it relates to this particular job. You don’t want this to just be a redundant reiteration of your resumé; you want to better flesh out who you are, why you want the job, and why you’d be the ideal candidate, making your case in ways that you canno t within the rigid confines of a resumé. It’s OK to get a little personal here, sharing the influences that made you who you are, and explaining (in a positive manner) why you’re ready to move on to this job (7). This is a good spot to humblebrag how you’ve been a positive force at your current and previous employers (8), and to bring up subtle factors that set you apart from the competition (9).
The closing paragraph (10) is the place to make your call to action. You’re asking for an interview here; don’t be shy about it. Make reference to enclosures, include your contact information, and close on a gracious note.
The signature block (11) should include a valediction (“Sincerely,” is a safe bet; “Sincerely yours,” “Respectfully yours,” or “Cordially,” are also good options), and then four spaces, followed by your name, formatted as it appears on the header of your resume. Within the four spaces you can insert a graphic of your signature, or leave blank to be physically signed if printed on paper, or just leave blank altogether. After your name and an additional space, type the word “Enclosures:” and the number of physical or email attachments included.
If this cover letter is intended to be taken with you while you pound the pavement or attend job fairs, print it on high-quality paper similar (but not necessarily identical) to that of your resume.
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5 Flight Attendant Cover Letter Examples Built for 2024
- Flight Attendant (FA) Cover Letter
- FA No Experience
- American Airlines FA
- Corporate FA
- Write Your Flight Attendant Cover Letter
Excelling in creating safe and enjoyable flights is where you shine. You meticulously conduct safety checks, politely answer passenger inquiries, and provide a selection of food and beverages, all aimed at elevating the flight experience to an exceptional level for everyone aboard.
However, is your cover letter helping you elevate above other candidates in the hiring process? Does it supplement what’s already in your flight attendant resume ?
We can help with our flight attendant cover letter examples and AI cover letter generator . They’ll provide an easy template for success to catch each airline hiring manager’s attention while applying for your next job.
Flight Attendant Cover Letter Example
USE THIS TEMPLATE
Microsoft Word
Google Docs
Block Format
Copy this text for your Flight Attendant cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue San Francisco, CA 94016 (123) 456-7890
August 30, 2023
Benjamin Jones United Airlines 123 Fictional Lane San Francisco, CA 94016
Dear Mr. Jones:
As a passionate and highly motivated individual, I have always been fascinated by the aviation industry. My deep enthusiasm for ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers, combined with my strong interpersonal and communication skills, make me an ideal fit for the flight attendant role at United Airlines.
As a flight assistant at Allegiant Air, I administered life-saving first aid and provided compassionate care to 433 passengers during my three-year tenure. Moreover, I was instrumental in recognizing and addressing potential safety hazards, ensuring the well-being and security of everyone on board.
As a flight attendant trainee with Delta Air, I demonstrated exceptional skills in emergency management. I helped 124+ passengers embark safely from a flight during an emergency landing with zero cases of injuries. During my previous roles, I received commendations for communicating clearly and reassuringly during emergency procedures, ensuring passengers and crew members remained informed and confident in the team’s ability to manage the situation.
United Airlines’ reputation for excellence and its commitment to the safety and satisfaction of its passengers align perfectly with my personal values and career aspirations. I am eager to join a team of dedicated professionals sharing the same passion for aviation and customer service. Thank you for considering my application.
Amira Ibrahim
Enclosures: Resume Application 2 letters of recommendation Professional Photograph
Why this cover letter works
- Complementing that with excellent communication skills makes it invincible.
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Flight Attendant No Experience Cover Letter Example
Copy this text for your Flight Attendant No Experience cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85001 (123) 456-7890
Ava Brown Delta Air Lines 123 Fictional Lane Phoenix, AZ 85001
Dear Ms. Brown:
Throughout my life, aviation has always been a great passion of mine, and I am thrilled at the prospect of embarking on a local flight attendant career that combines my love for customer service and my desire to ensure passengers have a safe and enjoyable flight experience. I have closely followed Delta Air Lines and have been consistently impressed by the company’s commitment to excellence and its dedication to providing exceptional customer service.
My background in safety procedures is rooted in comprehensive training and experience, which includes rigorous adherence to FAA regulations. I am adept at handling emergency situations with a calm and composed demeanor, ensuring passengers’ safety.
Having completed training in flight regulations and procedures, I possess a deep understanding of the aviation industry’s rules and regulations. My knowledge includes meticulous attention to pre-flight checks, in-flight procedures, and post-flight duties, guaranteeing a seamless travel experience for passengers.
Moreover, my experience in conflict resolution has honed my ability to address diverse passenger needs with empathy and diplomacy. I understand the importance of fostering a positive and respectful environment on board, and I am committed to providing exceptional service.
I am enthusiastic about working with Delta’s esteemed crew members and collaborating to create unforgettable travel experiences for passengers. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how my unique qualifications and dedication can contribute to the success of your esteemed airline.
Ingrid Olsen
- To complement that, show your thorough understanding of safety protocols and your dedication to passenger safety.
American Airlines Flight Attendant Cover Letter Example
Copy this text for your American Airlines Flight Attendant cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue Columbus, OH 43004 (123) 456-7890
Ethan Davis American Airlines 123 Fictional Lane Columbus, OH 43004
Dear Mr. Davis:
As a dedicated and detail-oriented individual with a passion for delivering exceptional customer service, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and enthusiasm to the renowned team at American Airlines as a flight attendant.
Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated a commitment to ensuring the safety, comfort, and satisfaction of passengers. As an air stewardess at JetBlue Airways, I utilized my training and experience in First Aid and CPR, coupled with my proficiency in emergency evacuation procedures, to handle a wide range of in-flight scenarios with professionalism and calmness. At one time, I helped stabilize a cardiac arrest patient and made prior arrangements for emergency hospital transfer upon landing.
At Alaska Airlines, as a flight assistant, I deployed my effective communication skills to collaborate with the entire team; which improved on-time flight takeoff by 33%. I also helped handle passenger complaints, solving 98% of the cases without the need for further escalation.
Overall, I have a proven track record of resolving conflicts, providing information, and ensuring that passengers feel well-informed and cared for throughout their journey. I understand that safety and clear communication are vital to a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.
American Airlines’ commitment to safety, innovation, and excellence aligns perfectly with my personal and professional values. I am eager to bring my strong work ethic, attention to detail, and positive attitude to your team. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss in greater detail how my qualifications align with the needs of American Airlines. Thank you for considering my application.
Leila Razavi
- One thing you can point out is how you stayed calm and decisive during a crisis, such as when a patient had a cardiac arrest, and you stabilized him.
Cabin Crew Cover Letter Example
Copy this text for your Cabin Crew cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue Albuquerque, NM 87101 (123) 456-7890
February 15, 2024
Riley Parker Southwest Airlines 123 Fictional Lane Albuquerque, NM 87101
Dear Mr. Parker:
I am passionately drawn toward using my extensive experience in the aviation industry for the in-flight supervisor position at Southwest Airlines. My relentless commitment to safety for passengers and ambitious goals perfectly align with the high standards required of me in this role.
My past experience working as a senior flight attendant for Frontier Airlines involved building a team-focused approach to assure compliance with aircraft safety procedures. I have been responsible for conducting safety briefings and real-time crisis simulations which lowered the crew response times from 18 minutes to 9 minutes during emergency simulations.
Additionally, my expertise in crisis communication was solidified in an emergency landing incident during my time at SkyWest Airlines, where my role demanded precise coordination and clear communication; executing effective passenger communication strategies. With minimal panic among passengers and crew, this achievement proves to be a testament to our team’s preparedness and my leadership.
Furthermore, my proficiency in incident reporting and documentation has been a cornerstone of my career. At Republic Airways, I developed an incident documentation system to streamline and enhance the efficiency of reporting, expediting the turnaround in incident report filing by 2 days which improved our response strategies and preventive action plans.
I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my skills can contribute to the innovative and customer-focused ethos of Southwest Airlines. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest for further discussion.
Thank you for your consideration,
Diego Fernandez
Enclosures: Resume Application Academic Transcript
- Diego’s cabin crew cover letter dictates what a well-balanced letter looks like. A personalized introductory paragraph, professional contributions, and a perfect call to action at the very end.
Corporate Flight Attendant Cover Letter Example
Copy this text for your Corporate Flight Attendant cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue Detroit, MI 48202 (123) 456-7890
Olivia Jones Delta Private Jets 123 Fictional Lane Detroit, MI 48202
Dear Ms. Jones:
When I first came across the position at Delta Private Jets seeking a corporate flight attendant, I was thrilled to apply for the role. Having followed Delta Private Jets’ reputation for superior service and safety, I am enthusiastic about bringing my expertise and skills to a team renowned for setting the benchmark in luxury air travel.
In my previous role with Envoy Air, I was dedicated to meeting the highest standards of our safety protocols and staying updated with the latest aviation regulations. Conducting regular pre-flight safety checks and in-flight safety procedures, I was able to improve our safety audit scores by 12% to ensure a comfortable experience for passengers.
My experience extends to working on both small private jets and larger commercial aircraft providing me hands-on proficiency with different aircraft systems. This experience allowed me to become familiarized with the technical aspects of various aircraft and also enabled me to provide high-quality and personalized service to passengers. Hence, achieving a 17% boost in positive feedback from passengers during my employment at JetBlue Airways.
My role at Cape Air helped me gain experience in deploying emergency exits, rafts, and oxygen systems. Additionally, I have also managed advanced in-flight communication systems to maintain their optimal functions at all times.
Joining Delta Private Jets aligns perfectly with my career aspirations and passion for delivering exceptional service in the skies.Thank you for your consideration.
Luca Moretti
- Time and again, you’ll discover Luca’s remarkable and measurable outcomes such as “improving our safety audit scores by 12%” and “achieving a 17% boost in positive feedback from passengers” – nudging the recruiters and reiterating the candidate’s achievements. This paints a clear picture of the candidate’s expertise and contributions to their previous companies.
Related cover letter examples
- Customer service
- Social work
- Career change
Strategies to Write an Effective Flight Attendant Cover Letter
When assisting passengers on each flight, you probably notice you need to tailor the services you provide to unique needs. The same is true when creating a cover letter .
Every airline has differing processes and procedures, so it’s important to emphasize the essential skills they’re looking for in your cover letter while connecting to their specific mission. For instance, an airline that emphasizes its concern for safety would likely appreciate hearing about your 10-step pre-flight safety check process.
Achieve a clean takeoff with the greeting and intro of your flight attendant cover letter
The difference between a flight attendant getting passed over and grabbing a hiring manager’s attention can occur immediately in the greeting and intro.
The first thing you want to do is address it to a specific hiring manager if you can find their name in the job description or on the airline’s website. It’s similar to learning passenger’s names to provide a personalized experience while helping them.
Then, once you get into the opening paragraph, you can make a great first impression by connecting with the key skills the airline is looking for and its specific mission. For example, you could discuss how you want to use your customer service skills to help the airline achieve its mission of a comfortable and enjoyable flying experience for all passengers.
The opener below gets off to a good start but falls short when the applicant doesn’t get into any specifics about the airline’s needs or mission.
Doesn’t connect with the airline enough!
Hello Mr. Scott,
I was excited to see your flight attendant job opening. I think your airline provides excellent service and would be a great fit for my skills.
Instead, write an opener like the one below that immediately connects with the strong interpersonal and communication skills that United Airlines is looking for.
A great opener connecting with the airline’s needs!
Dear Mr. Jones,
Showcase your qualifications in the body of your flight attendant cover letter
Once you get into the body of your flight attendant cover letter, you want to discuss the details of your qualifications and work experiences .
Airlines use many metrics to ensure they are providing a great experience for passengers. A great way to stand out in this section is by optimizing with key numbers like passenger satisfaction scores or how you helped maintain excellent flight safety ratings.
If you don’t have as much experience, you can also use the skills you picked up while obtaining your FAA certificate. For instance, you could explain how you’ll help ensure flight safety with the skills you gained through courses that taught emergency procedures, like assisting with oxygen masks and alerting the captain of updates, where you obtained a 98% overall grade.
An excellent body paragraph focused on relevant metrics!
At Alaska Airlines, as a flight assistant, I deployed my effective communication skills to collaborate with the entire team, which improved on-time flight takeoff by 33%. I also helped handle passenger complaints, solving 98% of the cases without the need for further escalation.
Create a memorable closing for your flight attendant cover letter
When the flight lands, you always thank the passengers for flying with your airline and ensure any final concerns are handled. You should take a similar approach as you come to a close on your flight attendant cover letter.
First, you want to relate back to details about the airline’s mission and the primary skills you wanted to emphasize, like food handling or flight safety regulations. Then, end with a light call to action, such as “I look forward to discussing this opportunity with you further.”
The closer below doesn’t hit the mark on that since it feels a bit too generic, not relating to any of the airline’s needs.
Lacking detail here!
I believe my skills and experience as a flight attendant make me a great fit for this role. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Robert Gray
Instead, aim for a closer like the one below that relates back to specific details that show the applicant’s passion for American Airlines’ commitment to safety, innovation, and excellence.
A strong closer connected to the airline’s mission!
If you review the job description and the airline’s website and can’t find a specific hiring manager’s name, you can simply lead with “Dear [name of airline] hiring team.” Just be very specific to their mission and needs, like customer service or safety procedures, to make the remainder of your cover letter feel personalized.
You should avoid having your flight attending cover letter go over one page. While you’re probably very passionate about providing a great passenger experience, too much information can lose a hiring manager’s attention when quickly reviewing several applicants.
When assisting passengers, you may adjust your tone to fit their personalities and specific needs to ensure great service. You can take a similar approach to your cover letter by trying to match the tone or style that the airline uses in the job description .
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