my EK assessment

It's been exactly two weeks since I have gone through the Emirates' assessment. I've been meaning to blog about my experience but I was too disappointed and depressed to blog about it. Every time that people ask me about it, It turns my crankiness to maximum level. It's either I answer them or just ignore their questions. Now that I'm over that, I will share my experience so it can give an idea to others on what to expect on a screening process.

October 9, Friday, 9:00 a.m.

I arrived in IPAMS at around 9 in the morning. The place was jam packed compared to the last time I went there. I was really feeling a bit insecure because I feel that I'm not on my tiptop shape compared to the other guys. I had a pimple scar that time so I have to make use of the concealer that my friend lend me. I met a girl whose name I can't recall but she is on my phonebook and I'm just being lazy to look for it. She told me that she was a nursing graduate but it wasn't really her forte so she chose to work at a call center. I remember telling her that it will be an advantage for her because she is working on a costumer service oriented field. It was so nice of her to assure me that everything will be just fine because I was really nervous and shaking at that time. After an hour of talking to each other she got called for her height and weight measurements. After her, finally my turn, the guy measured my weight and I can say that he was a bit disappointed (me too for myself) and then he asked me to sit and wait for the next step. A few minutes have gone by and a girl called my name and asked me some questions.

Here were the questions asked to me AFAICR (not in order):

* Is this your first time to apply for Emirates?

* Since it is your second time, what preparations did you make prior to this assessment?

* Why do you still want to pursue your application with Emirates?

* Do you work?

* What is your course?

(she didn't bother to check my arm reach because I think she was pretty sure that I can reach over 212 cms)

After that, she asked me if she can see my hands. Of course I showed it to her but it really caught me off guard because I had hangnail scars that time. Ugh. Then she told me that they will email shortlisted candidates and I probably should be checking my email from time to time. At that point I knew that I wasn't going to receive one but still feeling optimistic.

10:30 a.m. - done with the screening

My friends started to get their invitations a week after. That made realize that I am never gonna get to receive an email. That's where I felt so disappointed to myself because I could have prepared a few months before even Emirates started recruiting again. Anyway, I still have the December's schedule. I will be more ready than ever. I'm thinking of studying French so it could add to my plus points. =)

Kudos to my friends who did well on QR's assessment and Goodluck to my friends attending the EK's selection process this weekend.

Emirates rules out 747-8I, but 'very keen' on 777 developments

Emirates Airline has ruled out ordering the Boeing 747-8Ipassenger variant as it focuses on building its fleet ofAirbus A380s. However, it is "very keen" to hear Boeing's plans to develop the 777.

"With the A380 as it is today, and as popular as it is today, why would you go back to the 747?" says Emirates Airline president Tim Clark.

The Dubai carrier had been pushing Boeing to develop a version of the 747-8I with the range capability to operate year-round services between its base and Los Angeles with an economic payload of around 370 passengers.

In parallel with Airbus's A380 weight reduction effort, Emirates has been working on its own savings says Clark. "On our own we've already taken out about 2.2t of operator items." This was partly due to a reduction in the potable water carried for the two on-board showers.

Through Airbus's effort, Clark believes that "by 2012 [deliveries] the manufacturer's empty weight of the A380 will be a minimum of 2t lighter on top of our 2.2t". However, he thinks the A380 will "always be challenged" to serve Los Angeles from Dubai.

The airline operates a 266-seat 777-200LR on the Dubai-Los Angeles service, and while Clark rules out the larger -300ER being capable of serving the route with an economic payload, he is awaiting news about the Boeing's plans to develop or replace the 777.

"Boeing knows we're very keen," says Clark, who expects to hold a meeting with the airframer "soon" to discuss ideas that could lead to a 777-300ER-sized aircraft capable of operating the Los Angeles route. "Even if they give us 8-10% [performance gains] by modifying the current 777, then we've got a chance getting that to Los Angeles," he says.

http://www.flightglobal.com

To Go or Not To Go?

It is 3 days before my Emirates assessment schedule and still, problems keeps showing up. Here's my own list of "bad lucks"

1. Last week, I had my facial cleaning done. The attendant pricked a pimple on my cheek thinking it would disappear. Oh wait! It did! But what is this on my face?? A scar!?? Nooooooo! Don't tell me I can cover it with a concealer because first, I don't know how to apply it and second, I still don't know how to apply it.

2. Baking soda does help whiten your teeth but make sure you use it properly. Don't make the same mistake I did and because of that I'm now suffering from bleeding gums due to misuse of baking soda. Brushing hard and too long won't do you any good.

3. In connection to #2, My lips are dried up and chapped because of the baking soda.

4. I have hangnails which also leaves a scar after having the skin peeled off. Yes, you're hands are important as much as your smile.

5. Just before I had my photo taken yesterday, A pimple near my lower lip managed to make an appearance for the pictorial. Good thing they edit pictures before printing them.

6. A scar mark again, on my nose due to my frequent pricking of blackheads.

I'm pretty sure that everything will be back to normal soon but I need to be perfect on Friday.

On another side of the story; I asked St. Claire for signs, 5 signs if I should continue applying for Emirates this 9th. She gave me, not only 5, but 7. Looks like I have 7 reason to continue rather than thinking of that 6 mishaps. :)