**UPDATE June 2018. Emirates have stopped using video interviews and are now back using open days.**
READ ALL ABOUT WHAT IS GOING ON AT EMIRATES AT MY LATEST BLOG POST HERE
Hello and welcome to your Emirates Photo Guide
Ok, let’s talk photos!
Emirates will ask you to submit photos as part of your application process.
If you think about it, these photos are the first time the airline will get to “meet” you, so they have to be good!
We all know the importance of impeccable grooming for cabin crew, so this is your opportunity to prove you have these very high standards.
So, let’s think first of all about what to wear.
In the photos you send, you should wear formal interview wear, exactly the same as you would wear if you were attending an Emirates assessment day.
So, let’s think about ladies first of all (don’t worry, gentlemen, we’ll get to you soon!)
Ladies you should wear:
• a business suit in either navy, grey or black. The jacket MUST be fastened in your photos
• the skirt of the suit should be knee length and definitely NO SHORTER
• a white blouse
• skin coloured tights
• black or navy plain court shoes
Gentlemen, you should wear:
• a business suit in black, navy or grey. The jacket MUST be fastened in your photos
• a white shirt
• a tie (and it should be a business tie in very muted colours)
• black socks (socks should not be showing)
• plain black shoes
Ok, so we’ve got the outfit covered!
Let’s talk about make-up for the ladies!
Ladies, you should be looking to copy the cabin crew look and this includes:
• foundation
• concealer
• eyeshadow
• eye pencil
• blusher
• lipstick (lipliner is permitted but must MATCH lipstick)
• face powder
Please avoid any bright or glittery make-up, remember, you are aiming for a professional look!
Let’s think about hair now!
For you ladies, again you want to emulate the cabin crew look.
So, this means:
• if your hair touches your collar, it should be worn up in either a bun or a ponytail
• however, if your ponytail is longer than 7 inches, it should be worn in a bun
• make sure your hair is pulled away from your face
Gentlemen:
• your hair should be worn short and away from the face
• no facial here please as Emirates don’t like it!
Ok, nearly there- just nails and jewellery to consider!
Ladies:
• false nails are allowed but make sure they are relatively short
• nails should be clean and well maintained
• make sure nail polish is not glittery or garish
• NO jewellery or watches should be worn in your photos
• NO piercings
Gentlemen:
• nails should be clean and well maintained
• no earrings or piercings
• NO watches should be worn in your photos
You can find Emirates’ photo guidelines at the end of this blog
OK, so you’re looking AMAZING!
So, on to the photos!
Here are some posing tips for you:
• Need to SMILE with teeth showing
• your hands should be relaxed and at your side
• your hands MUST be visible in the photos
• you need to stand straight with both legs together
• you need to face the camera
• your jacket must be buttoned up!
OK, so we’ve got you looking good and your posing is perfect!
Below you can see the photo requirements for Emirates:
You can download these photo guidelines from:
https://cdn.ek.aero/downloads/ek/pdfs/careers/Cabin_Crew_Photo_Guidelines.pdf
One thing you will notice is that you need to also include casual photos with your application.
Again, follow the instructions REALLY carefully!
There are REALLY detailed instructions given to both your formal and casual photos, so please follow these instructions EXACTLY
By the way, you cannot alter your appearance or facial features as this is not allowed by the airline, so NO filters please. You can save them for your Snapchats!
Good luck with your application
Pauline x
Sonya says
May 29, 2018 at 11:25 PMHi I applied and done the interview I sent everything photos and prejoinung documents via email after the recruiter received them she also asked for the original copy’s even though I already sent them by email is there any reason for that she said it was to attach to my file and send it to Dubai. Does this mean I may be considered or not? I didn’t have to do this 2 years ago when I got to the final interview and other people that got to the final interview just uploaded them on the online portal or by email.
Pauline Park says
June 2, 2018 at 10:20 AMHi Sonya, I wouldn’t worry about this. I think they are just so beset with technical problems at the moment. I would just do as they have asked. Well done on getting so far, what an achievement! 🙂
Lenzhub Studio says
July 3, 2018 at 7:07 AMHi, we Offer photography services and have served many of your applicants. At Lenzhub studio, we have read and understood the Emirates photoguildnes and would like to service all your Johannesburg based applicants.
We are reachable via email at lenzhubp@gmail.com or via Call/WhatsApp on +27 (81) 473-4775.
We are looking forward to hearing from you.
Pauline Park says
July 26, 2018 at 2:09 PMThanks for this 🙂
gamuchirai says
July 13, 2018 at 4:15 AMHello Pauline wanted to ask wether i can edit background of my photo at the back to a white even colour just at the background?
Pauline Park says
July 26, 2018 at 2:06 PMYes, you can, that wouldn’t be a problem 🙂
ck says
July 23, 2018 at 6:55 AMHi,
Thank you for the photo guideline and tips
As of today, July 22 2018 Is Emirates cabin crew recruitment sill open?
I found I can still click ” APPLY” button on their website.
Can I still apply??
Thank you for your time.
Pauline Park says
July 26, 2018 at 2:04 PMHi- yes, Emirates cabin crew is still open 🙂
Nguyen says
August 28, 2018 at 10:33 AMHi Pauline,
In the official instruction link of Emirates, the suit’s color of female is not matched (vest and skirt). Does it matter if wearing a navy jacket with a black skirt?
Thank you.
Pauline Park says
August 28, 2018 at 12:20 PMThat would be absolutely fine 🙂
Nicole says
August 29, 2018 at 10:28 AMHi Pauline,
I have worn diamond stud earrings in my photos. On some websites I have read this is acceptable? Please clarify. Thank you!
Pauline Park says
August 29, 2018 at 12:00 PMHi Nicole- according to the Emirates photo guidelines, you should not wear any jewellery in your photos. However, don’t worry about it- your CV is much more important 🙂
Beth says
September 7, 2018 at 12:10 PMHi Pauline,
Whats the best thing to wear to an open day? Should it be the same as your business attire photos?
Thank you
Beth
Pauline Park says
September 7, 2018 at 1:29 PMHi Beth- yes, that would be absolutely fine. If you are applying for a middle Eastern airline, you should always make sure you are very conservatively dressed. Appearance is very important to them, so make sure you are perfectly groomed. Good luck 🙂
Monika says
October 15, 2018 at 8:43 PMHello! Very nice guide! I wonder if I have to do the picture professionally or is it OK to do it at home in a bright wall?
Thank you!
Pauline Park says
October 23, 2018 at 10:27 AMHi Monika- thanks for your lovely comments. It’s absolutely fine to do your photos at home, but I would suggest that you take them in front of a white or light wall, as opposed to a bright wall 🙂
Courtney morris says
October 21, 2018 at 7:22 PMHi, I am going to an open day on Sunday the 27th and online where it advertises the open day it states to take a cv and 1 photo can you please tell me what 1 photo I should take or should I still take all of the required photographs above?
Thanks
Pauline Park says
October 23, 2018 at 10:08 AMHi Courtney- the one photo they seem to take most often is the full-length formal photo. However, I have known recruiters who have asked for all of the photos highlighted above, so I would tend to take all of them with you. Good luck 🙂
Abbey says
November 25, 2018 at 11:11 PMHi Pauline,
These guidelines are brilliant!
I would just like to ask, I have taken photos myself with all the requirements, I just need to print them out to take them to the open day. Can I print them on normal paper (in colour) or do you think they need to be on photographic paper?
Thank you!
Abbey x
Pauline Park says
November 27, 2018 at 12:07 AMHi Abbey- thanks for your kind words! As you know, getting a job with Emirates is incredibly difficult. So, I wouldn’t recommend printing your photos on normal paper as it may not impress the recruiters. I would definitely print your photos out using photographic paper 🙂
Brooke says
December 5, 2018 at 7:43 PMHi Pauline:)
All of these comments and answers are of great help to me! I am going to be attending an open day this weekend, and there really does not give much info other than hand in c.v and wait to see if you have been short listed. Is it most likely the assessment ay will happen this same day or later? Also does It have to be business attire to the open day?
Thank You.
Pauline Park says
December 6, 2018 at 10:59 AMHi Brooke- it very much depends on the number of candidates at the open day. If there are a lot, then the assessment day is more likely to be the following day and the final interview will be a video interview. So, you’re right- you pretty much hand in your CV and then wait and see. In terms of dress, yes, you should absolutely wear business dress to the open day. Good luck 🙂
May says
December 11, 2018 at 12:30 PMHi Pauline! Recently found your website and I absolutely love it! Thank you so much for all the information!
It might sound silly, but I was wondering about hair length. I am a Black woman with very short and curly hair (pixie like) and I was wondering if you had any advice about it at all? I can’t put it in a bun or ponytail cause it’s that short but I can make it look smooth and professional. Do you reckon it is ok? Or do I need to go for extensions? Sounds really silly but I’m actually considering it ?.
Again thank you for your posts!
Pauline Park says
December 12, 2018 at 2:54 PMHi May- your hair sounds lovely and I would think it would be more than ok! 🙂
Cornelia says
March 28, 2019 at 1:51 PMHi Pauline,
I just registered on the Emirates website, saw an apply option and no closing date. Would you advise me to proceed with the application?
Pauline Park says
March 28, 2019 at 2:30 PMHi Cornelia- I absolutely would! Good luck 🙂
Athene says
May 29, 2019 at 9:32 PMHi Pauline,
I put all my efforts in to completing my Emirates application. I followed the criteria for my photos perfectly. However, there is a small piercing at the top of my ear which was left forgotten about. I have uploaded my application with these pictures. I am devastated. Will it effect my chances of being invited to an open day?
Pauline Park says
May 30, 2019 at 10:40 AMHi Athene- please don’t worry about it. They tend to only look at photos once they have checked your CV, so this is far more important than your photos! 🙂
Diana says
June 20, 2019 at 6:24 PMHello Pauline!
Thank you so much for this article! Reading this and the Q&A has been so helpful. I am applying for Emirates cabin crew I just took my photos (only the professional ones… I just stumbled on this page and realized I need to take more for the smart/sophisticated photos!!) — but now I’m worried because in the professional ones I did not have an actual suit so I wore a smart skirt that goes below the knees (it’s satin and pleated) and a white fitted top (no collar), and a blazer that does NOT have a button to close. Hosiery, closed toed shoes, professional makeup, and no jewelry. Do I need to get a new outfit and do it over again? Also, I am currently staying in Dubai, visiting family for a month. I checked the open days and didn’t see any in Dubai. if they accept my application would I be able to meet with someone while I’m here?
Pauline Park says
June 26, 2019 at 11:53 AMHi Diana- I think your outfit sounds fine, I really wouldn’t worry about it. To be honest, your CV is more important. I am afraid that if there are no open days whilst you are in Dubai, you will have to wait until you return home.
Jess says
June 25, 2019 at 9:44 AMHi Pauline, thank you for the brilliant information!
Once i attached my formal photo in an online application, i forgot one thing that i wasn’t wearing pantyhose when the photo was taken. But i’m glad i still got the invitation letter. I would like to ask, if the photo is actually fine to give to the recruiters on the assessment day or should I re-take it? Thank you 🙂
Pauline Park says
June 26, 2019 at 11:51 AMHi Jess- well done for getting an invitation! I wouldn’t worry about this. If it’s not a problem, take another photo. If not, then please don’t panic- the recruiters probably won’t even notice! Good luck 🙂
Jess says
June 26, 2019 at 3:21 PMThank you so much 🙂 but if you don’t mind, would you tell me if it’s going to be fine if the CV that I will give to the recruiters is different from the one I attached on an online application? It’s not much different actually, I just made it short and simple. But how do you think? I’m afraid they would consider my CV hehe 🙂
Taylor Matthews says
September 24, 2019 at 7:39 PMHello I have a question about the formal photograph, does it have to be taken professionally or can it be in front of a plain white wall? It doesn’t state online about the background only for the casual photos.
Pauline Park says
October 8, 2019 at 1:16 PMHi Taylor- it’s fine to take it in front of a white wall and you certainly don’t need to get them taken professionally. Just make sure you follow Emirates’ photo guidelines 🙂
Ciar says
October 11, 2019 at 5:10 AMHi Pauline,
These are great tips thanks so much, I’m just wondering do, I have braces but there due to come off in three weeks time ? Im just a bit worried if they will shut me down at the opening day have you any advice ? X
Pauline Park says
October 22, 2019 at 11:22 AMHi Ciar- please don’t worry about this. It’s fine to wear braces to an open or assessment day as long as they will be removed in time for you to begin training 🙂
Mckyla says
January 13, 2020 at 4:13 PMHi Pauline
I just want to find out I have to apply online first to be invited to the open day in South Africa but on the online application it only says attach cv and photos . Are those photos the professional and casual ones?
Pauline Park says
January 16, 2020 at 5:02 PMHello- you need to upload all of the photos that are requested by Emirates which are both casual and professional 🙂
Luissa says
November 6, 2020 at 5:00 PMHi pauline, your guide really helps and clears so much doubts. I’m 5’9ft tall, I’m thick and curvy from my lower waist down to my legs, though I’ve got a smart and athletic stature I weigh 78kg. Do I stand a chance of being picked for training? Also, is there anything like paying fees with Emirates to train as cabin crew to earn a certificate?