After finishing 12th, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do next. College was an option, but I also wanted to start earning money and gain some real-world experience. I’ve always been fascinated by airports, planes, and the idea of traveling the world. So, I thought, why not try for a job in the airline industry? I knew it wasn’t going to be a pilot or cabin crew role right away—those usually need more qualifications—but I figured there had to be entry-level jobs for someone like me, a 12th pass.
I started looking around, asking friends, and checking online job portals like Indeed, QuikrJobs, and even company websites like IndiGo or IGI Aviation. What I found was that there are actually a lot of opportunities for 12th pass candidates, especially in airports and airlines. Jobs like ground staff, customer service, data entry, or even cargo handling were available. The salaries weren’t bad either—some postings mentioned 20,000 to 35,000 rupees a month, which sounded good to me.
| Post Name | Air-Line Job |
| Vacancies | 3215 |
| Salary | No Details |
| Job Location | All India |
The First Steps: Research and Preparation
I didn’t have any prior experience, which made me a bit nervous. But I saw that many job ads said “fresher welcome” or “no experience required,” which gave me hope. Still, I knew I had to prepare myself. First, I looked at what skills they were asking for. Most jobs wanted basic things like good communication skills, a pleasing personality, and sometimes basic computer knowledge. Some also mentioned knowing English or Hindi well, which I was confident about.
I also noticed that many jobs were in big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, or Bangalore, near airports. Since I lived in a smaller town, I had to think about whether I was willing to relocate. It was a big decision, but I was determined, so I decided to give it a shot.
Next, I updated my resume. I didn’t have much to put on it—no work experience, just my 12th mark sheet and a few school activities. But I added things like my language skills (I speak Hindi, English, and a bit of my local language), and I mentioned that I’m good with people and can handle stress (from dealing with family and school stuff). I also practiced talking about myself, thinking about what I’d say in an interview.
Applying for Jobs
Applying was easier than I thought. I registered on job sites like Naukri, Indeed, and QuikrJobs. Some companies, like IGI Aviation or IndiGo, had their own career pages where you could apply directly. I applied to anything that said “12th pass” and “airline” or “airport” in the title. Ground staff, ticketing executive, customer service—anything that sounded like a start.
I remember filling out so many forms. Some asked for my 12th marks, some for a photo, and a few even wanted a cover letter. I wrote simple cover letters, like, “I’m a 12th pass candidate looking for a job in airlines. I’m hardworking, good with people, and eager to learn.” I didn’t overthink it.
Within a week, I started getting calls for interviews. Most were in big cities, so I had to travel. My first interview was for a ground staff position at Delhi airport. They asked basic questions like, “Why do you want this job?” and “Can you handle working night shifts?” I was nervous but honest. I said I loved the idea of working in an airport and was okay with shifts because I’m flexible. They also checked my communication skills by asking me to explain something simple, like how I’d help a passenger who missed a flight.
The Challenges I Faced
Getting the job wasn’t smooth sailing. One big challenge was competition. There were so many other 12th pass candidates applying, and some had extra skills like computer courses or previous part-time jobs. I felt a bit left out, but I kept trying.
Another thing was the interview process. Some companies had group discussions or tests. For example, one airline made us do a mock customer service scenario where we had to deal with an angry passenger. It was scary, but I learned that staying calm and polite is key.
Traveling for interviews was also tough. I spent money on train tickets and stayed in cheap hotels. Sometimes, I’d travel all the way to Mumbai or Kolkata, only to find the job wasn’t what I expected or they didn’t select me. But I didn’t give up.
There were also moments when I doubted myself. What if I wasn’t good enough? What if they wanted graduates only? But then I’d remind myself that the job ads clearly said 12th pass was enough, so I kept pushing.
My First Job: Ground Staff at an Airport
After about two months of applying and interviewing, I finally got a call from a company working with IndiGo Airlines. They offered me a ground staff position at Kolkata airport. I was so excited! The salary was 25,000 rupees a month, which was more than I expected for a first job.
The job involved helping passengers check in, answering their questions, and making sure everything ran smoothly at the counters. It was hectic, especially during peak hours, but I loved the energy of the airport. I met people from all over the world, and every day was different.
Training was intense but helpful. They taught us about airport safety, how to use the check-in systems, and how to handle difficult passengers. They also emphasized being polite and professional all the time. I learned quickly because I was motivated.
The shifts were long—sometimes 8 to 12 hours—and included nights and weekends. But the company provided benefits like health insurance, transport to and from the airport, and even meals sometimes. It wasn’t glamorous, but it felt like a big achievement.
What I Learned on the Job
Working in the airline industry taught me a lot. First, patience is crucial. Passengers can be stressed or rude, but you have to stay calm and help them. Second, teamwork is important. I worked with a big team—security, cleaners, other ground staff—and we all had to coordinate.
I also picked up new skills, like using computers for ticketing and managing data. Even though I was just 12th pass, the job gave me a chance to grow. After a few months, I felt more confident and started thinking about where I could go next in my career.
One thing that surprised me was how many other 12th pass people were in similar roles. Some had been there for years and were now supervisors or trainers. It showed me there’s a career path even without a degree, as long as you’re willing to work hard and learn.
Tips for Others Like Me
- Start Simple: Don’t aim for the top right away. Look for ground staff, customer service, or cargo handling jobs. They’re entry-level and perfect for beginners.
- Improve Your Skills: Even if you’re 12th pass, try to learn basic computer skills or improve your English. Companies love candidates who can communicate well.
- Be Ready to Relocate: Most airline jobs are near big airports, so you might need to move to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore. Think about whether you can handle that.
- Practice for Interviews: Prepare to talk about why you want the job, your strengths, and how you handle stress. Be honest and confident.
- Stay Persistent: You might face rejections, but don’t give up. I applied to dozens of jobs before I got one. Keep trying, and something will click.
- Check Company Reputation: Some job ads might be scams. Stick to big names like IndiGo, AirAsia, or IGI Aviation, and never pay money for a job promise.
Looking Ahead
After a year in my ground staff role, I’m thinking about what’s next. Some of my colleagues have moved up to supervisory roles or even taken courses to become ticketing executives or airport managers. I’m considering doing a short course in aviation management or customer service to boost my chances.
Published on April 4, 2025
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