Jury's Hotel in Ballsbridge, Dublin, echoed with some strange warblings last weekend as the "talented, enthusiastic and eager" applicants for Ryanair cabin crew vacancies were urged to sing their CVs.

The interview technique is designed to weed out any "wilting flowers", according to Ryanair, which says it is a fairer procedure than relying on good looks and Leaving Cert results and prepares them for their highpressure job.

Applicants can also be asked to do role plays, mime or speak on a given topic. Meanwhile the quality of the singers' voices, "some of which would defy music criticism" is not a requisite part of the selection process.