�Q. How would you recommend structuring an aviation résumé, and what material is relevant to include for a low-hour pilot? For example, I have not had an official flying job yet, but I have helped many friends ferry their airplanes across the United States. Are odd tasks like that valid to list?—Lana Lynn
�A. If the industry’s crystal-ball gazers are correct, there will be plenty of need to polish a résumé.
First, search “pilot résumés” on the Internet, and you will find a wide assortment of styles and formats. Frankly, there is no single standard template for aviation employers. See which style fits you personally. As a general rule, use lots of white space and illustrate the important stuff up front. The prospective employer spends just seconds with an unsolicited résumé.
With regard to your question specifically, aviation employers of first-time employees are aware of experience shortcomings. Show the prospective boss that you are a quality person. Frankly, in the Previous Experience section of a résumé, I like to see something describing the position with two or three action items such as:
January 2009-March 2012 McDonalds; Howell, Michigan
- Served as shift manager with oversight of five employees
- Trained new employees as lead trainer for the company
- Awarded “Employee of the Quarter-first quarter 2011
Part-time and ad hoc experience
- June 2010 ferry pilot: flew a CE-150 from Paris to New York
- June 2010-present: CAP mission pilot
One of my key recommendations is to carve out a section called Specialized Training. Remember, there are thousands of people who can fly airplanes. What makes you so special? I call this window dressing for the résumé. For example:
Specialized training
- High altitude physiology program at the FAA Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center; February 2012
- A320 familiarization course at JetBlue University conducted by ATOP Inc.; October 2011
- Mountain flying course presented by the Colorado Pilots Association, July 2010
Finally, in the October 1999 issue of Flight Training, I wrote a piece titled “The Hunt for First Flying Jobs.” Find it online; the advice still plays today.
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