Q: I finally received the call! I have an invitation to interview with my top-choice regional airline. Do you have any suggestions?—Rod from Oakland, California
A: The interview is the make-or-break event for anyone coveting an airline career. It is also one of the most stressful activities associated with finding a job, ranking up there with the commercial or CFI practical test.
All of the important elements that apply to any type of job interview are relevant: professional grooming and dress; positive demeanor; honesty. However, it is impossible to dispense wisdom specific to each air carrier because each airline has its own interviewing philosophy. Some companies have applicants complete a written test based on the federal aviation regulations; others may require the completion of a psychological profile. Certain companies interview in groups, whereas others interview one on one.
The best strategy to employ is getting the inside information well in advance of interview day. The most effective way to mine this information is to locate a recent new hire. This is why networking is so important in the airline game.
Aviation colleges, schools, and academies would serve their students well by developing online bulletin boards where graduates of a particular institution could post their interviewing adventures for the benefit of those to follow. The best source for interviewing gouge is the person who was hired last week.
Thanks to the Internet, there are several sources for interviewing scoop. Two of the best seem to be www.aviationinterviews.com and www.willflyforfood.com. Postings on the Internet can be deceiving, and there are a lot of so-called experts out there. However, the info contained on these two websites appears to be pretty useful.
An interview is a sales presentation. In this event, you are both salesperson and product, and the airline is the customer. Any marketing professional will key into several strategies: Come prepared, know the customer, and anticipate objections. Advance preparation is critical. Doing homework on the company; relearning the systems of a particular airplane that could be the basis of several interview questions; reviewing the Federal Aviation Regulations/Aeronautical Information Manual; expecting and rehearsing the inevitable psychological questions—all are all part of the drill.
And what if you have had a blemish on your record? Let’s say that your employment track record is somewhat unstable or you’ve had an FAR enforcement action. Are you prepared to explain, take responsibility, and show how you’ve learned from mistakes?
The interview process is daunting, but there is a lot of help available. As in all aspects of life, a little luck doesn’t hurt, either. In your case, may it all be good.
Related Articles
