� Q: How would you recommend structuring an aviation résumé, and what material is relevant to include for a low-hour pilot? I have not had an “official” flying job yet but I have helped plenty of friends ferry their airplanes across the States. Are odd tasks like that valid to list?—Lana Lynn
� A: Now that the industry is experiencing a dramatic need for flying talent, there is be plenty of reason to polish a résumé! First, enter “pilot resumes” in a search engine and stand back. 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.
Aviation employers of first-time industry hires are aware of experience shortcomings. Since newbies are short of an aviation background, 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 each position held, with two or three relevant points—such as:
January 2012-March 2014 McDonalds; Howell, Michigan
—Served as shift manager with oversight of five employees
—Trained new employees as lead trainer for the restaurant
—Awarded “Employee of the Quarter”—First quarter, 2011
Part-time and Ad Hoc Experience
—June 2013: Ferry Pilot: flew a CE-150 from Paris to New York
—June, 2010-Present: CAP mission pilot
One of my key recommendations is to create 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:
—High altitude physiology program at the FAA Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center; February 2014
—A320 familiarization course at JetBlue University conducted by ATOP Inc.; October 2012
—Mountain flying course presented by the Colorado Pilots Association; May 2011
Finally, in the October 1999 issue of Flight Training, I wrote a piece titled, “The Hunt for First Flying Jobs.” I read it over and the advice still plays today. Enter the title in Google and it comes right up. Give it a look. Good luck!
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