SiShane

Networking seems to one the most important things in this industry. But I know I'm not alone when I say "where do I start?" Any insights to how to get started? Maybe a couple experiences anyone else would like to share...

__________________
"Success is not where you are at but how you got there"

Stallog

Never, ever burn a bridge. No matter how small or seemingly insignificant. It could be the lady working behind the counter at your FBO who turns out to be the hiring manager at an airline you are applying to. I can think of three people right now that have helped me further my career. And two of them I hadn't heard from in over ten years. Facebook is a wonderful thing sometimes!

Stallog

rickair7777

Yeah don't burn any bridges if you can help it. Even if you can't stand somebody, try to leave him unaware of that. I can only do that up to a point, but that all depends on you.

Keep track of everybody you meet.

Stay in touch with at least the sharper tools from the shed...they are the ones most likely to go places.

Most networking occurs during the normal course of your flying career. You can try to be outgoing and proactive about getting to know the people you encounter.

If you are not working in aviation, or are working in a very small pond, you might need to go out of your way to interact with the right kind of people.

Lori Clark

Start with the people you know. Tell your friends and family what you want to do and ask if they happen to know anybody in the field or related in some way to aviation.

Get involved with some groups - go to meet-ups. There are several aviation groups out there such as Women in Aviation (not just for women, that would be discriminatory) or OBAP. These types of organizations usually have local chapters. Look into Civil Air Patrol.

Go to a local FBO or even flight schools and TALK to people.

There's no secret to networking - it's about striking up a conversation and finding a connection with someone.

Hope this helps!

__________________
Lori Clark, PHR
Clark Aviation Consulting
www.FlyTheLine.com

Need HR help?
Technical review?

MoonFallsDown

It’s a Book by Gregory N Brown “ Job Hunting For Pilots” – Networking Your Way To A Flying Job

ISBN-13 : 978-0-8138-1042-3

ISBN-10: 0-8138-1042-3



Barnes & Noble :

Job Hunting for Pilots, Professional Aviation Ser., Gregory N. Brown, Book - Barnes & Noble

Amazon:

Amazon.com: Job Hunting for Pilots: Networking your way to a flying job (Professional Aviation series) (9781560276241): Gregory N. Brown: Books

TPROP4ever

From personal experiance I have to agree with Lori on looking into clubs or groups. For me joining a chapter of EAA went a long way. You can meet people in unexpected places. Good luck

__________________
Turbine Maule on floats..now thats a "Wet" Dream...

Airborne1

Furloughed 121 Regional F/O. I want to get hired on at Sky West (Best choice of Bases for me plus many other reasons.)
Is it true that I will not get called for an interview unless I get an internal recommendation? That seems a little unfair, I simply don't know any Sky West guys/gals.

Lori Clark

I haven't heard that they are only calling those with internal recommendations, but it is possible. Companies, any company, can screen candidates however they wish...fair or not.
My recollection is that SkyWest holds open houses, of sorts, as a recruiting event. If you don't know anyone there make a point to visit them at one of these recruiting events and talk to them. Most likely there will be several people "of influence" there. Take the time to talk with them and show them you want to work for them. Send your application/resume in anyway...see what happens. Start talking with your friends and find out if they know anyone who works over there. Network.

Good luck!
Lori

__________________
Lori Clark, PHR
Clark Aviation Consulting
www.FlyTheLine.com

Need HR help?
Technical review?

rickair7777

Depends on supply vs. demand. If supply is high and demand is low (like right now) all airlines will seek to narrow down the pool of applicants to a manageable size for the interview. With a large pool and small interview group, they will probably plenty of folks who have all the ideal requirements:

-Competitive flight times
-College Degree
-Internal Recs
-Decent training History
-Good background (no DUI, etc)

But there are plenty of SKW pilots out there, network until you find one.

Airborne1

Lori and Rick,
Thanks for the advice. I have learned that quality of life is much better than pay and upgrade time and truly want to get on with Sky West. I don't want to bad mouth Mesa but my time there has taught me much perspective. I am looking for a different regional with long term expectations in mind. I was discouraged when I had heard that only internal recommendations only get an interview. Best of luck to all in the crazy industry. I will keep trying to get that interview!!!
Thanks again.