CSLewis

Does anyone have info on what job fair attendance actually translates to for the various major airlines? With all the computerized application scoring systems, does is matter? I've heard various things.

sargeanb

I'd be curious to find out. Just another box they make us check. All I know is, most friends of mine who have spent the money and gone to these fairs have gotten calls. I personally think we've given enough for this profession. 50K plus for ratings, almost 10 years in the military or in the regional ranks flying passengers for the very legacies we are applying for now. But no, we have to shell out thousands more and go to job fairs if we want a shot. When will this end?

Brokeasspot

All it does in my experience is cost money. It will end if we just quit going…

say again

Bingo! There really is no reason why one should have to go to a job fair in this market.

rmcbear08

Short story: Went to WAI in March, my 3rd job fair of 2016. Sat down at the hotel bar the night I arrived, ordered a beer and struck up a conversation with the lady sitting next to me. She turned out to be one of the recruiters for Seaborne Airlines and we chatted for a while because we knew some of the same people who used to work there. She asked what I knew about Seaborne and if I was interested. I told her what I knew and that while my current situation was great, I'd certainly make sure to keep in touch, as you never know (basically a polite decline).

On my way home I decided to get to the airport early and have some lunch before my flight and listen to some live music. Not 10 minutes later one of the HR ladies from JetBlue comes and sits down right next to me. I introduced myself and told her I recognized her from the various job fairs. Again, we knew some of the same people and chatted for a bit. She made sure I had my application in and that it was up to date and that she would "take a look" at it for me (never did hear about it).

I can't speak for the HR departments of the airlines and the crazy computer algorithims they use to hire people with and how job fair attendance factors into it, but I know more people hired at places because they networked their tails off rather than just showing up and expecting to be called because they paid their entry fee.

I guess what I'm really saying is try to look at these career fairs as networking opportunities rather than just hiring events. Going to hotel gym for a morning workout, eating breakfast at the restaurant, going out after and having a few beers, saying hi to the guy/girl next to you on your flight or your hotel shuttle, etc. I bet more jobs than you think (not just aviation specific) are got/lost with these simple daily interactions. To me, job fairs are totally worth it because I get to expand my professional network and have the opportunity to meet some great people along the way.

BTW, yes I have received several calls since attending these things, although none from the places I really have my eye on.

DrunkIrishman

"What do job fairs accomplish?"

Making money for their organizations/businesses.

threeighteen

No self respecting professional in any other field will pay to attend a job fair, especially one that isn't even in their home town. Heck, most other professionals get wined and dined at free job fairs.

Thankfully we are naught but pilots, entities with no self respect or concept of self worth.