Originally Posted by
Indy
Everything I could!!
I read the Delta web page, quarterly report, WFFF reports (not those from unsuccessful candidates), Aero for Naval Aviators, AIM, FARs, Lengel's "Everything Explained ..." Book, AFI 11-217 & 11-203, NTSB Rejected Takeoff analyses/report, Mental Math for Pilots, several Jet engine fundamental books, ATP test prep books, and all the trip reports from years past that I could get my hands on. I did all that while working my butt off as an active duty Squadron Commander then Deputy Ops Group Commander! ... I still thought I busted the knowledge test!!
I read the Cogscreen website and watched the examples. Very helpful!
Most successful candidates do some sort of prep. Whether it's Emerald Coast, Aero Crew Solutions, FAPA (Judy Tarver's team), etc...it's critical. I've heard great things about and know people who benefited from each of them. Interviewing well is an aquired skill...they teach you.
A friend and I gave each other 3 mock interviews, and we critiqued the hell out of ourselves. I recorded myself telling my stories and sample TMAAT or WWYD scenario responses in my iPhone as I drove to work. Didn't realize how lame I sounded at times and figured out ways to fix it. Another friend (who successfully interviewed the day before me) and I did mock interviews over the phone.
I picked my mentors' brains. They're sick of me.
What's funny is I never got a chance to do the polished story wrap ups I practiced because the panel always interrupted with follow up question or I forgot. Still, when the many unanticipated questions arose, I sifted through my mental Rolodex for solid responses.
Interview day was one of the most stressful things I've ever done...and I've done a lot! The hard work paid off in the end. A very professional United friend told me tonight to be very glad I'm going to Delta instead of UAL! The process is intended to be very difficult for a reason! Delta knows what it is looking for in it's pilots...it's more than just flying ability.
It was brutal watching the two guys in Tuesday's group go away empty handed. Great dudes, both. That final wait period after all is said and done is punishing.
Hope you get your shot!
Indy
Congrats on the new job at Delta!! Sounds like you're well prepared. However, you sound a little hypocritical in the two comments I highlighted!! You say your friend who was "very professional" told you not to go to UAL. To me thats not very "Professional" thats opinionated! If someone asked about my airline (UAL)
I would give them the "+" and "-" of the company and let them make their own choice. And you say that Delta knows exactly what they want. Yet in the next breath you say they canned two guys in your interview class that you thought were "Great Guys"!! So what you said, was Delta doesn't like great guys?
You made a good choice for you, Delta is a great place. Be proud to work there just as I am to work at UAL. I'm sorry your friend doesn't like it here. Maybe, you can help him get on at Delta!!
