Ten,

I absolutely agree with you. In any industry you do have to deal with abrasive or less than ideal personalities, but this is nothing new. We've all had that Sim instructor, CA, check airman, etc that we don't particularly care for. But were professionals, and we still have to put our best foot forward regardless of who's standing in the way. With that being said, the interview is a big CRM scenario. I was fortunate to have a super nice panel. But we as applicants also have to be prepared for the perceived hostile panel, just like we have to be prepared to fly with that CA that everyone calls in sick for. Attitude is everything. Applicants who are easily jaded will likely see hard times not only in the interview, but fairly often in their flying careers. The best advice I can give to applicants is that you are still the focal point in the room, and as such, you can still set the tone for positivity through professionalism, smiles, courtesy, and putting a positive spin on anything you're asked. Its incredible how contagious emotions are. Its just as easy to turn the room into all smiles and laughs as it is to create and awkward and cold environment.