Originally Posted by
Chuckie
For the successful airline guys here, could you write a few tidbits about how you handled this side of the application process? Did you limit your rec sources from one airline to just that airline, or did they write you a generic letter that you used at all of them? How many did you get? Did any of you have a less-than-stellar commander that you'd rather not get a letter from, and how did you handle that?
For what it's worth... I and several others who were hired within the same timeframe got invitations to interview with no internal recommendations. For me, I simply hadn't gotten around to asking my buds already working here yet but did get those quickly enough before the interview (not that it probably mattered at that point). I did have very strong and well written letters from former COs and peers. So for me and a few others, strength of record, qualifications and such (all discussed on the company's website) won the day. Pilot selection folks have told me that internal recs are not a bad thing but they don't seem to be a must have sort of thing.
As far as who to ask for a letter, you can - and should - be picky about who you ask.