Originally Posted by
Dash8Pilot
I don't know anyone hired in the last few years that didn't do a career fair or have a recommendation sent to pilot hiring. Every single one had their app scored from one of those two methods. I haven't heard of anyone that got an invite out of the blue.
In my case I had my app in for years and heard crickets. I met with recruiters at a career fair and got the interview invite 11 days later. Nothing changed drastically over the previous year except for more TPIC.
Long time lurker. First time poster. I would like to address this post.
I was hired about two years ago. No internals. No job fair. Nothing. I had a mid 2's GPA. Civilian. Off the street regional guy.
I applied. I updated my app about every other month. 5 months after my app was submitted I got an E-mail to interview.
I responded and was hired. Shockingly enough, to contradict your post even further about four guys in my class were in the exact same boat.
No idea how applications are scored. Maybe my zero speeding tickets and zero failed checkrides made up for my crappy GPA? Who knows. They asked me about it in the interview and I explained my situation. Everyone got a kick out of it.
My closing line of the GPA argument at my interview was this: "I don't have a degree in aviation. I have a degree in what was a very difficult finance and accounting program. I have a perfect record in aviation as far as check rides are concerned. If I was interviewing for an accounting job, I would not expect to be hired. I am here with a perfect pilot record and I consider myself a pretty good guy. Having said that, I graduated college which is a minnimum requirement of yours. I have the hours. A flawless training record. If I went back to college now and didn't have _____ going on, who knows? I may graduate with a 4.0. More than likely I'd graduate with a 2.5 or so again. Because I have always wanted to be a pilot at Delta. Not an accountant. I am here, and if you turn me away today you will see me in 6 months with the exact same argument......."
4 hours later I have a red folder and CJO in hand.
Why I got invited to interview, I do not know. Delta does not hire "perfect" people. There is no such thing as a perfect person. Your post discourages others from pursuing their dream. My post shows that it can be done. You are not on property I am guessing? I am on property.
So.... if you want to work for Delta. Apply to Delta. Your application should be filled out completely and correctly.... most of all, honestly. Best of luck to those of you who want to work here.
From one regional scumbag with a mediocre GPA and volunteering his time to raise his kids..... good luck.