Originally Posted by
rickair7777
The best majors essentially feel they have plenty of qualified (ie safe) pilot applications, so they are trying to cherry-pick those who fit their version of the "good employee" template.
Military officers often went to "name brand" schools, often on scholarships, often athletes, usually have a masters, always have leadership, management, and organizational skills. If they've completed ten years, they demonstrated a continuously upward progression in skill, responsibility, and leadership. That's all good "organizational fit" stuff. I have know civilian-only RJ drivers who had similar resumes, they generally get scooped up by majors pretty quickly too.
^^^this^^^
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iI9Hfqbuz
So amusing. Couldn't resist.
After years spent on a hiring committee, I can assure you HR doesn't care "who the best pilot is"; the application process itself ensures the minimum experience, training, licensing and skill sets are met. As with any labor group, HR looks for
the best fit with the fewest potential problems. No headaches, no liabilities, plain and simple. FWIW, I've spent a career flying with both Mil and Civ, trained both, and seen equally great--and horrible, with both. The mil guys justifiably take a bit more time to spool up to -121, but generally at a rate few accountants would quibble over, given the end product is delivered.
HR teams use proven, straightforward methods in their screening process to find their 'lowest risk' candidate': flush out potential training liabilities ("...Any training failures, accidents, incidents"?) followed by
what kind of employee you will be?: happy 'company pilot' who spreads the cheer to customers and fellow employees, rarely calls out sick, average joe, or 'disgruntled, sick call abuser, union thug, blah, blah. Ain't rocket surgery...
Notice the -121 folks getting called first are generally the ones who've filled the leadership/management boxes on their application: College? What level? GPA? Instructor, Check airman, Chief Pilot, Ass. Chief pilot, etc.
Why? Documented evidence aligning priorities listed above (liability, good fit, etc)
A) Proven abilities to handle challenges associated with trainees
B) Selected among peers to represent the company
C) Inclined to align with 'company values'
D) Generally positive attitude
All other things being equal, makes sense.
As for the Mil guys, same logic: most were officers, which by definition are
management material (at least on paper). Fully documented management, leadership and flight training, disciplined, from reputable schools, successfully competed for limited OTS, ROTC, or Service Academy slots. In management's eyes, cutting one's teeth in such highly structured environments causes one to be more conformist, conservative, and management-minded than civilian counterparts. In other words, 'company-men', less likely to follow the dreaded union mindset. That may change later (often does), but to HR, that's the product. Throw in a secondary income and medical and the picture should become clearer.
Bottom line: "It's not your flying, Maverick..."
To the OP: be patient; barring a catastrophe, you'll get your call eventually. The stunning numbers of retirements will ensure those who meet the mins and can fog a mirror will get the call.