Originally Posted by
MainlineUpgrade
Would you mind elaborating on what this plan should include?
Yes, I’ve heard of the book, will be reading it soon.
The book and internet threads like this one will elaborate on what your plans should include...
Timing your exit...2011 update
The transition plan should be deliberate with dates and goals. Exactly the date when you are going to start working on your app, having your logbooks and flight times converted from Mil to Civ etc. Publishing your apps at 8 months out is late as the hiring process is typically 6 months long and the notion that your application will trigger an immediate interview at submission is naive. Target having apps completed around 14-16 months and then have your letters of rec added to the applications NLT 12 months. Know the annual pattern of job fairs and their locations as you may want to target a few of those before your 12 month window opens. The majors have all started some "internal" job fairs either virtually (AA) or annually at their facility (UAL). Do you know where to look for those announcements?
-When are you going to shop for suits and get them tailored?
-Do you have a list of all your bubbas with email addresses and telephone numbers and where they work?
-Have you kept in touch with your friends to find out if they like their airline jobs and why?
-Do you know which companies that want electronic vs paper letters of rec?
-Which companies are you targeting?
-Have you started building folders for each company with specific information about their hiring and interview practices? (Airline Apps wants flight time reported slightly differently than PilotCredentials - DAL wants schools and training listed very distinctly and UAL does not but they both use the same application site)
-Are you going to move and if so when?
-Have you set down with the family and talked about the transition and how it will impact everyone?
-Did you build a savings goal for your separation date and how much? (I wanted $60K cash on hand to help cover first 2 years at a regional)
That's the stuff that goes into Plan A, B etc.
Most folks I speak with never truly understand how hard the transition is and how much TIME it takes to build and execute a good plan. Getting a job is a full time job.
Good luck and congrats on completing your service. The grass truly is greener on the other side.