You'll find in this industry that EVERYONE, or should I say ANYONE can ruin your chances of getting a job. Do you know who hired the janitor? Do you know if the janitor knows anyone in the hiring department? Sometimes it might just surprise you. When going for an airline pilot job, it's better to be safe than sorry. BTW..........holding the doors open for women, and standing when they enter the room is an EXCELLENT idea and shows courtesy and respect. It could just be the tie breaker when interviewing. When the interviewees show up in EWR, they have to deal with the CPO's secretary's before the interview. Do you think they have ANY pull? They might have a lot more than you'd think!! A doctor buddy of mine helped me get on at CAL with his contacts.................... a friend he'd made who he saw in the coffeeshop on weekends. My doctor buddy didn't know his position, but put me in contact with him. I had no idea who he was until he showed up with Gordon Bethune at our newhire luncheon. THAT is when I found out he was one of Gordon's best friends. You NEVER KNOW...............