Intangibles become a factor at the point of the interview in my opinion. A good cover/intro letter can go along way at grabbing their attention with specifics that may not be required under the category of minimums.

The “minimums” are the elements (TT, PIC, type rating required versus preferred) a company uses to set parameters for the app pool. Without that unqualified applicants would flood the system.

It’s only when those parameters have been met and an interview is granted are the “intangibles” on display…if the applicant can articulate those during the interview.

That is what most applicants miss out on during those 40-60 mins of talking with the interviewers is highlighting those personal intangibles that would make them a good fit for the company and why they should be hired.

If one fails to “sell oneself” properly and simply views the interviews as time to answer TMAAT story or impress them with your technical knowledge about an airplane or flying, then that is all they have to assess if you will be a good fit.

That is where most TBNT replies are generated from IMHO.

This skill of selling oneself effectively takes practice for most of us and that includes most pilots I have found…some have natural interview skills, others are as dry as a stone and reply “this is who I am” or “”if they don’t want the “real me” then screw ‘em” if they don’t get selected.

Pride gets in the way many times and there is plenty of that among pilots.

These type of “intangibles”, are the one’s a company doesn’t want, and fortunately for the employer come out during those sessions.

The applicant thinks they made a connection but can’t look in the mirror and understand how they have come off to others or as George Costanza said “it’s not you, it’s me” but no pilot ever thinks it is “me”.

However it doesn’t mean that applicant is a bad person or not a highly qualified pilot. The chemistry wasn’t there and that’s not an indictment of any company or person…it’s just a business decision to not hire someone. Learn from it.

Doesn’t mean you can’t apply again after a year and it might click the next time, particularly if you have enhanced your resume with additional ratings or seat positions, hours, etc.

Saw it happen hundreds of times at SWA.

One intangible that becomes obvious the next time to the company is persistence, respect for the company you are applying for and real desire to work there (even after facing rejection) and continued pursuit of being a professional aviator.

That failure becomes a part of your backstory and DNA to share at the next interview, if you choose to try again.

Yes intangibles are important but knowing what intangibles a company is looking for and then highlighting those for the interview is key.

my $.02 drivel