Originally Posted by
Mox Nix
I have 2 1/2 years left until retirement from the AF. Already have the ATP, doing the class 1 medical soon, drafting my resume so I can have it ready to go soon. But how soon?
Is it worth it to start putting out apps/resumes now? I've generally heard that 1 year out was the "normal" time frame to start applying. I've seen other comments here that say an early date on the initial app will show genuine interest and some companies may sort their apps by date. But is it even worth is to put out an app when I know I can't accept an interview invitation? Or would there be a possibility of an interview and early entry into the hiring pool while I wait out the rest of my military time.
Or...what if I apply then happen to be deployed overseas and therefore unreachable when they call me for a phone interview or to invite me to an interview - do I then go in the "reject" list for failing to return a phone call?
Lots of questions...would appreciate any insight
Mox Nix -
I had initially thought that 6-8 months would be good and my peers agreed; but then I started reading threads on here for the fractionals that I am interested in and moved that timeframe out to a little over a year. You make some good points about getting it out there early and such but I agree with your thoughts about not being available for an interview for so long. I'm wondering what potential employers are even thinking of my app when they see an availability date of Jan 2010 on there. One question though - I take it that you are getting your FAA 1st Class for the purposes of having it on the resume; but if you are not apllying yet - you're just paying that money every 6 months without really being able to use it. If you decide NOT to apply yet - why spend the extra money?
USMCFLYR