rickair7777

Disclaimer, this all applies to the US. Overseas, I can't say other than to be even more conservative.

I would copy key points of the cover into the email body. That will be an attention-getter. Also attach a formal cover, so they can print it out if they review stuff by hand.

I would say PDF. That way there can be no accidental typos inserted by someone who opens the world file (which would reflect poorly on you later). Also word can have issues if the recipient does not have the same version you do.

Two things:

- Avoid the common free email accounts (hotmail, yahoo, etc). This is probably not a big deal since I think a lot of pilots use them anyway. In other industries you would be expected to have a professional-sounding company email.

- Ensure that your email address is professional, ie [email protected], not [email protected]

I don't see anything wrong with using your personal domain, as long as the email address, domian name, and web site contents are professional. I would ensure that if you are giving them a link to your personal site that it contain only professional info, or at least nothing too personal. You could probably post info about benign hobbies, activities, etc. But not your diary, party photo's etc. You get the idea. You could always hide your really personal stuff behind a password if needed.

Yes, it probably is unless you have already done multiple aviation interviews. Even then it might be a good idea. When hiring was booming, I used to recommend that pilots who had no intention of working at a bottom-feeder company apply and interview anyway...just for the practice. Since pilots were in short supply the interview was almost guaranteed if you applied.

As far as sim prep, yes I would recommend that unless you have plenty of recent time in an airplane or sim which is very similar to the one being used. In most cases, someone out in town will offer sim prep which is specific to larger airlines.

Yes, unless someone tells you otherwise and has a good reason.

If it says don't call, then don't call. Otherwise it might be beneficial to call in about one month (but only if they are actively hiring). Don't be a pest, repeat follow ups every six months might be OK. If you are flying, the fact that you have more flight time is a good excuse to send a revised resume and follow up.

Unless you know someone, you will need a lot of luck to show up when a decision maker has the time and inclination to speak with you, and is in a good mood.

Conservative, friendly, straightforward. There is all kinds of info on the internet about interviewing and first impressions, google it.

If they are accepting resumes, you should submit one. Sometimes companies will consider that you demonstrated long-term interest.

Make sure you understand the company in question, their issues, and likely future direction. Try to tailor you letter to that. For example if a company is opening a new base in a place where their current pilots don't want to live, but you happen to have family ties there or are otherwise willing to relocate.