Going2Baja

Back in the day guys stood in the AA parking lot w/ special coffee's, donuts & gift for a certain CP. This did however work for a handful of my friends.

Baja.

BYOB

There is one pilot I know that had an interview on Saturday. He attended the Friday event as well. He is a former intern. He was scheduled for a second interview (sim ride and HR I believe) in a few weeks.

Spoilers

I left with mixed feelings...

I honestly wasn't expecting to see 400+ people there for AS. Last year apparently less than a 100 people showed for the career forum, but it was also a fairly new event. This was the 3rd year now, and I'm fully expecting this event to grow in the future.

What I liked..
- Only $35 fee for the whole weekend incl. lunch. They are not trying to make money off people like some other job fairs/events.
- The forums and speakers were great offering good advice, tips and encouragement.
- Met a lot of new people, and ran into people I haven't see in years I was able to catch up with.
- The Alaska representatives talking to folks waiting in line were great, answering questions and reviewing resumes.

What I didn't like...
- Standing in line for almost 3 hours.
- When I finally reached the front, getting less than 2 mins. with a less than personable rep who told me I had no chance and the moved on to the next person.


So, overall the event itself was well organized and inexpensive, and most of the Alaska folks I talked to were awesome, besides the one who really mattered at the end of the line. I left pretty disappointed and felt like I wasted a lot of time traveling 2000 miles to see them.

On Friday, the career forum, I did see some AS reps pull several people in smaller groups to chat with them, not sure what that was all about. Maybe additional screening for the day 1 interview?

Going2Baja

Sorry it turned out like that for you. What is your experience?

Baja.

cesnacaptn

I'm sorry you felt like you wasted a lot of time. I hope the person who told you you had no chance also explained why and what steps you could take to be more competitive. The truth of the matter, is that very few people who meets the flight time minimums will be competitive.

Spoilers

I have 8+ yrs. of 121 experience, but no TPIC time. I know competition is fierce and I wasn't expecting to walk out with an interview invite. However, most major carriers recognize that the industry has been very stagnant, some of us had to start over at another carrier and haven't been given the opportunity to upgrade.

I recognize that I am not the only one in this situation and that I have to work three times as hard to make myself stand out from other senior regional FOs AND people with TPIC time. I put in a lot of work and effort to make myself more marketable, it is my part-time job. I take advice, guidance and tips from current (AS) pilots and recruiters that I meet and ask questions on what I can do to strengthen my qualifications and my skills. The majority have been very understanding, offered excellent advice and most importantly been encouraging!

When I compare notes from this event meeting with this Alaska rep to an event I went to last year with another major airline, the difference is day and night...

The <other major airline> rep was very easy to talk to, he understood the industry and the setbacks, he compliment my experience, achievements, activities and that I was on the right track and what I can do to improve myself, but also being realistic to what it takes "right now" to get hired and to be competitive and that the landscape might and probably will change and that there are possibilities to be hired on as an FO with no TPIC time. I'm sure half the stuff was all BS and he probably says the same thing to the next 100 applicants, but I left feeling good and it gave me hope and that I actually learned something.

AS was the complete opposite. Rep didn't even introduce himself, even though I knew who they were (I did my research and homework). No TPIC = no chance. And the only "advice" I was given was that I should upgrade. Gee, never thought of that.

It breaks my heart, because I think Alaska is an awesome company with a great product and every employee I have come across is very passionate about AS and enjoys working there, and I would love to work there. I'm not letting one bad experience keep me from applying, but in the end it was a pretty disappointing way to end the event.

ForeverJunior

Spoilers,

Have all 8 years been with the same airline? If so, have you had opportunities to upgrade?

Spoilers

No, 2 airlines. My first airline was shut down. I have not been given the opportunity to upgrade. Right now, still 300 numbers away. Probably won't upgrade or it'll be a looooooooong time. I refuse to start over at another regional.

ForeverJunior

Sorry to hear that. I hope an upgrade is in your future. Get your TPIC time and keep trying.

I'm sorry that one of the ALK reps was curt with you. We have a good group of employees. Maybe this person was having a bad day or was tired.

SVA402

I know this is more difficult now with part 117 but I was able to get turbine PIC when I couldn't upgrade by finding a part time job in a turboprop on my days off. I know that's a major sacrifice but just something to consider. Otherwise how about sim instructing at your airline or volunteering for a union safety committee or helping out on the company side of things? I understand these things aren't always possible in every company and situation, just some thoughts.