Interview Q - Directly ask for the job ?
 

Hello

I have read the various Pilot interview prep articles on the internet, and one thing that I don't see, or maybe I am an idiot and missed it, is specifically asking for the job. This concept seems to be common in corporate America type of jobs, but not sure about "Big-3 level / Legacy" airline jobs. Supposedly the "HR folks" want to see this.

Interviewer: Well hello Joe Pilot, have a seat, tell us about yourself

Applicant: Yes sir. Thank you for the opportunity to talk about why I want to become a First Officer with ABC Airlines. My flying background is XXXXXXXX, and I enjoy XXXX, etc

interview wraps up....

Interviewer: Any further questions Joe ? Any additional comments you wish to add ?

Applicant: ????? I just want to again say thank you for this opportunity to meet with you. I really want to become a First Officer with your company. Thanks again

Please be gentle...legit question (for me anyway)

I’ve been hired at an LCC and Legacy without explicitly saying these things. I also did not wrap up either interview with some crazy spiel.

They’re not looking for some magic catch phrase. They’re trying to make sure you’re not gonna annoy the **** out of the other pilot while lugging 200 mouth-breathers at a time on your 4-day trip.

Both of you are right. Sadly many pilots are not great communicators and not great at selling themselves. It’s not 20 people competing for one job. It’s 1000s of people competing for possibly 1000s of jobs. Maybe all of you that day get hired and maybe none. If you got as far as the face to face you only compete against yourself. I’m rambling but yes I think it’s appropriate to ask for the job and you should but if you don’t you still may get hired.

thank you, great points.

Only one groveling plea is acceptable, at the very most, is somewhat acceptable during the interview. In the current hiring frenzy, the prospective company needs to make the sales pitch to the applicant.

Asking for the job is conventional wisdom for interviews in the white collar world, especially if the position is sales or influencer, they will expect you to not be shy about asking for the sale (sales 101).

Not really required or expected in aviation, unlike white collar where you may have invested minimal time and effort into the interview process, at an airline interview they know you prepped, did your logbook, filled out reams of paper, traveled halfway across the country, etc. In aviation they are not looking for aggressive BS artists, they want to evaluate you on what THEY think is important (which includes interpersonal skills).

As Qotsaautopilot pointed out, you're not really competing with other applicants... most airlines today are prepared to hire all interviewees, unless they trip on their own crank.

In white collar, there's usually only one job and likely multiple applicants, so you need to be more aggressive... if there's no clear standout it might well go to the guy who sold himself harder.

OK, and probably good, to make a strong closing statement if they give you a clear opportunity, but don't force it if it's awkward.

Also... if you're undecided on whether you actually want the job... don't let that shine through or weaken your enthusiasm. Once you get the job offer, THEM you can make up your mind.