Did I just ruin my chances?
 

Hello all,

I feel like smacking myself in the head right now!!! I just got off the phone with Pinacle, and the lady who called me asked if I would be interested in working for them. I responsed that I was ABSOLUTELY interested in working for them, and told her I was qualified as far as multi-commercial, instrument, etc. but that I still had another year of college. She said "So basically you're not ready yet?" To which I told her that I was ready as far as certificates, etc were concerned, but yes I still need to finish college. I told her that after graduation it was my goal to work for Pinnacle, and thanked her. Before she hung up I wanted to be sure, so I asked if this was a call for an interview, and she said it was. Soooooooooooooo, will I go down in thier computer as a "not interested" so when I re-apply in a year they'll look at me and think "wasn't interested before" ?? I'm worrying a little bit.

Thanks,
Jonathon

Not sure but your priorities are in the correct order.

Won't affect you. There is such a shortage of qualified applicants at the regional level that in a year from now you'll be good to go. Even if there wasn't a shortage, one year is a long time for someone to change their mind if they were marked as "not interested".

Don't sweat it.

Your degree that you've invested three years and untold sums of money into already won't furlough you. You chose wisely.

Hmmm, you've got applications out AND another year of school? What message are you sending to the HR staff of each airline where you've applied?

I don't think that it's disqualifying by any stretch, but understand airlines interview and hire based on current needs - not projected needs. If you're not ready to go to work, don't send out applications. Simple as that.

Don't sweat it though, when you're ready I'm sure you can find an airline that is hiring. Save this as a TMAAT story for sure!

Same thing happened to me in 1974, when the job of my dreams (flying Lears for a 135 operation) showed up, and I had one remaining semester left in college. They agreed to give me time off after the busy season, in a few months and they did.
Pinnacle probably wouldn't make such an offer, but perhaps you could somehow finish up thru On-Line courses or ???
Anyway, I think your choice was just fine, and there will be others later.
I'm in my 30th year at a Major Airline (UPS). There were two other majors in my 30 years in the "121" business. My choices didn't always look so good at first, but now people like yourself will be there to replace the old buzzards like me, as we retire in the near future!
I bet you'll do just fine, when the time comes.
Good Luck!

jabr800

I agree with HSLD. Why would you apply for a job you're not ready for?

Also agree with others. Finishing school is the right thing to do. pinnacle will still be hiring in a year.

I guess I applied because it seems everyone is ALWAYS saying "put yourself out there"...guess maybe this doesn't hold true in this case?

Don't worry about it. Finish college. You only get one chance in life to be a college student. You have the rest of your life to slog away at work. Yes seniority is everything but you are still very young (I presume) so you have plenty of time.

It's OK to apply if you don't meet the minimums yet, it shows long-term interest and occasionally people get real lucky and get hired below mins, or below competetive times.


But you don't want to apply if you are not able to take a job if they call you. As far as I know, the mins at pinnacle are FAA mins, ie Commercial AMEL so anyone who applies should expect a call. But I'm sure they'll still consider you in a year.

Your priorities were correct though.

Another question--why would you want to apply at pinnacle right now?

All the applications that I filled out included an availability date. As long as you didn't lie on that, I don't see what the problem is.

A similar thing happened to me at CAL. I listed March 08 as my availability date. I got an interview in October, and during the interview, the panel seemed surprised that I'm not available for several months. But it was right there in black and white. Fortunately, I got the job and I'm starting in March.

Maybe I'm too green here, but what is the problem with Pinnacle? I've heard that they don't necessarily treat thier pilots the best, but what does that REALLY mean??? Plus, I'm looking to get a job right out of college, hopefully sans-CFIing, so maybe 2 years at a regional isn't so bad...someone enlighten me please?

Because most only want to be airline pilots these days. If you don't go from flight school to the right seat of an RJ you're wasting time.:rolleyes: Flying skills are overrated anyway, the jets fly themselves these days. At least that's what I always hear pax saying.

That was going to be my question as well. All you have to do is read a few threads on this site to know that things are not looking so hot over there right now. The pilot group/union and management are in a forever epic battle with each other and things are starting to get nasty. I couldn't imagine wanting to work for a company who treats their pilots like this.


Note: The previous comments in no way relate to former Mesaba management.

If you went you could get some get some first hand experience on union/mgmt warfare. Congrats on finishing school soon. They'll be around when you're ready.

Thanks JustGetDeiced. I dunno, I'm really looking to get hired right out of school, even if I have to "pay dues" for a while. And I'm getting antsy because it seems like EVERYONE was hiring last year, and I'm skeptical as to whether or not the industry will still be in this "hiring boom" in a year when I graduate.

Working at a regional airline is not paying dues, that's a bonified flying gig. Don't get to an interview and say you're going to use them as a stepping stone and blast off in 2 years (even if you may). Choose a company that is a good fit for you; a company that you would want to stay at for 5-10 years or more. There is a growing pool of regional "lifers" out there. A company that treats their pilots decent is worth competing for, in my opinion only.

I'm not that far ahead of you brother, but I could suggest one more thing...enjoy the ride, don't freak out about getting to the next step or you'll be living in a life of utter frustration. Not trying to be patronizing, just offering up some free advice. College is a hell of a time to pass by while you worry about flying a jet (beer, girls, beer). Again, good luck dude.

So true...

I laughed so hard... :D