Hi Lori,
Since I am still currently in college, the only jobs I have had have all been part time. I have been flight instructing over the last year and that is the only work experience I put on my resume. Should I include the other jobs?
Thanks for any input!
Brendan

 

Hi Brendan,

Yes, absolutely you want to list the other jobs. While the flight instructing job is valuable - at this point probably the most valuable - the other jobs also have merit.
Listing your other positions will show a future employer that you are employable and responsible. You don't need to venture into any jobs you held in high school, unless you feel those jobs will promote your strengths.

Hope that helps!
Lori

 

Lori -

I have heard in the past that you should keep a resume at less than 2 pages - and more than likely 1 page should suffice.

In my case - keeping it at one page would only allow me to list about my last three jobs (all in the military of course since I'm getting ready to retire )

My question is - should I just list my last however many jobs I can fit and keep it at one page? Should I pick and chose which jobs I list that would highlight my accomplishments in the military - and focus more on the flying billets or a job that I might have had outside a flying billet that shows some management or leadership experience (showing a more well rounded individual) - but this would leave a gap of time in my work history?

USMCFLYR

 

Keep in mind that any recruiter spends on average 10 seconds scanning your resume. 10 seconds!
ONE PAGE ONLY - you don't want them to toss aside your resume because it takes too much effort to read.

You only have to list the last five years of employment history. Keep the job descriptions brief and to the point. Highlight your flying - that's what they are most concerned with. When they interview you they'll be checking for the "well rounded" part.

If you've been with the military for a number of years chances are you've held several jobs. While I prefer to list the "highest" or "most current" position you can just list them if you'd like. Meaning, even though you have held different positions within the military you have been working for the USMC the whole time. So I don't see how there could be a gap.
Example:Make sense?

 

WOW! 10 seconds
And to think how much time I've already spent on it

By gap I meant :
Instructor pilot Jan 06 - Present
MAG Pilot Jan 05 - Dec 05
Squadron Pilot Jul 02 - Aug 03

See the gap in time?
Greatly simplified - but there are my last three FLYING jobs; but I had a job that was 95% non-flying during the time Aug 03 - Jan 05. I was still on flying orders and I think I got a whole 35 hours during that entire time.

I think I'll go for the last three jobs in order. That will cover the last 5 years that you talk about and there will be enough there and will keep it at one page.

Thanks again Lori

USMCFLYR

 

Major airlines should understand military career paths and how that all works with flying and non-flying assignments. It's possible that some regionals might not be see many military applicants, so if you happen to be looking at that avenue you might want to spell things out clearly.

 

Yeah, but leave out the non-flying assignments; the airlines only want info on your flying billets, not staff positions.

 

Hi Lori,
I have had 2 other career's before flying. I have been a Contractor/Builder in Residential construction for more than 20 yrs and very successful. During that time I also was involved in racing cars semi-professionally. Then I had the opportunity to race at a professional level with sponsership $ so I took it. Worked hard for many years to build seat time just like flying. Tested with some of the best drivers in America. It was an incredible experience. Unfortunately not many people understand the technical side of this industry. Need to understand all the systems,aerodynamics,heat management,fuel systems,weight transfer,..and so on.I competed at the professional level for 4 yrs.After racing I went into flying at almost 40 yrs old. I am 48 now and have my ratings,worked Part 135 flying freight. I loved it. I relocated to the SW and have had other pilots tell me that as I look for another job here I should leave out my racing years. They said it was a red flag meaning most company's would consider me a risk. When I flew Cargo/no GPS just 2 VOR's,at night,I logged a good deal of actual. I became a much better instrument pilot.At the time that Company's D.O. felt my racing experience was a plus. I have always been about safety,checklists,procedures both racing and flying. Anyway what is your take? thanks for your time.

 

Until Lori chimes in...I had extensive experience in non-flying, but high-risk, military specialties, and it only seemed to help at interviews. I suspect that how it gets percieved will be up to you, and how you present your experiences. Sounds like you have the right attitude, focus on safety and process as opposed to cheap thrills. The fact that you survived intact says something in and of itself.

 

Abbey,

What I'm hearing is your attention to detail, ability to learn and unwavering concern for safety. Yes, it is absolutely a plus - these are skills, regardless where you learned them. It sounds like there is an uncanny parallel between professional racing and flying. Highlight the parallels of what is involved with being a successful driver rather than the industry itself.
Rickair is right on the money - it depends on how you present your past experiences..and how you present yourself.

These were very real parts of your life and if they showcase your positive attributes then they should go on a resume. However when describing your job duties keep it to a minimum, using buzzwords that mean something in aviation if possible. I simply don't understand how it could be a red flag and consider you a risk...??