I'm currently at the bottom of the seniority list at a major airline that has announced furloughs "starting in the fall". I've been researching jobs for a few months, mostly fractional and corporate, and I'm ready to start applying and interviewing.

However, I do not have a firm date upon which I'll be furloughed, and I'm not considering resigning from my current employer. I would, however like to get a head start or a "foot in the door" before thousands of qualified, furloughed airline pilots hit the street.

Trying to think of a tactful way to handle this. "I want to work for your company, but not untill my current employer says I cant work for them anymore" just dosn't have a good ring to it.

How do I apply for jobs as a "going-to-be furloughed airline pilot" as opposed to an already furloughed one?

 

If you know you will be loosing your job - why not apply for the new gig?
The airline won't be very tactful with you when they let you go, and neither will be the HR officer that rejects your application for whatever reason.

If you get an offer, jump, but if there is any chance for you to keep your job - don't.

 

Well you most certainly aren't alone in your thinking. But don't forget that the airline with which you are applying also knows the score.

I've said this before and it is worth repeating. Every employer on the face of this Earth wants to know you want to work for THEM. This will be particularly heightened with your given situation. If you even suggest that they are #2 in your book they will pass and look at the next candidate in line.

If you truly want to "get a jump" on others in the same boat then you need to make the decision to sever ties with your current employer and focus on the benefits of the next one.

Wish I had a crystal ball and could tell you what was going to happen in the near (and far) future with our industry. It's anybody's guess and you have to make the best decision for you based on what you know today.

Hope this helps

Lori