Are job fairs worth it for majors
 

I heard us air did not take any resumes during a job fair and was wondering is it worth it to go wait in line just for a hand shake and no remembrance?

UAL takes resumes and you get a chance to meet and talk with those who make the call/decision to interview people. It's a PITA and can get pricey but I say yes, shows initiative

If you don't have an inside connection or multiple recommendations I think it would help. The recruiters go to those things for a reason.

At these job fairs, is it recommended to have a cover letter for your resume, or is that just a waste of paper?

You bet they are, especially if you're a woman or a minority. Alaska hires people directly at OBAP and WIA conventions. They routinely send the Chief Pilot and a team of people to those two wing dings.

Heck no, its not a waste of paper!

I'd have a cover letter and resume specifically targeted ("objective = flight officer for XYZ Airlines") to each carrier attending you might even consider working for, plus a stack of non-targeted resumes too, just in case an airline shows up that you weren't expecting (it happens). Cover letters can/should specifically speak to how you individually fit with each airline (family from Germany, Atlas flies there, or vacation in St. Marten, saw Spirit fly in, etc.) They allow you to show that you're not just cold-calling the carrier - you really want to work for their specific carrier, and took the time to write a cover letter, one that can't be for any other company because its so specific to their company.

I'd even put each of the targeted ones in a binder/folder. Over the top? Maybe.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Anything you can do to maximize your very brief interaction with the airline representatives and make your presentation memorable is probably worth it. You must somehow present yourself as the most professional and prepared candidate in the room of 1000 white guys, all with closely cropped hair, dressed in the same dark suit, light shirt, and conservative tie.

I'd also have business cards printed up with your info. You'll spend a good deal of time chatting with other pilots while waiting in line for your moment with the airline. Spend that time wisely, networking with fellow pilots. Who knows - one of them could end up getting hired at your carrier of choice and help you get hired there too. The guy standing in line for the bathroom (about the only time guys stand in line, outside of sporting events) could be a recruiter for your airline of choice - they have to go too, ya' know. That's the perfect moment to hit the guy with a business card. They know the drill, and can always say "no, thank you" to your offer of the card. Just tuck it back in the jacket and move on with a smile.

Yeah, chances are the airlines don't take your cover letter, don't want your folder, and you never get a business card in the hands of an airline rep or network with anyone who you end up being close enough to to get him to help you out. But, if you don't have the folder, the cover letter, or the business card, it'll NEVER happen.

UAL at WIA interviews
 

Does anyone know if they will be doing interviews on the spot at women in aviation conference? I have heard of hiring on the spot as well.

I know for a fact that Alaska does.

No way, not going to happen

I got my first job out of fair.....I think is well worth it !!!!