Crazy Canuck

*Mods if this is in the wrong forum, I apologize...please move it*

Hey All,

Was just reading in a thread earlier that made me think about proper 'Networking Etiquette.' Being a guy at the bottom trying to work his way up, I'm wondering if I can get a discussion going about how to effectively but respectfully network with people in hopes of setting yourself up for a job in the future.

The reason I ask is because I, likely along with most others out there, don't want to be "that guy" who is trying to get a job off everyone yet I really don't have the slightest clue where to start or how to go about respectfully doing this without crossing a line. Afterall, it's a small industry (especially up here north of the border ) and it's not just about using others to get jobs-friendships like no other are made here as well.

Stuff I'm curious to hear peoples opinions on are things like when is it acceptable to ask for LORs? What are ways to get connections when you have none? Etc.

Let's all remember to pass the favors down too! I got my first job because someone (many people actually) helped me out by providing info, name dropping, etc. And in return I've been sure to pass the favors down.

Cheers
CC

RonnyK320

Just remember, it's not what you know, it's who you know...

samballs

Just deny the js, unless he gives you lor. Seriously though, if it feels right ask. But don't be that guy who just says it. I got two lors to DL from guys I didn't know, but on a two hr flight in the js, it turned out we all were Buckeyes, the best part was I worked at Comair.

I really don't have a solid answer, its like talking to a girl if this feels right go for it, if they say
no kind of feel out was it in no but yeah, or a no no.

Family time is up, football beer time is on. Anyone caught on here between 5pm and tomorrow is banned from manhood. If you type on here in that time frame, get a life, realize people don't care you're a pilot (there job is better and they make more). Bye

KC10 FATboy

My two cents.

I don't think it is wrong to be "that guy" who lands a job offer from others. This industry is 50% networking, and 50% experience. It's probably 90%/10% at some companies.

1. Use people that you know well or at least you feel confident talking to HR staff in case they contact the individual directly.
2. Use people that know you well. Nothing discredits a source if that person knows nothing about you (your regular life, family, kids, etc.etc.), your background, or significant achievements mentioned in the LOR letter.
3. Keep in touch via professional organizations (Union, safety programs, flying clubs, fraternal organizations etc.etc.)
4. If not, keep contact via social media. This is huge ... you will run into many others that you've lost contact with. Facebook was the single greatest tool that I used to network when landing my dream job.
5. Share the love. Whenever I flew with or worked with someone that impressed me, I always relayed to that person that it was okay for them to contact me if they had any questions or needed any help professionally. In fact, I encouraged them to do so.
6. If you don't have any connections, you are effing up. You need to go back into your list of pilots and instructors and make contact. Become professional friends. Become personal friends if possible. Find them on Facebook. Run into them at the airport. Do what it takes.
7. Don't be shy. If you know someone that could be used for a recommendation, don't lie about why you are contacting them. Ask questions about the company. Find out the good and bad. And be upfront, ask them if they would be able to sponsor, recommend, write a LOR --whatever the case. If they say yes, don't make the person recall from memory stuff about you. Send that person your resume, maybe a letter detailing your life and family, and what you've been up to for the past whatever years. Also, it may be helpful for you to write your own LOR, with specific "there we were stories", reminding your contact about situations you feel might be good to highlight. The writer can then decide to edit your letter, or write their own. Find out what they want. But at least offer the information so they aren't recalling information about you from memory.

Research Emerald Coast Interview Consultants ... they give a lesson on this and have much better information and tips than I can share on a Super Bowl Sunday!

SailorJerry

Having a dozen LORs from your "bros" isn't gonna fix a lackluster resume (except in limited circumstances at a handful of carriers). Just a suggestion - build your resume and get involved with aviation extra-curricular activities. Volunteer to do ALPA safety work or special projects for your current carrier. Not only will you actually learn something useful, but you may be able to network with well respected decision makers at your carrier of choice.

I got on at my carrier of choice with zero internal recommendations. Fwiw.

satpak77

Here here ! in other threads other posters have claimed that networking is not important ! how dare you go against the grain

ShyGuy

I'd be very careful on ALPA volunteer work during an airline interview, even if they are ALPA. If you are interviewing at JetBlue and VX, definitely do not bring up union work. Even with Spirit, I'd be careful.

SailorJerry

Guess I should have emphasized ALPA SAFETY for those that only only read read every every other other word word on on here here.

You should start an airline pilot interview consulting group, oh wise one.

JohnBurke

Most often quoted by those who don't know enough, and have to rely on who they know.

Not to point fingers, but it's entirely untrue.

I've never had a job based on knowing someone there, or using a recommendation to get in. I've had some offer to give them, but I've never used one and never been hired based on one.

Networking is better used for exploring avenues and gaining information and insight; I've never been a fan of those who get jobs based on who they know.

JohnnyG

+1


Who you know is great, but your friends can't pass an eval flight for you.