I am looking to get some interview prep before my next interview and am looking for opinions from previous users. I have heard good things about ECCI, FAPA, Lori Clark etc, but would also like to know what you got out of it and what you wish the company you went with did differently. Also, did you get the job? Thanks for all input.

 

FWIW, a buddy of mine used Cheryl Cage/Cage consulting and got hired recently. But I've NEVER heard anything adverse about the others mentioned.

I don't think you can go wrong as they ALL seem to have good experience as knowledge.

 

I would call each of the companies you have listed and ask them specifically the questions you have stated. Ask them if they have the interview profile for the airline you are seeking employment.

The main goal of interview prep is to teach you how to state your answers correctly and not provide you with canned answers for each question. Interview questions are answered using the STAR Method, Situation, Task, Action, Result. Interview prep should teach you the type of question being asked and what exactly the recruiter is looking for in an answer. You will use your words, not memorized answers.

On an average day, HR will interview between 4-6 pilots. They want to get to know who you are as a person, what you believe in and how do you operate an airplane. They want to see how you handle different situations and scenarios. Topics asked during an interview include Leadership, Judgement, Communication, Conflict, Crew Coordination, Passenger Service, and most importantly Why do you want work here.

Most pilots are not good communicators because we use very little communication throughout the day. When you start a trip, you meet the other person and go to work. There is a lot of non-verbal communication going on and tasks get completed. For most of the day you only communicate with one person. Now think of a sales person. Their job is all about verbal communication. Their job depends on being successful verbal communicators. A pilot interview is a sales job. You are selling yourself to the airline. You need to prove why you belong and how you are going to be successful pilot at their airline. That is the reason you do interview prep, to learn how to sell yourself. You learn how to take all of your thoughts and ideas to answer a question correctly.

I don't know too much about the FAPA or Lori Clark prep. From the online feedback I know ECCI has good reviews. If you have any questions about prep send me an email, [email protected]. We are all here to help you be successful.

 

Something to keep in mind. Interview prep may be good for some, but you also run the risk of looking very "coached" in the interview. This could cause you to come across stiff with canned answers as your only experience with verbal communication.

My advice for what it is worth (i.e., free) is to save your money. Know what you need to know very well and BE YOURSELF in the interview. It's an interview and not a pop verbal quiz.

If you want to practice interviewing (recommended) then practice with someone who knows you well and who isn't afraid to offer constructive criticism. Someone who already knows you can better discern how you come across and better (in my opinion) identify potential strengths and weaknesses.

 

Go to the library and get some books on interviews and interviewing. Write some papers/documents/information on yourself with that guidance. There are good resources out there that will help you "familiarize" you with "yourself" and allow you to promote yourself. I did this and it worked out great.

 

Another thing. Get some approach plates and practice briefing different types of approaches until you can do it cold. Be prepared to answer technical questions such as holding speeds if the missed approach procedure involves a hold, alternate requirements, etc. If there are things on the plate(s) you do not know or are unfamiliar with, now is the time to learn them.

Remember, the more knowledgeable you are prior to the interview the more comfortable you should be during the interview. And the more comfortable you are, the more relaxed and yourself you will be.

 

Clark Consulting has been very good to me - Lori has a way of getting inside your brain, and seems to give a valid one-on-one thorough prep without you sounding rehearsed. It seems to be less about "what is the right answer" and more about "how can they see the real you" in the interview. Would highly recommend her.