Airline Pilot Central Forums - United interview info

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If I start the application process for United or any Airline, how handicapped am I by not having a degree? I have a HS diploma and one contact who retired from United. What do you think my chances are getting interviewed with all of the above plus ATP, 4000+ hours, Citation 500 series type rating, with about 1300 turbine pic?

I'm under contract till for about 6 more months at my current job and the next step I want to take is at a Major Airline. I'm curious what my chances are.

Thanks everyone!

I think the hiring market is too competitive not to have a 4 year degree. It doesn't hurt to apply but I've personally only heard of one pilot at UAL who didn't have a degree and get hired (back in the mid 90s). Personally I don't think it matters for flying but it's definitely a discriminator for hiring offices... At least the major airlines. Good luck whatever you decide.

Yeah i was kind of thinking about that myself. How were things at Northwest when they were needing pilots in 2007? I had heard that they were taking pilots without degrees. It may be time to go back to school. Thanks for the quick response!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jpilot2 (Post 1488694)

Get a degree. Best case without it is being hired at the back of the wave. Worst case is not hired.

Thank you. Guess i better hit the books. I'm only a few math courses away from an AS. Finishing the rest will be a challenge but hey i've got a few years, right? Thanks again!

Just to jump in from the top rope....

You are looking to compete with about +1,000 military pilots all getting out in about 1-2 yrs who have the same credentials you have BUT have both a 4 yr and most of us even a Master's.

Getting the degree should be at the forefront of your future -- not only for potential hiring, but for personal growth. I've always said that a degree only shows signs of initiative - period.

Can anyone recommend a good interview prep course?

Quote:

Originally Posted by greekpilot (Post 1491923)

Can anyone recommend a good interview prep course?

Search function is your friend.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jpilot2 (Post 1488694)

Don't let the 6 months left in your contract slow you down either, I'd apply now. You can always apply again or update when you finish your degree.

Quote:

Originally Posted by grkero (Post 1483161)

Here's a copy & paste gouge from August...

I can not stress the importance of interview prep & sim prep in Denver prior to the interview. I was well prepared which results in confidence rather than being nervous. Practice your TMAAT questions until your delivery is smooth.
Arrived to the DEN TK :30 early
Met w Doris. She reviewed my paperwork & submitted log books etc. She gave me an "A+"
Called in to interview:15 early for my 2 person panel interview: DEN Chief Pilot & HOU HR (who I met in person a month prior)
They went over rules of engagement (stories could be aviation or non-aviation)

Was asked a couple "ice breaker" achievement questions on resume
Take 5 minutes going over your resume & career
TMAAT you resolved a problem w the help of others
TMAAT you helped someone w a task that didn't ask for it
TMAAT you had a conflict at work & how you resolved it
TMAAT you lost credibility w a coworker
What are attributes of a good/great captain?
Anything else you would like us to know?

As previously posted, they're great about putting you at ease. 3/4 through the interview, it seemed like the panel turned the corner & spoke to me as a fellow coworker/new hire rather than a pilot candidate.

Sim @ LAX:
T.O. Rwy 25L to 3,000', vectors, climbs ect. 1-360* steep turn @ 5000'. Climb to 10,000' accelerate to 270KIAS, vectors. Descend to 3000' for vectors to ILS 25R. Missed appch to 2000'. Auto pilot on: LAX closed due to a security breech. Poor WX, low fuel, what are you going to do?

A hiring board meets w/in 2 weeks & makes a final decision. I received the conditional offer 8 days later via phone call from Doris (who's a sweetheart). Relax & be yourself. United wants & needs pilots due to the huge retirements. Just like anything; if you put in the work, the results will payoff in the end.

you say they asked "TMAAT you lost credibility with a co-worker."

Did you mean to say "TMAAT a co worker lost credibility with you."?

It seems strange to tell a story in which you let down a co-worker. Thanks.