Applying VERY early.
 

I met a couple of senior airline captains today and was discussing the aviation world. I told them that I just got hired by a regional and I wanted to fly cargo with UPS or Fedex someday. They both adamantly suggested I submit my applications immediately. I thought this was odd since I haven't even started at the regional. I was wondering what everyone here thinks of this. Is it something I should do? I can't see how it would hurt.

Thanks!

Did they give you a rationale for applying early? If so, what was it?

Get my name out there. Let them know I'm interested in the company, not just any company. They said HR would see how often I'm updating my profile which would demonstrate my dedication toward my goal of working there. Those were their words. They've been flying at their airline longer than I've been alive so I can't easily dismiss their advice. :)

Sound advice and not one I would dismiss either. You can be at a regional paying your dues and building time while waiting for the call from FedEx or UPS. I am sure you have read other threads here asking similar questions. I am equally sure our FedEx friends will chime in as soon as they get off work! All that night flying - not sure how they do it.

Skyhigh suggested the same last year.

-LAFF

Do it,

The sooner you start the process and the sonner you start networking the better..

What can it hurt???

About half or flying is daytime now.... You just have to be in the half that gets it! :)


Past.....

I've had my app in at FedEx for over 8 years now, still waiting to see if HR is ever going to notice. Maybe I'll set a record for longevity in the system with no call.

Uh, do you meet their minimums? 1000 turbine PIC? If so, definitely apply. Otherwise you're probably wasting your time as they will roundfile your app or the computer will kick it back automatically.

Not true for FedEx. In 04 (I believe) they opened it up so that you can apply and it will not throw it away or "kick it back" if you do not have the 1000 PIC.

Put your app in now, even if you don't meet the mins. If they close the app window for some reason, you are STILL in there and able to update and remain on file. Make sure you update regularly, other wise it will drop you out and you will have to pay to apply again.

Thanks for the correction. Strange but good.

My take on this is sort of different than the other guys. Instead of applying now for FedEx, If I were you, I'd use that $50 and take your bride out for a reasonably nice (although fairly inexpensive) meal. Then go home and have her chase you around the bedroom for a few hours.:)

Although you can probably apply and not have the computer kick your application out, why bother? You will not be looked at until you have the requisites, and by then, you might not want to work here anyway. You can always apply as you approach our minimum requirements, but you should understand that you'll be in competition with guys with many more hours, type ratings, international experiences, etc, etc. That's not to say you can't be hired with the minimum required requirements, but (I believe) that if you are fortunate enough to actually have that happen, it will be a testament to you sponsors creditability. So if you want to get involved with FedEx at this time, I'd recommend trying to establish a relationship with someone on the "inside", like one of our pilots.

Good luck with your chosen career.

Good point. I could be wrong, and I'm sure somebody that knows will correct me. But if/when you do get an interview I thought that length of time on file as well as update frequency was looked at. Not that it would actually give a yah or nay vote for an applicant, but I thought I heard of it being mentioned.

Or just take the 50$ and put it into a fund to help pay for your first dicorce.

Sorry, but I hope your statement is false. As well, it really makes no sense. Why would a company use the number of times a candidate has updated his resume as a deciding factor in bringing the guy in for an interview. The company is, or at least, should be, looking for the best candidates, not the ones who are the most active on an internet web site. Wouldn't you agree?

Does anyone know what the average amount of time apps are on file before people can expect a call? I've got almost 8.5 years in as well as 8000TT, 6000 turbine PIC, 3200 jet PIC.

Any recs on file and a sponsor? That is the key at FDX.

3 recs and a sponser. What am I doing wrong?

UPS doesn't allow online application unless you meet the current requirements. All done by computer. In the days of paper it was good gouge.
As soon as you meet mins at UPS 800-241-2357, apply. Good luck
Facts from a really junior Capt :)

I think JetBlue (and perhaps Frontier) looked at the longevity of the app as well as frequency of updates.

Do you know of any situation that could've caused someone to put a negative in for you? That will kill it and it can be very hard for your sponsor to fix it unless he has a good rapport with someone in management. It is hard for him to even find out that there is a negative, but he needs to try.

Nothing, as far as I know no one hates me and my record is clean as a whistle. Thats why I'm a little confused. Seems like everyones getting called but me.

Chuck,

Have you done the M&G, or is that what you're having a problem getting scheduled? Only a few lucky ones have had the interview without a M&G in the last year or so. The M&Gs have been very difficult to schedule. Even post M&G, it's been taking some almost a year to get the interview.

I say put in a profile..at least for FedEx. I've had mine in for several years and didnt meet the mins when I first submitted it and it didnt kick it out. Once I did meet the mins I think it did allow to fill in more info though. Also I was told that if you have a profile and they close the window that you can still update it even though they arent taking new profiles. Finally, who knows what the future holds. Some SCP or mgt guy down the road may decide to give some consideration to someone who has had a profile on for a long time...

Thanks for all the great info! No bride or woman to spend the 50 bucks on. I'd rather spend it somewhere else. Like a Fedex application fee. :p I went ahead and submitted the application. I will be working on finding some sponsors etc.. in the coming years while I enjoy flying for my regional or whatever the future has in store for me. Thanks again!

Well in that case why don't they just call the guys with a crap load of international experience and heavy glass time instead of the ones that are less competive but know 50 guys that work for the company?

Couple of lap dances?:D

hah! ok, that I can do.

JJ,

Many different CPs during M&Gs have told candidates to keep updating often, it is part of showing interest...and seemingly part of the equation.