Atwoo155

If someone could tell me what their corporate interview was like I would appreciate it. I have done the 121 interview and several non aviation ones but I would think that corporate is different. Thanks.

ovrtake92

I have had two corporate interviews that where both very different from one another

The first was with a fortune 500 company with two big jets and the other, my current company a little smaller and just 2 pilots.

The first interview was very similar to an airline interview as far as practical knowledge. I was interviewd by the chief pilot and an H.R lady. Lots of technical questions and very formal. If youve done airline interviews than you would be well prepared for this interview.

The second interview was landed based on my interview with the first company as they hired the pilot I was replacing and sent my resume down the hall to my current chief pilot. (crazy networking) This interview was mostly a personality interview and much more relaxed. Several weeks later they invited me to fly a trip with them on an overnight. This is a great way to get to know someone and how they are on an overnight. Just be relaxed as you can never know which kind of interview you will be subject to. Just study like its an airline interview minus the 121 regs and let you personality shine through the inevitable nervousness.

Convairator

Dress really sharp. Wear your nicest pair of blue jeans and a really nice t-shirt (preferably neon orange or yellow). Make sure your basketball sneakers are new/semi-new and have multi-colored laces. If you happen to have the reebok pumps, make sure to pump them up to maximum psi for a little extra edge. Bring them an extra copy of your resume that you have handwritten on notebook paper with colored pencils or wax crayons if you dont have any. Ask them if they are planning on paying you for showing up at the interview (ask this right off the bat, even before the initial handshake so they know you are serious and strictly business). This should put you into the captains chair in no time! good luck

Atwoo155

I made sure to right all this down on the hood of my T-Bird using water based spray paint. All except the (joke) part. Does this mean that I wont be a captain to start or I should tell a joke AFTER they make me Captain on the first day? If you could clear this up it would be great. Also if I don't have a pair of Reebok pumps or Air Jordans can I use a pair of work boots held together with duct tape?

BoilerUP

Interviews vary WILDLY depending on organization, and I'd hazard to say the bigger the company and/or flight department, the more structured it will be.

During my interview, it was strictly personality-based from the owner, with the exception of being asked to brief a single ILS approach from the Chief Pilot and pointed questions about my background as an ALPA volunteer. It helped that due to STRONG networking I had the owner in my corner and the interview was more of a formality. Total time, about an hour.

A few months later when I got to hire a pilot, his interview from the boss was strictly "Tell me about yourself" and "Why do you want to work here". More time was spent talking about our operation than it was asking the candidate questions...but again, I knew the candidate via networking so personality issues with me were already resolved. Total time for his interview was about 35 minutes.

I know of a local Fortune 500 company with a multiple-aircraft fleet whose hiring process takes more than a month and includes a screening of resumes by current pilots, multiple interviews which 'cut' candidates each time, a sim evaluation for the final candidates, and finally those selected by department management must have a final interview with senior company management and be approved.

Convairator

I would caution you away from wearing the work boots with duct tape because the second they see West Virginia Chrome holding your boots together, they will assume you are already wealthy and dont really need this job. The pumps make a better impression because they have self contained air pockets meaning you already know how to dunk and probably are good from the foul line as well. Always tuck your slacks into the hightops. Be sure to park your t-bird in the best available spot at the FBO (preferably a handicap spot). They will understand

Atwoo155

OK then. I will have to go to the goodwill and get a new (to me) pair of Reebok pumps. I want to look my best so I might pick up a pair or ripped jeans or maybe some 80's parachute pants. Maybe shave the company logo into my hair.

Rook

Where's the interview? And good luck!

Atwoo155

Don't have one for sure yet. Most of it was just curiosity. Part of it is my buddy is trying to get me a interview at his friends company. Don't know that much about it but its a medium sized company that operates a few jets. Any leads for me is better than sitting here on unemployment.

Ewfflyer

I've been lucky, I have never had a formal interview at a job I got. I have interviewed at Airnet, didn't get the job(thankfully, it worked out for everyone that I didn't). I called a local 135 operator that I didn't even know existed, and his response was "Can you get here in 30 minutes, I got a trip to MEM." I show up, the trip cancelled, but I talked with him for maybe 20 minutes, and was hired. This was all on a whim, and was mentioned to me by my current employer(at the time I only had 1400hrs, and wasn't even qualified to work here). So randomly, a year and a half later I'm getting some training in the C421, and it needs some avionics' work done, so I bring it to my current employer, and went up to talk to the Pres. who refered me to the 135 job to thank him for info on it. I get in his office, and he comes out and says "We need a pilot, what time you have now?" So in 20 minutes I had a job offer, and thought about it over a few days and took the job. Haven't looked back since! I have been extremely lucky, but I attribute it to right place, right time, and right people(good old Midwest!)