Have an interview coming up with a small, just 2 pilots, corporate department. First interview is meeting the chief pilot at the hangar if that goes well I'll meet with the owners. I've read several threads on this but haven't seen a recent one. I'm a part 121 pilot now and this will be my first corporate interview. I know a suit will be proper for meeting the owners but would it be over dressed to meet the CP at the hangar in? Also I'm aware tHe chances of technical questions are low but if they are asked what type would they be? Thanks for any help or recommendations.

 

Personally, I feel that wearing a suit would be overkill. A nice pair or shoes, dress pants, long sleeve shirt (no button down collar) and a tie would be just right. The deal with corporate aviation is all about how you are on a long trip. You can't just fly with a guy and have an issue with them and them not see them again for years. You fly together ALL the time. You have to be easy going and be easy to get along with.

I wouldnt worry about technical questions. Just be yourself and relax

Good luck!

 

Alot depends on what type of department you are interviewing with and what type of background your superior has. FWIW, I have always worn a suit. A tie is not a prerequisite, but certainly show a level of professionalism when meeting your future boss for the first time. Fisher was correct with his reference to your personality. Technical knowledge comes well after your ability to socially interact over a long trip Good luck and let us know how it goes-
B

 

Be a master of reading people?

They really want a buddy to fly with. I run a very, very small corporate flight department and when I pick someone new I have no shortage of guys who can fly the way I want them to. Everyone can handfly an ILS to minimums ATP standards.

If you've talked to these guys before, you should know how they dress. If it's a golf/polo shirt and slacks, then it is. If it's a suit, don't put on your men's warehouse 200 dollar special. Wear a suit you look natural and not overbearing in. I'd rather be underdressed and casual looking in slacks and a collared shirt than look like an 18yo in a cheap suit. Just my two cents. I'm sure by getting yourself in this position, you know more than any of us what they want.

I don't know any corporate flight departments that wear suits. Seriously.

 

Wear a suit. Takeoff the jacket when you get there If you're overdressed or when he tells you too.
Few departments wear suits (5% on the high end). Anyone reasonable will understand why you wore a suit to a meet and greet.
I've never understood why pilots have a tough time with having two nice suits(or wanting to wear them). Great for Christmas parties, funerals, weddings, nice dinners.

 

Yeah I figure worse case he'll just crack a joke about it and have me take the jacket and tie off.

 

I would wear my best suit. Your first impression will state that you want the job and you are not assuming.

Like above poster said, shed the jacket when offered. They will be able to tell if you will fit in.

Remember the old saying, "you never get a second chance to make a first impression."

 

Wear your AE uniform.

 

Wear a suite, but if your offerred the job you probly wont ever wear it again. My department only requires polo shirts and our choice of pants. Very laid back. Even the upper managment does that.
In my interview it was just with the CEO, a person from HR and one other employee (all non pilots). So other than them knowing they wanted a pilot with high time, they didnt know much about aviation. But they did ask...
-tell me a time when you were scared as the pilot
-tell me a time you had encountered bad weather/icing. How did you handle it?
-what sort of skills can you bring to the company and flight department other than just flying the plane. ( I was a cfii/mei so i said I can keep everyone curreent with bfr/ipc's, provide extra training, draw up SOP's etc., also worked in Customer service so that helps with passengers)
And a few other plain hr questions non pilots would be asked. That was 10% of the interview. The rest was getting to know me, me getting to know them and just plain old chatting. Like an other person had said, they want a buddy to fly with, but one who is compitent.
The only thing i would say is be prepared for is answering this statement.
-Well ...... you dont have as many hours as we would like, but we wanted to interview you anyway.
This was a big one for me since i had very few hours, but politely made the argument than time in aircraft is not neccarily a sign of safe operation. if the person asking isnt a pilot, its very hard for them to see anything but total time.

 

If it's a meet and greet I think a nice pressed shirt and tie will do the trick. If it was a formal panel interview then I think a suit would be appropriate. I think without question the two biggest things you are trying to accomplish are:

1. Show them you are a nice guy and are easygoing. Nobody wants to spend a week on the road with somebody who is easily offended, takes themselves too seriously, or has no sense of humor. 99% of this interview is personality.

2. Because you are an airline guy, you have to make it CRYSTAL clear that you understand the job of a corporate pilot. Whatever needs to be done is your job. Bags, catering, lav, rental cars, passenger accommodations, etc.. The stereotypical airline guy just wants to walk up and fly the plane then go home, but being corporate is more complex. Not a huge deal, but having come from the airlines myself I know that's what the people interviewing you are going to wonder about.

Good Luck!