BTW, LinkdIn is nothing but another gateway for social narcissism, or perhaps professional narcissism in LinkdIn's case. When I managed a flight department, if I had a pilot resume come across my desk or emailed to me that was generated by LinkdIn, it went straight into the garbage. I didn't give it a second look. Just my $0.02

Well, no linkedin then.

Should I delete my Linkedin profile (i.e. online resume) then?

try to obtain Chief Pilot's name somehow. Airport board/commission/whatever they call it may know of it. Where do they buy fuel ? What company does the flight department support ? Where do they get their planes maintained at ? etc Etc

try to gather more intel

Perhaps that's why you don't manage one anymore.

What do you have against a candidate making use of technology and social media?

No, definitely not.

Many employers today check your social media sites prior to employment. They expect a basic professional Linkedin page. No, its not required, but having nothing at all also raises questions (to some HR people) Also, while it's usefulness is limited like any social media/web board, I have gotten many contract leads from Linkedin.

I have also gotten many resumes, and NO, I don't throw them out. I quickly refer the candidate to our online application process and tell them to mention they got in touch on Linkedin.

Just be sure your Facebook (if used) isn't full of excess garbage, especially rants and pictures about your current aviation job. The things people post on Facebook about their bosses trips, houses, airplanes etc. really surprise me....they have no clue that what they post will keep them from many jobs or at least be a red flag.

Cold Calls - really, really try to call first and ask if you can drop a resume off. An NBAA guide or a google search will get you most numbers. If I'm around and people drop in I'm happy to spend a few minutes with them, but I will tell them if they called I could have set aside some more time, gave them tour, taken them to lunch, etc.

Many times a dispatcher or a maint tech comes by, drops off a resume, and says "hey this guy was at the door earlier" and myself or the DO never knew....missed opportunity!

Appointments are great, managers today are often busy with the everyday BS and work off a schedule.

I can't think that Linked-In would be any use for pilot job hunting. My brother has gotten jobs thru Linked-in, but he's a software engineer.

I've walked resumes into mid-level jobs with great success, but never the higher tier companies (Monsanto, Coke, Home Depot).. For those, you need someone to walk you in usually. My buddies working in places like that say that for every opening, most guys working there have loaded the CP inbox early with personal recommendations.

They do, but in many departments HR is very involved in the hiring process, and will insist on outside applicants also.

This gives non-rec'd people a real shot, as even internal rec's don't always pan out.

If you have your mind set on a particular place, Apply and follow up. Be persistent.

For an airline job, I'd 100% agree. As far as corporate, it definitely has use/value. How much? no idea....but certainly worth the 5mins it takes to create a profile.

Of course, the best connections are still real, live, non-internet friends who will put their name on you.