As the title says I want of of the airlines. I have nothing against airlines and don't particularly hate my job, it's just not what I ever wanted to do. But after getting the pink slip in 2011 it was the only place I could find work.

The problem I have is that corporate involves networking that can't really be done while flying 121. And I lost out on a job I had basically been hired for because the owner hired someone behind the CP's back.

How do you get into corporate jobs with so much riding on "who you know"...

 

While it's true that a lot has to do with "who you know", but don't overestimate it.

There was a time years ago I was out of flying all together, airlines furloughing and such and I was looking for anything 121, 135 or 91. 121 wasn't happening due to all the furloughs at majors and increasingly regional's were furloughing too. So I literately found EVERY charter company (both 135 & 91 operators) within a few hours of where I lived and called them looking to talk to their chief pilot and/or DO. I seriously probably spent hours on the phone with dozens upon dozens of resumes sent and pretty much all was cold...Until that one.

What I'm saying is that I didn't know ANYBODY in that field (135/91) but I was very very persistent and cold called EVERYONE. Finally I found someone who "was thinking about adding a new pilot" and hadn't yet advertised or found anyone and I slid my way into that position. It was more luck than anything but there's something to be said for determination and lots of hard work. If you go about a path like that don't get discouraged with rejection because there will be a lot until you hit one and it pays off.

 

Networking does help a lot. For me, it just opens doors to oppurtunities. Let me explain. At my last corporate job, when someone left the department relied on the pilots contacts for interviews, long before it was advertised on the net. It eventually still was advertised, however our buddies got phone calls first. That was just to "test the waters" of interest, and eventually lead to an interview, with the people they got applying from online sources.
But many, many corporate jobs are still advertised, and do require a certain ammount of good flight expeirence. Mainly jet time/pic turbine, multi engine, and unfortunalty time on type in a lot of cases. But time on type mostly isnt a pure deal breaker as most departments still do the 6 month recurrent training. So youd be going to FSI or simcomm either way.
But let me make one thing perfectly clear. If you dont "fit" with the culture, they will not hire you. They want pilots who not only can be good pilots and PIC's, but also good people to spend time with at, and outside of work duties. Any respectable corporate department, large or small, treats pilots like a employee of the company. So they want you to stick around, not just bail in 12 months. And they also may expect some above and beyond duties, in comparison to a 121 job. Similar to good customer service from a charter flight. For example, On long day trips, I would ask my few passengers if they needed food or drinks on the return flight. Since I go into town and buy my lunch anyway, it wasnt hard to go a little further and get them food if needed. Hardly ever had to, but just the offer was one of those "above and beyond" things they loved. Especially since they took a chance on me with very low total time, and no time in type actually. Keeping the hangar clean, cleaning the plane in between flights etc may sometimes be needed. Obviously if its a large jet, chances are you wont be washing it yourself. But a smaller King Air or PC-12 they might want it looking presentable. Especiialy if you fly there clients too. some places like "jack links beef jerky" (search it on APC) wants people cleaning bosses cars during free time,and doing janitorial office work, and serving drinks on an aircraft that requires two pilots. Thats over the top for sure, but to some extent, things like that are somewhat expected. Just not to that extreme. Its like flying charter for the same people, every day. A clean plane, basic needs for passengers should be met and still with a smile! Haha

 

I left a failing regional for a fractional carrier. Let me put it simple. Grass isn't always greener. I don't regret it. But I'm looking else where already. Be VERY CONFIDENT that where you go WILL BE better. There's more I can say. But that's the jist.

 

Couldnt have put it better myself. I have heard of some pretty nightmare(ish) corporate jobs. Everything from low pay, to job abusive and threatening bosses and CP's. If there is a high rate of attrition, there is usually a valid reason. Menards, and Jack Links come to mind when thinking of a good example of high attrition for various reasons from pay, to odd jobs. Not that they are necessarily overall bad. But obviously some things didnt sit right with some folks and so they left. And the pattern continues... Neither sound very bad, however its evident that many pilots didn't like doing some things they had them do.

Some corporate jobs make GLA look like a walk in the park. And some airline/fractionals make any corp job look great. Do your research. Go meet everyone you would be working with, visit the area you will be living, and if possible get a review from current AND former pilots. That way you get both sides of the story, then read between the lines.
Good luck!

 

I was fortunate to interview for two corporate jobs while flying for my little turboprop regional.

The first one was completely out of the blue. Was spending the night in a spare bedroom of a friend of the family while attending a wedding. Said friend finds out I'm a pilot and he knew the CP of a local corporate operator. Three days later I'm interviewing, and I had an offer the next day. It was a solid offer for what seemed to be a respectable company, though not a "bee's knees" corporate job. I turned it down since I had just upgraded and didn't want to leave before I had 1000 TPIC, though I would have taken it had the opportunity been a great one instead of a good one.

The second one was obtained due to interning there before I went to the regionals and incessantly keeping in touch with the flight department there. After getting my 1000 TPIC, it still took well over a year to get the offer. I took it since it was a great opportunity, and I'm glad I did.

Bottom line: only chase the opportunities you feel strongly are a good fit for you, and never stop networking. It's a lot more than resumes and cold calls...it's being social and expanding your network of friends. You never know who you're going to run into.

Good luck.

 

Also, be careful interviewing for jobs your not serious about. It can give a really bad impression when your wasting someones time and money. Don't interview with one company for "prep" for another company. It's a small world in aviation!!!