If Delta had a choice they wouldn't come to these job fairs. Can you imagine the crap they would get if they didn't attend. They no longer attend the fapa job fairs because they don't have to. I was told they were the only ones that didn't attend the NGPA last year and they got a lot of flack for it. They have 10,000 applications on hand so why do they need to attend a conference to meet you, they don't but they have to. If want to call networking getting your app scored because you attended a job fair then it's networking. Having your friend write a LOR on your behalf will also get your app scored but neither of these will increase your overall application score. You have to network to get a interview at United, American or Alaska. Those guys won't even call you unless you meet them or network. Delta doesn't have the same process so I choose not to call it networking because that's what the other airlines process includes. Don't get me wrong, networking can't hurt you and you might as well try but you shouldn't think its a must to get on at delta. I actually know more guys hired that haven't networked than guys that have.

 

True, Delta places a high emphasis on education. I would argue more of an emphasis on education/training than on aviation achievements. I had access to a PPT put out by ALPA/Delta about hiring, and there were a few slides on "Key Selection Factors." The very first slide was on education, followed by a slide on flying training, then a slide on employment history/achievements. That might tell you where they prioritize education versus flying versus work history.

Unfortunately, education is years behind us and we can't change the parameters of what we majored in or how long it took us to graduate, but those are the items they look at. I know it's a big commitment, but folks might consider starting a graduate program if you have the time and means - it will boost your GPA and credentials in Delta's eyes.

 

Flycameron,

Did you hear that specifically from an AA recruiter?

At AA, there is no weight to a LOR until you've received the interview. It's a bit strange, but that's their process, along with a third-party.

We've had plenty of clients interviewing at AA who knew nobody.

 

She is busy helping Barry out in D.C..........

 

There are always exceptions to the rule. At all the carriers there have been people that have been hired that knew no one, but they fit a "perfect" profile for that place and got an invite. This is not many that get that, but some do. There are also some that get the random luck of the draw pick as well, but again not the majority.

At obap, DAL handed out the disclaimer and stated that airline apps is where it is all at and not the convention - specifically stated. Also, DAL reps stated due to their legal department they were required to shred all resumes they were given. At AA they actually took our resumes and wrote a number. I figure it was a number meaning good or not so good. Wouldn't surprise me if they shredded the documents eventually, but they used those scores for something.

UAL stated they gave points for attending these events. There is no doubt it is a tough time in many ways for interview selection teams. They definitely want to hire good people. Delta seems to be the least interested in this form of networking though.

 

for time to get degree on the application, with a masters what should you be putting? the time it took you to get undergrad? Time it took to get the masters? time it took to get undergrad + masters? i'm assuming it's combined time but I just want to be sure.

 

They can see each one pretty easy. You don't put the time to get it in a box. You just put the time you went there and they figure that part out when they review your app. They will look at each degree. If you took 6 to get your BA in feelings with a 2.3 GPA while partying hardy, but knocked out your MBA from a quality school while working full time in 2 years with a 3.7 the total 8 years won't mean anything.

 

there is a years in college box on the first page of education history...thats the one I'm asking about.

 

If you had a 2.3 GPA in feelings, you're likely not getting into grad school.

I would go with just the undergrad time, just in case putting the undergrad + grad time hurts you.

 

Grad school isn't what it used to be. Its the new BA anyway in most cases, just as college is the new HS diploma.

I'm not sure about the one box about "time in college" that may be fairly new. I'd have to see the entire app to know what its asking in context. I'd lean towards putting total time in college if that's all it asks, but I'd have to see it.