Spudhauler

That may very well be the case for off the street guys now, when the process is in its infancy. Seeing guys whining about it, though, is irritating. It took me 4 years from the time I applied till I got the interview. We are just a bit more than 6 months in, and some people are behaving as though they are insulted that their resume has yet to be removed from the stack that is thousands of people thick. Just breathe deeply and know that if you are qualified you will eventually get called. Going to an interview with a chip on your shoulder is the quickest way to not get the gig. Oh, and it should be a tough job to get. It is a well run airline with excellent employees. Fun and challenging place to work. Welcome to all those who are coming aboard; we are happy to see you!

ghilis101

I wouldn't worry about their whining. Guys come on here an anonymously vent and as long as theyre respectful about it, it doesnt affect anything. You are right in that some people have lofty expectations. But those people are still in the process of doing their homework. Those of us whove been flying 121 for years have some idea about just how tight this market is, as we've been stagnant for years. Your active duty retiree, may not have had the chance to really learn about the airlines until they put their paperwork in to retire. It's a learning process, it's why people are here on APC in the first place

Spudhauler

Not to sound all gushy, but this seems like a perfect response. No wonder the interviewers at Delta hired you. You'll be a welcome asset!

FR8TRSH

I would have to agree with you on this, very well said. I have told myself it will take about 4 years until I get the call. Don't get me wrong I would be thrilled to get the call from AA or SWA tomorrow. BTW Ghilis101 you will be missed when you leave and I am very happy I had the privilege to fly with you. You will do very well at Delta.

Hueypilot

Well, I wasn't whining. I got hired by Airways and I'm glad where I'm at...I was just making an observation. Airways' interview system is extremely straightforward, and so far everyone at this organization has been great.

But I understand what you mean about "lofty expectations". When I ran into a guy I know who's in the Air Guard (I'm a Reservist, so sometimes there's an air of competition between our organizations), we talked about my new job. I told him if he needed any help trying to get on with us, he should give me a shout. He stepped back for a second and said "well, honestly, I'm waiting to hear from Delta or FedEx."

Well, good luck with that. Hope you hear from them, but there's a decent chance you might not. Until the oft-spoken "flood gates" open, you gotta try your hand at any decent major out there if you really want a 121 job.

ghilis101

Spud, thank you for the kind words that means a lot! I do my best to talk on this forum like I would if I was face to face with someone, so I hope that has been working out.


Fr8trsh (great name) Im really gonna miss you guys. I will for sure be in touch, and just like those that came and went before me and helped me along the way, I will absolutely pay it forward for those also looking to move on.

Huey, totally understand where you're coming from. My thoughts were directed to the general reader, and I probably should have used a better term than "whining," more like frustration. I can't blame certain people for having the goals they do based on personal preference or even just not knowing a whole lot about the industry, after all, I couldn't for the life of me score an interview at AA or US (my hometown airline) and as we all know based on my posts plastered all over the AA forums, I thought I was going to be in an AA uniform, meeting with AA twice at WAI and OBAP (where I was coined "the elevator guy" for my hilarious and hopefully positive encounter with the AA reps), maxing out my internal recs, and having people making calls to Dallas for me. But somehow, very fortunately, I got the DAL interview instead through the help of some very important mentors, those who helped me "see the light." So despite my misguided efforts, someone was looking out for me and I couldn't be happier with the results. There are people sitting in class at AA and US as we speak, ready to bail for DAL once they get the call. I realize how lucky I am now, and I'm all in with DAL now (if they give me a class date, which is still tbd), but it took all of this for me to learn that. Your buddies will soon realize as well.

Trent900

Very good point.


I was an RJ Captain and wanted to leave the regional industry. I had my sights on 2 Majors. But, being realistic, I applied elsewhere too. I was hired pretty quickly at a Major which wasn't in my top two list. I've been there over 7 years now. Considering the hiring hasn't been great at my target Airlines, I did the right thing at the time.


Having a "best or nothing attitude" could end up costing you.



Trent

gloopy

Not only that, but often times someone's second third or fourth choice for whatever reason can still end up being an excellent place to be. USAir once fully merged with AA will be an incredible place for today's new hire. It will probably be a much faster path to larger widebodies, a Captain's seat and many other benefits of advancement up the list.

How anyone could apply to one legacy and not all of them in environment is just silly.

John Carr

Agree, seen it a few times with buddies;

#1, may never call
#2, interviewed, not selected
#3, interviewed, selected, in the pool, no idea when going to class
#4, interviewed and offered a class (seniority) ASAP.

Agree, it IS silly. Apply EVERYWHERE!!!!!

But it is/was funny to watch. I remember pre 9/11, guys going to FedEx/UPS, or SW and getting laughed at. Who's laughing now?

In 2007, I had multiple friends going to NW and being told they shouldn't go there. You simply NEVER know.

PRS Guitars

I applied to eleven airlines and also was actively working towards plan B (sales rep) and figuring out what plan C would be. I was called by one airline only (US Airways) and hired. I was actually scoffed by a few (very few) people for applying there. I'm glad I didn't listen to them, as I'd be unemployed (or a sales rep) now.

It was not not first choice at all (nor was AA), but I actually really like it here. The way I see it, I bought low and hopefully will sell high. I always wanted to work for FedEx, but they weren't/aren't hiring. That's life, you have to move on.

The funny thing is, since being hired, I've met several military guys that have AA as there first choice and never bothered to apply to US Airways. That's mind boggling to me, why would you not apply there?

My other favorite question that I get usually from guys new to the job hunt or crusty types that were hired 25+ years ago. Why didn't you go with DAL/UAL/fill in the airline? Well, I had my app in with them for over a year, and haven't been called. I guess that makes me a S. bag in your eyes? I think some guys really think they'll spend a Saturday afternoon putting in an app or two and have two or three interviews lined up by Tuesday. Maybe in a few years but not likely right now.