Letters of recommendation?
05-15-2015 | 04:30 AM
#11
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,196
Likes: 51
From: Legacy FO
So, I'm sitting here in TAP class (Transition Assistance Program, mandated by Big Blue for separating service members) and our presenter is saying that letters of recommendation aren't really needed or wanted by employers any more. She makes the good point that they quickly become dated and it's better just to have the contact info for the employer to use as references.
Now, I know that internal recommendations are invaluable in getting on with the airlines, but what about external ones? I haven't actually applied yet (waiting on my ATP) and I haven't approached my "home run hitters" about writing a letter for me yet. For the successful airline guys here, could you write a few tidbits about how you handled this side of the application process? Did you limit your rec sources from one airline to just that airline, or did they write you a generic letter that you used at all of them? How many did you get? Did any of you have a less-than-stellar commander that you'd rather not get a letter from, and how did you handle that?
/sits here bored in class. Thank goodness for Wi-Fi!
Now, I know that internal recommendations are invaluable in getting on with the airlines, but what about external ones? I haven't actually applied yet (waiting on my ATP) and I haven't approached my "home run hitters" about writing a letter for me yet. For the successful airline guys here, could you write a few tidbits about how you handled this side of the application process? Did you limit your rec sources from one airline to just that airline, or did they write you a generic letter that you used at all of them? How many did you get? Did any of you have a less-than-stellar commander that you'd rather not get a letter from, and how did you handle that?
/sits here bored in class. Thank goodness for Wi-Fi!
05-15-2015 | 07:51 AM
#12
Line Holder
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 232
Likes: 0
From: Interview Consulting
Chuckie,
LOR's are extremely important. Every airline has a different process on how they view a LOR, but they all look at them. AA doesn't look at the recs until you interview for example, but others are submitted internally. LOR's paint a picture of you by your peers.
If I could give you one piece of advise it's this: Proof read and approve your LOR before it's submitted. You'd be shocked at how many LOR's I read that are submitted to XYZ airline that have spelling errors, punctuation issues, fragmented sentences, etc. It's the little things that matter so make sure it doesn't look like a 3rd grader wrote the LOR on your behalf. Have the letters personalized to the specific airline as well.
Hope this helps.
Centerline Interview Consulting
LOR's are extremely important. Every airline has a different process on how they view a LOR, but they all look at them. AA doesn't look at the recs until you interview for example, but others are submitted internally. LOR's paint a picture of you by your peers.
If I could give you one piece of advise it's this: Proof read and approve your LOR before it's submitted. You'd be shocked at how many LOR's I read that are submitted to XYZ airline that have spelling errors, punctuation issues, fragmented sentences, etc. It's the little things that matter so make sure it doesn't look like a 3rd grader wrote the LOR on your behalf. Have the letters personalized to the specific airline as well.
Hope this helps.
Centerline Interview Consulting
05-15-2015 | 11:36 AM
#14
Line Holder
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 211
Likes: 1
Great conversation. After 2 interviews and 2 CJO at major carriers, and an invite to interview at one more major, I can say my Letters of Recommendation helped immensely. Tho, I had no internal LORs at the 2 airlines that I currently have CJO and I have 1 internal LOR at the carrier that I am about to interview with.
I have 5 quality LORs. Of these 5, I have extensive (250+ hours) flight experience with each of these pilots to include Combat, Imminent Danger, AND International. A couple were from superiors, a couple from peers, and one from a younger aviator that I mentored to take my place upon my departure.
When I solicited LORs, I explained the process to the recommenders and asked them to make a "generic" document. One that they can cut/paste from for online submissions. None of my LORs were addressed to specific carriers. I carried the "generic" LORs to all job fairs and interviews and made sure I handed them to somebody that would take them. I tried to make it easy on the guys writing LORs...I am the one looking for a job, they have jobs...I didn't want to be a burden to them to get me a job.
Both interview panels made mention of my LORs. They made specific comments about them being "meaty", heart felt, and not a collection of "likes" or jumpseat favors.
I can honestly say that I think a single spelling or mathematical error, or blank on your application can/will make all your DFC's, AM w/V, and flight time null and void. Gather good, "meaty" LORs, but dwell and stress making your application perfect. Good luck to all!!
I have 5 quality LORs. Of these 5, I have extensive (250+ hours) flight experience with each of these pilots to include Combat, Imminent Danger, AND International. A couple were from superiors, a couple from peers, and one from a younger aviator that I mentored to take my place upon my departure.
When I solicited LORs, I explained the process to the recommenders and asked them to make a "generic" document. One that they can cut/paste from for online submissions. None of my LORs were addressed to specific carriers. I carried the "generic" LORs to all job fairs and interviews and made sure I handed them to somebody that would take them. I tried to make it easy on the guys writing LORs...I am the one looking for a job, they have jobs...I didn't want to be a burden to them to get me a job.
Both interview panels made mention of my LORs. They made specific comments about them being "meaty", heart felt, and not a collection of "likes" or jumpseat favors.
I can honestly say that I think a single spelling or mathematical error, or blank on your application can/will make all your DFC's, AM w/V, and flight time null and void. Gather good, "meaty" LORs, but dwell and stress making your application perfect. Good luck to all!!
05-21-2015 | 07:27 AM
#15
On Reserve
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
So, I'm sitting here in TAP class (Transition Assistance Program, mandated by Big Blue for separating service members) and our presenter is saying that letters of recommendation aren't really needed or wanted by employers any more. She makes the good point that they quickly become dated and it's better just to have the contact info for the employer to use as references.
Now, I know that internal recommendations are invaluable in getting on with the airlines, but what about external ones? I haven't actually applied yet (waiting on my ATP) and I haven't approached my "home run hitters" about writing a letter for me yet. For the successful airline guys here, could you write a few tidbits about how you handled this side of the application process? Did you limit your rec sources from one airline to just that airline, or did they write you a generic letter that you used at all of them? How many did you get? Did any of you have a less-than-stellar commander that you'd rather not get a letter from, and how did you handle that?
/sits here bored in class. Thank goodness for Wi-Fi!
Now, I know that internal recommendations are invaluable in getting on with the airlines, but what about external ones? I haven't actually applied yet (waiting on my ATP) and I haven't approached my "home run hitters" about writing a letter for me yet. For the successful airline guys here, could you write a few tidbits about how you handled this side of the application process? Did you limit your rec sources from one airline to just that airline, or did they write you a generic letter that you used at all of them? How many did you get? Did any of you have a less-than-stellar commander that you'd rather not get a letter from, and how did you handle that?
/sits here bored in class. Thank goodness for Wi-Fi!
I only knew a few people at major airlines but I asked them each to write me a letter for his airline specifically, and those LOR's were submitted online via airlineapps and pilot credentials. For JetBlue, I downloaded the letter to the online app and then I brought a hard copy to my interview (they didn't look at it though). For UAL they want 10 LOR's in airlineapps and it does NOT have to be from a UAL pilot or employee. I asked my current boss and former boss (both O-6's) as well as other staff members IOT (sorry, I still have a tough time losing the military lingo) ensure that I maxed out the LOR section for them.
My buddy who retired two years ago and now flies for a major has a philosophy that I am going to adopt: don't be afraid to dig deep into your memory bank and talk to folks about their airlines and ask for a LOR. BUT, when you are hired by an airline be sure to pay it forward and help out. Unless of course the person is a total tool/not a great pilot.
Later.
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