my top pick regional asked during the interview if I had any "formal training". I assumed they meant an RJ course. I can't help but wonder if I could've said yes, if things would've turned out differently.

That one confuses me too. I know it's water under the bridge, but next time you aren't sure of what they're asking, tell them you need clarification. What on earth classifies as "formal training"?

 

I don't have a whole lot new to add, other than to echo a few others' opinions:

Absolutely contact Emerald Coast Consulting. I know plenty of people who have had GREAT success with them. They will teach you a lot about the interview process, and evaluate you on several different aspects of your experience, personality, etc and give you helpful ways of saying the same thing, but in a manner that will be best received by the interviewers. They will do over-the-phone interview prep, but if there's any way you can meet with them in person (they prefer this) definitely do it.

I also agree with not applying to airlines you do not want to work for. I agree that interview experience is helpful - but you've already been through two. I think you know the drill by now, and Emerald Coast can help get you prepped for any future interviews. I have it on good knowledge that many airline hiring departments talk to each other, and when they ask you, "Have you interviewed with anyone else?" - often, they already know the answer to that question. You don't want to put yourself in the position of having to explain why you've been on 6 interviews and turned them all down (or worse yet, lying to them).

And I also agree with your point - worse case scenario, you never know - you may want to get hired at that random airline sometime in the future. In this industry, for all you know, 6 months from now they could be awarded some huge contract with a hub in your home town, and then you'd seriously be regretting it.

I've got to commend you on something that I've noticed in your posts... No where have I detected a bit of defensiveness or justification in your attitude. I think that's awesome. You're being self-reflective and asking for help, and you're willing to do whatever it takes to get there. Absolutely, DO NOT GIVE UP. With that attitude alone, you belong in this industry. Your time will come. I got turned down by my #2 choice regional, and when it happened, I was devastated. I look back on it now, and the way things turned out, had I gotten hired, it would have tanked my career. It was one of the best "worst" things that ever happened to me. Best of luck to you.

 

Yeah, I see that alot too...*twitch*...

 

Did you get to the sim at RAH? That has been known to weed out otherwise qualified pilots from time to time here.

 

I would go to a reputable interview prep as suggested. Also, IMO, every HR dept. wants to know if you are completely truthful or full of BS. How to find out? Ask questions technical ?'s or ?'s on airplanes you have flown (pride factor on the line) until you get to a question you don't definitively know the answer , you have a good idea though, but the nag in the head just isn't 100% positive. How do you respond? Take a stab or simply state you are not positive about the answer and would have to look it up.? I believe they will press to get to a "I don't know" which means you are honest and humble enough to tell a professional you would look it up to be sure. They want that and they want to know you will. I always seemed to luck out and get it out pretty early <g>. Don't want a string of them, but as one HR person explained to me once, you want to know if the applicant will BS a Capt or check to make sure they are correct instead of just going with what they think the answer is if not positive. Makes sense.
Many of us have been turned down. I was turned down at my first choice since I was a kid coming out of the service. Best thing to ever happen to me. Made me really consider where to go. I went to a regional (commuter in the early 90's) just to stay in the profession since furloughs were starting to hit. It was there I decided where I really wanted to go. I had 3 top choices, all profitable airlines that always made money. Got lucky. So the first two you lost are giving you an opportunity to deal with a setback, find the strength to carry on like we all do, and get back. Yes,reapply and apply to others your willing to work for.
Just be too stupid to quit! All airline pilots share that disease <g>

 

he's baaaaaaaaack some guys on here missed you I think they have a entire thread on your where-abouts. What up SABB how's life?????

 

I think you have gotten lots of great advice in here, but I'll throw in my .02. Definetly get some practice interviews in. There's no practice like doing the real thing. You won't find youself blacklisted by any means. Also, you have more time at 1000/100 than alot of other interviewies out there. You are definetly hireable, and you will find your groove and nail a job down. Don't underestimate how much interviewing sucks. It's stressful for anyone so don't think you're the only dude that's been turned down. If they ask you about "advanced training" just reiterate your strong points in your flying and maybe throw out some experience you've gained through instructing. Dont worry about an RJ course. You've already put plenty of cash into your ratings. Best of luck! Relax, prepare and you'll be fine.

 

If its not the sim its that stupid Wonderlic test at RAH