I've been instructing for two years and have 1100TT over 100 multi. I was holding out to meet the mins for my top pick regional. They decided not to hired me, nor did my second pick. Both appealed to me because they are the only two with a base close to my home. Should I hold out and reapply in 6 months? Or look at others? Also, words of encouragement are greatly appreciated. I'm really bummed. I'm studying for the ATPw, seeking an interview coach, and contemplating an RJ course. I wish they gave feedback so I knew what to do to improve, but those are the only things I can come up with.

 

Sounds like you have a good grasp on things...

Make sure and throw your resume out there for some interview practice! Interview at places that you wouldn't want to work, just to see what the environment is like. By the time you go through 3 of those interviews, get your ATPw and interview coach stuff out of the way, and do just a little more flight instructing, it will have already been almost 6 months.

Do not do an RJ course.

And if you find another regional that you think you would be happy at, maybe it would be better to get on with them. Dunno, tough call.

Good luck!

 

Unfortunately, when airlines don't hire you, they usually don't tell you exactly why. With your time, I wouldn't waste money on an RJ course...airline training is just that, and THEY PAY YOU for that. What you might want to do is apply for and interview at airlines you have no desire to actually work for, and use that as practice. Then reapply to the airlines you really want to work for, or others that are still good companies. That way you will know what you need to do to pass the interview, roundabout.

The big thing is to be yourself and don't put on an act, and attempt to relax!

Good luck!

 

Been turned down before, and went 3 years before getting hired after I left the military, so I know what a blow something like this is, especially to your ego. It's deflating to wonder why you weren't hired when you seem to have everything your prospective employer is asking for.

Don't doubt yourself. Not being hired is NOT a reflection of your abilities.

You could have been turned down for wearing the wrong color tie. Or you reminded the interviewer of someone they hated. Or they didn't like your accent. Whatever...this industry is so fickle...

Just keep working toward what you love doing. Accrue meaningful flight time, keep networking too. Meeting the right person is better than all the flight time you could ever have. I can't stress this enough.

The interview coach is a great idea. I had some bad habits regarding nervous fidgeting and posture that were corrected by an interview coach.

Also, make sure before you interview that you get the "gouge". That means knowing all the questions they are going to ask, what aircraft they use for the sim eval, what the sim profile is, facts and figures about the company etc...EVERYTHING. Then go rent time in an equivalent sim with an instructor and fly that profile a few times. You don't want any surprises during the interview.

That's all I can think of, for the moment. Hang in there.

 

The only reason I was thinking about the RJ course was becuase 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.

I've been reluctant to apply to regionals I'm not interested in for practice interviews b/c I don't want to be black-listed should a time come when they may be my only option. But I that's the pessimistic side of me.

 

THANK YOU! I needed to hear that. For a split second I thought, "Maybe I'm not cut out for this." Which really scared me.

I definitely studied the gouges and was well prepared. I thought. I'll definitely have to hit up an interview coach to find out what my nervous twitch is.

 

RPCV,

As was posted earlier by Subicpilot, networking is really important. Maybe you can consider a job fair. AirInc has 6 job fairs a year throughout the country I believe, although they are a bit expensive. There's other not-so-expensive job fairs out there though, such as one by AviationInterviews.com. Try going to one at which your top choices will be attending. You can also attend a Women in Aviation fair (even if you are not a woman, seriously).

I attended an AirInc show a few years ago and got one good interview out of the deal, and made some nice contacts... was also able to help out some other pilots trying to get hired by the airline I was flying for... I was unable to 'secure' an interview at my top picks for that particular fair, but it was well worth my time, money and effort.

Also, consider an interview prep course. I've only done one so far, and it paid off nicely. I did it for what I considered my most important interview, as I had not done it for a few interviews prior. I'm really glad I did it, even though it was over the phone. The company I went through was Emerald Coast Interviews, the owner is a pilot who you might find on the cargo forum of APC under the screen name AlbieF15. In any event, I've heard of many different interview prep courses and any one will definitely help.

Other than that, hang in there. Again, as Subic said, it's not a reflection of who you are, don't beat yourself up over this. It'll happen soon enough.

 

Not to be mean, but I would stop being a pre--madonna and get hired at the first airline that calls you at this point (no Gojets). Beggers can't be choosers.

On another not, you not getting hired really may have very little to do with you, maybe you just didn't fit there profile of what they were looking for that day? I know great great pilot/people that were passed up by a certain airline meanwhile some people whom have no place in an airplane got the job........

 

Pass the ATPw and when the time comes, get the ATP (even in a single if you can't afford a multi). That way the written won't expire and you have an ATP. You should be willing to move for the job especially if you are not married or in some way tied down. You just might like living somewhere else. It's a big world out there.

 

Sounds likely probably bad luck or bad interview skills. You have a plan for addressing the interview skills, but you might also want to consider background issues. You didn't mention any, so I assume there are no criminal records or arrests in your past. However, is it possible that someone you listed as a reference or a previous employer said something negative?

- Make SURE that your references will give a glowing, enthusiastic report. A somewhat reluctant reference who you cornered into doing it will not help much. Select your refs carefully.

- Previous employers. If you think you might get a less-than-stellar report from an employer, perhaps you can mend the fences with them over coffee or beer. Another option is to list a person at the company who would be more positive about you as opposed to your actual boss.

- Are your reference letters written well, with correct grammar and spelling? An airline will not be impressed by a letter written by a 20-something slacker CFI who has no writing skills and doesn't know where the spell-check feature is found in MS Word.

- Are your references appropriate? Your CFI buddies and frat brothers probably don't cut it. You generally want at least one "character" reference from someone held in high esteem by society...professor, military CO, DPE, airline CA etc. You also want two letters from pilots who you have flown with...these should ideally have been your supervisors, not your buddies, unless they have impressive qualifications.

Just some thoughts to cover all bases.