I'm getting tired of all these pilots who feel they are entitled to an interview JUST because they meet or exceed the published min requirements. I think the HR dept is right on, most of the time, and can sense when these "Entitled" pilots apply. They seem to be weeding them out pretty well. Of course a few slip through the cracks. So many different factors go into selecting pilots to interview. Not sure why that's so hard for these experienced pilots to understand. Background, previous jobs, accomplishments, resume format, resume and application errors, etc...the list goes on.

 

On the flip side, how should a pilot like me feel who did an internship with Mesaba and was PROMISED an interview, and yet I just got the rejection email? Granted, the internship was a long time ago (summer 2004) and the chief pilots I worked with are no longer there (so I'm told). But I meet the company mins, and put on the application that I was previously employed as an intern. And yet I still get the generic, "Thanks, but no thanks email." Pretty shady, if you ask me.

 

Maybe they still remember you from 2004.

 

Well then i would be giving HR or the current Chief Pilot a call then...

 

I just want to say that I really appreciate your comment and really hope it makes sense for others. I am a new hire (start Nov. 3). For the last four years, I have worked in a non-aviation job that required participation in various job searches - both on a professional level and on a student level (that gave it away... I worked at a College Institution). Anyway, I have been in charge of various types of interview and hiring processes. While working these processes, it has become clear that an employer looks at so much more than basic job requirements. I would think that to be a fairly obvious, yet accurate statement that would encompass many other lines of work.

So, Thrust - I just want to echo your comments - well said. And while I would never point a finger at anyone (especially on here) I would strongly encourage anyone to find and utilize resources that will help polish and strengthen one's "appearance" as a candidate (no matter what job one applies for) on paper and in person.

 

Maybe that's my shortfall, in Alaska we judge character not image.

 

I'm pretty sure first impressions count, and those are acquired through image. (not directed at you)

 

Aviatorhi - A resume/cover letter, and even your application, are all created to sell yourself to the company. It is ALL about image at first. You market yourself through your resume/cover letter and application. I don't know how employers hire applicants in Alaska but down here in these parts that's how it works. You are then judged on character, among other things, when you are interviewed. Next time you apply to an airline, or any job at that, sell image on your resume and then sell yourself through your character when you meet the employer face to face. See what happens.

 

Anybody have any contact info for me for either?

 

For those waiting a while on hearing back after submitting your apps:

I applied on Sept. 19 and still have heard nothing. I spoke with Steve Taylor in HR today and got the response I expected. He said that if you have not received a call back or an "email" yet, it means your app is still being reviewed. Everyone will get a response of some sort sooner or later.

Patience is a virtue I suppose.