So I have an availability date around 6 months out due to a contract with my current employer. I submitted an application to SkyWest this week, thinking I would time everything appropriately since from what I understand they have about a 6 month back log for class dates. However a recruiter called and told me they don’t accept applications with starting dates that far out. She said I needed to be within 3 months of my availability date to apply. So I responded that I heard there was a 6 month back log and was trying to get my ducks in a row and that I did not want to be unemployed for 3 months. She said they were trying to get the back log reduced and that I could re apply in a few months.

I think they have the 3 month out rule for folks that don’t have their hours yet. I have 1850 hours and I think they are being ridiculous. SkyWest was my first choice but it’s sounding like I’m going elsewhere. Applied to a couple of other regionals and was invited to an interview immediately. Oh well!

I would apply and then make a date for the interview about a month out. Once thats done and they give you a CJO you can sign up for a class farther down the road and Im guessing they will accommodate that as they have the current backlog.

I would just apply and move as slow on everything as possible and I bet it would work out just fine.

So just list my availability date in August or something? Hate to be dishonest but it seems like I’m going to have to play their game.

I would definitely not be dishonest on your application. That's the fastest way to get down the door.

Or you could just take the recruiters advice and wait until your three months out? If something else comes into play then you have options.

I got that call today as well. Was told to apply again when I was closer. Other regionals told me to apply 6 months in advance.

You JUST applied this week, haven't even been invited to an interview yet, and still had the situation openly explained to you from the recruiter. So, they basically told you to get in the back of the line and apply closer to when you're available since many people change their minds in a 6 month period.
You think it's ridiculous they don't call, invite you to an interview, and offer you a job a week after applying? That's pretty unrealistic.

What game? Honestly, if you have the attitude that Skywest is trying to screw you when they haven't even called you, then go elsewhere like you said. They don't owe you a job. If you're already annoyed with the application process, you're in the wrong career.

Kind of what I was thinking. The word ‘entitled, comes to mind....

Thanks for all the opinions. Like I said, I have a contract that runs until a certain date. I want to start somewhere at that point. All I was trying to do was say that yes, I think that is something that almost any employer in any industry could work with. I in fact do think it is ridiculous for any company to say I have to be unemployed for three months or have the ability to just walk away from my current job when they say so. So, for me, in my current situation, I do think I am, in fact, entitled to being employed for that 3 month period. So that means SkyWest is out of the picture for me. Feel free to state what a crappy person that makes me. I’ll gladly turn the other cheek.