Competitive military time (ie fighter, transport, etc) time is different than competitive civilian time (ie regional, 135).

So getting face time at vets in blue is a great tool but if your a ground military guy then you might still need more hours since they're all civilian. Not saying it won't happen but that's what I've seen.

Many variables go into these decisions. I struggled to get here so I'm not really interested in leaving. That being said, I'm 45. When I plug my numbers into the seniority calculator here, I'm showing 1385 at retirement. Granted, it doesn't figure attrition and there's other inherent errors in the calculation but you can't deny that this is a young company. Do I believe this will be a 5,000 pilot company? Honestly no. 4,000? Perhaps.

Would I do better financially at a legacy with the retirements? Absolutely. So it comes down to culture, bases, etc. As I said, I'm not shopping but being hired directly into an MD80 at DFW with no commute at $75 an hour, vs. $51 with a commute to NYC is appealing nonetheless. Sometimes you don't plan to move but life happens.

In terms of culture, if we start charging for bags, snacks, TV, and internet - and then reduce the pitch and add more seats, what differentiates us from the competition? If the culture changes, with only 5% of the market share, we're an acquisition target IMO.

I am a retired military "ground pounder" and all my time is civilian; although I have read a NATOPS once or twice

I have never attended any type of job fair and I am hoping for a couple of suggestions. I plan on bringing a few copies of my resume, a copy of my DD214, my logbook, and of course a good attitude. What else should I bring?

Additionally, my understanding is that the whole purpose of these types of events is to network and introduce yourself to a prospective employer. I am traveling across the country and I want to get the most out of the experience. How do I make that happen?

My stats:
20 yrs. USMC (RET)
2600 TT / 1800 Turbine / 80 TPIC / Part 121
Types: CL65 /EMB120 / BE1900
Masters / Bachelor Degree

I recognize that in comparison to my peers my time is low. There is not a lot I can do to reconcile that except continue to press at my current position. In addition to adding time to my logbook, what else do I need to be more competitive? I do not know anyone at JB and therefore do not have any internal LORs.

Any suggestions from those "in the know"?

Also, a decent hotel recommendation close to the Vets in Blue Conference site would be very much appreciated.

Thanks,
SP35

With the window being open for 2 weeks does anyone know when they plan on the first interviews being/ classes? Right now seems like the classes planned through May are just to drain the current pool

You're already on the right track. Go to vets in blue, and do a lot of handshaking. Get feedback on your resume.
Also, I hope you've been working with an interview prep company like ECIC. Some guys said some dumb stuff at the last vets in blue.

Honest question: what makes you think we won't grow to be a 5,000 pilot company? We will stop growing? Or maybe be acquired or aquire someone?

You should join BluePilots.com :: Index
There is a guy on there (FNG) I think you two would be good friends.

Tried to log on. Could not get the thing to sign me up! I'm not trying to be negative. Just saying that for the young guys with less than a few years at B6 it's a better financial move to do a legacy shift. Money is not everything of course and people end up where they're at for different reasons.

Try emailing one of the admins. They will approve you.

I'm optimistic JB will become a great place. I mean southwest was the worst of worst years ago...now look at them. I have 39 years left.

It's like when someone goes on Shark Tank with a new [insert something here...sports drink let's say]. And Cuban, Lori, Mr. Wonderful, the FUBU guy, and Robert all go out with the following admonition:
"you've got a great product here, you're making money, and you've built a nice niche business for yourself, but your product is never going to show up at Costco and compete with the big guys. It's not scale-able. Are you going to go out of business? No. It's a niche. A sweet spot in the market. There's nothing wrong with that."

Disclaimer - these opinions have been carefully crafted after consuming copious amounts of Dale's Pale Ale while incarcerated with self-proclaimed bitter and cynical pilots in a crashpad.

But I do think it's a niche, and for that reason growth opportunity is finite. And I agree, it's a good place to work. It just won't be a large good place to work.