jaws274

I have been reading interview gouges and noticed these questions:

1. Which base would you choose? (if you had the option)
2. Which equipment would you choose? (if you had the option)


Should I answer these questions honestly?

-or-

Should I just say that I am willing to work wherever needed?

MiLtoMajor123

Well I guess that depends. How much experience to you have? What reason would you have for being picky? Are they not going to hire you because you are picky (i'd argue in this hiring market...no they will not punish you if you hold out for say the E-175). You can't really hold out for a base as far as I know. Of course they might not let you hold out for anything if you are just an entry level pilot (aka non military background etc) because they probably really really need you in the CRJ...etc.

At the end of the day if they ask you...answer honestly. If they don't ask you, you can always ask tactfully if there are options to be had. The company might not let new hires do that because maybe other company pilots are coming off their seat lock and want to transfer. I don't think, based off of the hiring environment now and the foreseeable near future, that they are in the position of turning people away because they asked to hold out for another A/C or base. But you need to have a realistic idea of what they can or can't offer. Remember, if you got the interview, they want to hire you. The hard part is done. You are also interviewing them.

rickair7777

I don't think they're turning anyone away based on their preferred domicile. If you prefer a particular airplane (or domicile which only has one type), then they may try to accommodate your desires. This might delay your class date though...if you're in a hurry tell them you'll do whatever.

No, you cannot "hold out" for a particular base since that's all seniority driven, but they can help you out by putting you in an airplane which is located at the base you prefer (otherwise you might have to wait two years to switch planes).

RemoveB4Flight

Answer honestly. It's just asking what your preference is.
If your desired base is one of the more senior bases then I hope you really are willing to work wherever.
I would answer it like this. "I am willing to commute or move temporarily to whatever domicile I am given, and would hope to eventually have the opportunity to transfer to (base/aircraft preference)"

jaws274

Just CFI experience. I would take the job, commute, and try to switch later. I am just trying to avoid red flags.

jaws274

would it look better if I say I want the CRJ. I dont really care what I fly as long as I am closer to home.

jaws274

I like this approach. Is there any way to know which bases are more senior before I take the job?

RemoveB4Flight

In general, the further west, the more senior. What domicile would you prefer?

AUpilot77

The only red flag I can think of is to say something that would cause them to think you are entitled to a certain base or aircraft type. By all means answer honestly. If you want XYZ base even though it's the most senior say something like, "I'd prefer to be based in XYZ, but my understanding is it's pretty senior right now so I'm willing to commute until I can hold it." That shows you know what you want, you've done your research, but you're flexible.

Squallrider

Actually the reason this is asked so that advice can be given on which equipment would get you to the Base you ultimately want and give you a idea on how long it may be to get that base. Skywest wants applicants to know what they are getting themselves into long term so they don't up and leave after training.

You should say what you want, no one won't hire you because of a base and equipment you want. Not everyone pays attention to what equipment is in what base, furthermore some bases are attainable faster on one equipment over another.