Advice on Applying to UAL
 

Hello All,

I've been applying to United since 2006 when they opened the hiring window and have been continuously updating ever since.

I'm currently at just over 7,000TT and over 2,500 jet PIC. Seven type ratings including some in Boeing's, international experience, etc.

I did have two failed checkrides when I was in high school in addition to one failed -121 CQ ride. They're long stories but I own them and I've learned from them. I have a varied work history: corporate pilot, regional airlines, charter, international expat, cargo... mostly due to the fickle nature of the industry and it's economic ups and downs.

I come from a United Airlines family. My father is a retired UAL pilot.
From my youngest age the only thing I've ever wanted to do was be a United pilot. It was a vision that motivated me into the career from the earliest age. Started learning to fly in High School; chose the college I attended based on if it would help me get to UAL; applied to the regional I did because I wanted to fly United's passengers and contribute to United.
It may be a bit strange to some but I have loved United for what they've done for me and my family. All I ever wanted was to be part of it and give back. I'm the guy with stacks of old Hemisphere's magazines, old timetables on the bookshelves, history books on UAL, framed United aircraft photos, etc.

Well; still nothing from UAL and I've attended multiple job fairs, have 10+ internal recommendations, legacy, flown in their regional system in the past, etc. I know that I am not the only person who has given it everything they've got to not get a call. I don't believe I am any better than the next applicant trying to get on. Just trying to paint the picture of who I am and how this has driven me.

My real dilemma is this:

I have an offer from another major airline which I am absolutely humbled by and thankful for. I am extremely appreciative of the confidence they've shown in me by offering me such an amazing opportunity. But in my heart, it's not United and it just doesn't feel right.

I feel like I am at a cross road. Take the opportunity, dive in and never look back or keep holding out/updating to United?

I figured you guys already working there could give me some perspective. Your thoughts?

Thanks in advance for taking the time to reply. I look forward to reading your advice.

Take the offer, keep updating UA and hope

GF

Take the opportunity that you have because you have nothing from United, yet! You can keep on updating your application to United. Nothing says that you still can't interview and get hired by United.

Take offer and don't look back.

Take the offer and don't look back unless UAL calls <12 months after you start. Even then, bailing to UAL would be very risky and cost you big $$$. Right now they are done interviewing applicants until this fall. Earliest you could possibly be on property is early 2018.

^^^THIS^^^ UAL will come around... and at that time you can decide what to do.

Agree with all the above.

I had a "goal" airline due to family history...almost all my letters of rec were from guys there.

Never even got a phone call

Thought I had no chance at UA...next thing you know, I was hired.

The old axiom "What's the best airline?" "The one that hires you" comes to mind.

Bird in the hand. Go.

Ual isn't running classes right now, even if they call tomorrow it could be a looong wait

Here's a little truism about airline job offers. Take the one you've got. A seniority number is worth 10,000 times the job offer you desire but don't have.

Here is another strange little thing that happened to me and I've seen happen to others. My number one airline choice used to be Alaska Airlines. I applied for years and never heard a word, not a peeep. Within three months of being hired by UAL I got interview invites from Alaska, American and Fed Ex. All airlines that I had not heard the first thing from previously. When it rains it pours.

Take the job offer UNLESS it's one of the low rent LCC's and is not really a life style or career improvement. Then you'll need to seriously weigh your options.

Absolutely take the new gig , that will toss your resume in a entirely separate stack , you could get called asap .

Or not , then you have the current gig to have .

Congrats on the new gig

Ps I hope you make it to your goal