TonyC
Frederick's Happy Face
- Joined
- Oct 21, 2002
- Posts
- 3,050
That coin, of course, has two sides. Some externals take 2 or 3 tries to get hired - no different from internals. Most externals will give up after one rejection. I might suggest that internals are more persistent in going for the second or third interview, and certainly more successful in obtaining the additional interview opportunities if they wish.AlbieF15 said:
As far as facing a different level of scrutiny, I don't quite agree with you. I disagree with your suggestion that there is a higher standard because internals are frowned on. Panel interviews for internals include a third panelist, a company personnel representative, to insure and attest that the employee is treated fairly in the process. An external applicant that is rejected has no recourse. An internal applicant that is rejected can appeal under the company's Guaranteed Fair Treatment program. If he feels that he is qualified and has been rejected due to someone's unfair bias or other unfair treatment, he can begin an administrative process to attempt to overturn the decision. I believe the company goes out of its way to avoid such scenarios.
The most ambiguous requirement, and the one that is most difficult to maintain, is the "recency of experience" requirement. While you suggested that one "maintain a backup plan and keep [them]self current," I can't overemphasize the importance of staying current as an essential element of the PRIMARY plan. If you can't "throw boxes" and continue to fly, you might be throwing in vain. It's the difficult balancing act of keeping the FedEx job, where you're more or less expected to come when called, make that schedule primary in your life, etc., and keep the flying gig. If you can successfully juggle those two, and you're a nice enough fella, I don't think you can go wrong.
You'd be surprised by the number of folks who started out as couriers, handlers, mechanics, customer service reps, hazardous goods specialists, dispatchers, ... the list goes on. I met a 4-digit employee nember Captain the other day (while standing on the sidewalk in front of AOC sporting my new hat) who started as a courier. They're everywhere.
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