rubberducky said:
Just curious, if I was applying for a posted corporate job that does not say "no phone calls", is it ok to call chief pilot or someone else in the department? My reasoning is to try and introduce myself and try to "work it". Is this wrong? If you were the chief would I be pissing you off? Any thoughts... I'm begining to think they post the listing after they hire someone just to meet the EEOC requirements...
My advice is to make the call if for nothing else to than to find out the Chief Pilot's name (or other appropriate person) for your cover letter, etc. I've had filing cabinet drawer with scores of letters/resumes with less than a dozen of them personally addressed (the rest with "Dear Sir/Madam" headings), even when the info is readily for the asking via phone, NBAA directory, etc.
Don't get me wrong, generically-addressed ones are still considered, but a telephone call to obtain or check a name is about the easiest and cheapest way to have your paperwork stand out a little....it shows you at least did a little research and nobody should fault you for that. In the course of the phone call, you'll be able to get a feel for whether they're willing to give more information, and you never know, the person doing the hiring may just pick up the phone, or maybe a captain who's willing to talk about the place.
The example of calling the CP down in FL and getting a rude response is a good example where phone calls can pay off. You DON'T want to work for someone like that! Any CP in corporate aviation should know that most job info is passed around word-of-mouth like wildfire and people act on what info they have, and things like "No Calls Please" don't get passed along. Sure, hunting down CPs in their private life won't get you far, but if his name was given out by his own company against his wishes, well that's his own screw-up for not proactively taking steps it wouldn't happen.
One more thing, English is right on. If you really want to work somewhere...go there!...and with the attitude you might be interviewed on the spot. It's a 99% chance you won't be, and sometimes it's a 2-minute resume drop-off and then you're out the door, but there's an even chance if people are around you'll end up chatting a little with another pilot etc. Like English said, it's courting, and because corporate operations are by nature insulated, they develop their own personalities. I can't emphasize enough how important a consideration this is for both sides of the process. They can't size you up if you're not there, and the reverse is also true.
More incentive for you to visit the places you are interested in; going from the airline background info you list, you'll probably have to overcome some uncertainty (and perhaps even prejudice) in their minds about your decision to pursue a corporate job. Unfortunately due to some coming before you many departments have been burned, and that issue is most easily overcome with face-to-face contact if you're sincere. Of course, if it's peopled with ex-airline guys, then you're golden!
A sincere good luck to you, and remember this is one area where you can create your own luck by going the extra mile. The "Wearing out Shoe Leather Rule" rule still applies.
