Discouraged with low minimums - apply?

[BoDEAN]

Should I be discouraged applying for positions if my minimums are lower than what they have for minimums?

 

[328dude]

I wouldn't think you could lose anything. They would atleast look at it and realize this guys interested before they stick it somewhere.

Send it in. They might surprise you.

 

[T-Gates]

Go for it!

Send it in, by the time you make it to the top of the stack, you may have the mins. Just send in updates and be persistant.

Good Luck,

--03M

 

[mar]

Two things

Applying for a job when you don't meet the mins achieves two things (at least):

1) Shows interest in the company.

2) Recruiters like to see progress. As you update them, if you're consistently upgrading into more complex aircraft and taking more responsibility then the conclusion is you are trainable and ambitious.

Go for it.
Good luck.

 

[sabreliner]

Realize of course that with all the other qualified people out there looking for jobs, it is likely your stuff will simply be pitched rather than some recuiter reading something from someone they aren't gonna hire anyway. But, it can't hurt to send it.

 

[BoDEAN]

Thanks

 

[Toy Soldier]

Make the face-to-face

Sending in the resume can't hurt. However, with low times, sometimes its' better to go to the jobs that you are interested in so they can put a face to your resume.

I know of too many LOW-LOW-TIMERS that have gotten jobs that they really shouldn't have (in terms of the normal progression that is) just by walking in and introducing themselves.

Personally, I would hire the fellow that came to see me over someone that simply sent in a fazed resume.

I got my current job by "walking in " and introducing myself when I had about 800 hours or so and 250 mulit. Now I have 2000+ and 1000 multi with that company. Other folks that sent in their resumes were mad because they didn't even get a call back.

I then told those folks that I did the following:

1. Visited the company once
2. Faxed the company twice
3. Emailed them three times...

But, the face to face got me the job.

Good luck!

 

[mar]

For "Sabreliner"

If you respond to an ad that specifically stipulates, "Must be typed and current." or "Only those meeting stated mins need apply" or something else to that effect....then, yeah, your stuff is probably gonna get pitched.

But I remember UAL encouraging people to apply. Of course they had a 500 hour min if I remember correctly...

And I know Alaska likes to see a long time interest in their company and the ability to upgrade.

You can't win if you don't play.

 

[chperplt]

I wouldn't apply to those places that charge a fee until you meet the published minimums..

 

[AA717driver]

Always...

A good rule of thumb is to "dare to be bold" or some such nonsense . I got my first commuter job with 700 hours total when it usually took 1500. It never hurts to try.

Now, temper your enthusiasm with the fact that there are a whole slug of airline pilots out of work right now. But, depending on what type of flying job you are looking for, it may not be on the radar of those airline types.

Go for it, dude! TC(soon to be an unemployed airline type)

 

[bobbysamd]

Applying

Originally posted by mar
I remember UAL encouraging people to apply. Of course they had a 500 hour min if I remember correctly...

And we know what a sham that is.

I second everyone else; it never hurts to apply. And don't forget to update as you build quals and experience. Update every 100 hours and/or three-four months or so and every time you earn another rating or other qual.

I also agree with Toy Soldier that trying a face-to-face visit is a good idea. But don't be surprised if you get the "Mr. Chief Pilot is not available, but I will give him your résumé and tell him you were here" spiel from the receptionist.

Once again, good luck with your job search.