ExpressJet Hiring Process

[Tango21]

I have to post my two cents for all of you prospective Expressjet pilots who are complaining about the interview process being strange or vague.

GROW UP!

We used to be instructed to place a code on our resume when submitting it to H.R.. The code was VPXXXXICE. As you can see, it would be really easy to leave out an X as they all start to run together.

What was the reason for this code? Just to see if you could follow simple instructions and if you were paying attention to detail. It's that simple. Judging from the quality of the spelling and grammar in many of the posts on this forum, I imagine that a large number of pilots' resumes found their way into the trash.

If the reason behind the deicing announcement is to see if you can follow instructions and read and properly pronounce words in the English language, then I'm all for that. We do live in the United States and the common language is still English. It's just one more simple instruction for you to follow without any pressure whatsoever. If you can't do that then what are you going to do in the cockpit when something really does go wrong?

You may wonder what the process is all about and that's normal human nature. Since 9/11/01 people have been complaining about lack of hiring and now that another airline is finally hiring, they're complaining about the process. AMAZING!

Quit complaining and BE THANKFUL that there is one more opportunity for you to fly for an airline than there was at this time last month!

 

[Vegaspilot99]

So what do you think it might mean then for those of us who weren't asked to read the de-icing statement? Just curious since I only got the hard landing and TS questions and that a senior recruiter would call if they had anymore questions etc. Thanks.

 

[Fly2Scuba]

I'd have to somewhat disagree with you Tango21. These complaints about the hiring process seem minor to the daily complaints racked up your typical Coex pilot including myself. Many issues warrent disgruntled responses while some flying related are just plain petty. For instance, pilots complaining about having to whip out the charts because of a ATC reroute; Sometimes joking, sometimes not.
Those that had to pay for training definitely have reason to complain about their hiring experience, there were certainly many complaints about the pyschological games played during the time I got hired. Now, this new procedure sounds akward, confusing, and certainly not straightforward. Candidates ideally should be interviewed face to face in my opinion, not by unexpected phone calls. Guess the hiring department is trying to mimick crew scheduling calling reserves on a day off.
Long story short, this message board is a great way to anonymously express grievances and perhaps the hiring department will change the process to a more traditional format in the future. In the meantime a overly negative attitude towards this process will only hinder one's ability to obtain an interview. Good luck to all that are applying.

 

[superrav]

Does it really matter...

If I got a call..I do not think i'd be complaining....

 

[AAPvtPilot]

Tango21,

Well said.

The instructions were simple.
Follow instructions................................

I got the call, I got the questions and read the deicing statement.
Now sitting here waiting for the "Senior Recruiter" to call.

Good luck to everyone.

 

[boxjockey]

There are a lot of us that are not complaining. I got the call, I guess I answered the questions correctly, and now I'm waiting like the rest. Not all of us are complaining, as a matter of fact very few of us are. The reason for these message boards are to obtain information, discuss topics pertinent to our profession, and generally support each other. For those of you who can't figure that out, support is what we're looking for. I would love to work for XJet. As a matter of fact I might spend the rest of my career there if I am so fortunate. I'm sure we are all very excited for the same opportunity. All I'm asking, is for those of you who have been there, to pass along your experiences to try and assist us on our way. I have now relinquished the soap box.

box

 

[Tango21]

The best advice I could give to someone who is fortunate enough to get an interview is to be humble. When you are talking to the pilots doing the interview, be the kind of person with whom they would like to fly a 4-day trip.

If they can't stand to be in the same room with you for as long as an interview lasts, then they're not going to want to be with you in the cockpit.

The folks doing the interview will most likely be volunteers who are usually out there flying the line. Also, they will know about all of the interview gouge posted on the net, so don't be cocky or anything like that. Relax and be yourself.

If you don't get called right away, don't be discouraged, just keep updating your resume periodically. Good luck.

 

[Fly2Scuba]

The best advice I could give to someone who is fortunate enough to get an interview is to be humble. When you are talking to the pilots doing the interview, be the kind of person with whom they would like to fly a 4-day trip.

If they can't stand to be in the same room with you for as long as an interview lasts, then they're not going to want to be with you in the cockpit.

The folks doing the interview will most likely be volunteers who are usually out there flying the line. Also, they will know about all of the interview gouge posted on the net, so don't be cocky or anything like that. Relax and be yourself.

If you don't get called right away, don't be discouraged, just keep updating your resume periodically. Good luck.

Well put.

Just to clarify why I'm against random phone interviews is because I had an interesting experience while drinking. Had signed up for substitute teaching in a local school district and 2 weeks later, boom they call...while I'm partying it up at night in Panama City. After 6 drinks, I sure didn't sound professional over the phone letting them know I couldn't sub that week. Oh well, they kept me employeed to this day. Be careful when you accept an unverified call is my advice.

 

[upndsky]

The issues I have with the XJet process are not with the questions or having to print out the script, which I did. Those who questioned that part of it were merely curious, not complaining.

I do take issue with being called at home at 8 p.m. -- without warning -- and having to answer situational questions to someone who doesn't know how to fly an airplane. I was among the first to be called, before there was a six-page thread on this board warning others about the process. I was also with some friends and had a couple of beers. I wasn't drunk by any means, but I also wasn't expecting a phone interview. In fact, I almost hung up on her when she couldn't pronounce my last name (I thought she was a telemarketer).

Another issue is that they never asked about my background, which is freight. I'm sure I answered some of the questions differently than someone who has passenger or 121 experience. I don't know if that makes a difference, but I don't know how someone can accurately evaluate an applicant's response without knowing his or her background.

This isn't the first time I've had a recruiter call me out of the blue on the phone and ask me questions, but it has always been during business hours, by a pilot who actually understands the answers, who asked me about my background, hours, violations, etc., and not about what I would do if some old lady yelled at my about my crappy landing.

If this is a complaint, so be it. I'd rather call them concerns and they are legitimate.

 

[pilot1704]

I got call saturday morning 10.30

I got call saturday morning 10.30 eastern. Friendly girl called and asked that hardlanding ? Read the note what you wrote down. Wondering what would have happend it I would be not at home and have that paper with me!

Nice waiting for call!

 

[boxjockey]

I was at work and didn't have the paper with me. After I answered the questions, she asked me to read the script. Told her I had it at home, but was currently at work. She read the script to me so I could copy it down, and then I read it back to her.

box

 

[FSB99]

i seriously wonder who these "senior recruiters" are.. wonder if they even know themselves, yet!

 

[Sam Fisher]

People are getting a little wrapped around the axle here without knowing the full story.

For what its worth, XJT is using a 3rd party company that screens the online applications and does the phone interviews. The people that the candidates are talking to are NOT ExpressJet employees. The "senior recruiters" they are talking about are simply XJT employees. There will be an "in person" interview with a line pilot, someone from HR, as well as a director-level management employee. From what I can tell, the company is simply looking for some basic info on you as a person and whether or not you can follow directions. They are also looking to weed out people who are going to be a "pain in the arse" in the future when it comes to discipline cases, etc.

I can't say that I agree or disagree with this process but it is going to be a lot better than when John Dresser was around. Give it some time and give our company a chance to learn this new system and make improvements on it as they see fit.

Sam

 

[FSB99]

Sam, that was exactly my point, about the senior recruiters.. just being facetious!

i was sarcastically implying that the senior recruiters are the xjet employees who do the interviewing.. hence, wondering if they've established that department yet, and if those people realized they were the fabled 'senior recruiters'!

 

[boxjockey]

I'm sure you guys are right, and the senior recruiters are going to be XJ employees. I'm sure this part of the process will be more enjoyable than the last. I have a hard time not getting offended when the recruiter has a hard time pronouncing "taxiing", but I understand the reasoning behind it.

box

 

[Prop Trash]

originally posted by Tango21:
We used to be instructed to place a code on our resume when submitting it to H.R.. The code was VPXXXXICE.

I think the code was VPXXUXX. Isn't it funny I still remember the code almost five years since I applied?

 

[007]

Calls

I got the call on Saturday as well there 1704, at about 1000 am.
Worse I was in the shower and heard my cell ring, so there I was drenching the carpet and freezing "Ladies and Gents.....etc."

Also the lady was not very happy to be working on Saturday it seemed to me. I couldn't make her laugh for all my charm.

I am also waiting for the Senior Recruiter to call, except she told me it would be 60-90 days before I would hear anything.

Hope they'll call sooner then that, unless I am in the shower.

 

[hyper]

Hey gents,

What's the time gap for everyone from applying to the phone call?
Thanks

 

[TOGA]

Hyper -
Please tell me your avatar pic was taken while the a/c was on the ground.

 

[hyper]

If that's what you want to hear!

600ft agl, ILS 1 TEB