FedEx Interview

[ahlmab]

I heard a rumor that if you work a non-pilot job for FedEx for at least two years(package handler, truck driver, etc.) that you are guaranteed a first officer interview as soon as you have the minimum flight hours, no questions asked.

Anybody know if there is any truth to this?

 

[Steve]

Dosen't sound very doable since they always hire into the FE seat.

 

[WrightAvia]

you are guaranteed a first officer interview as soon as you have the minimum flight hours, no questions asked.

How can it be an interview, if no questions are asked?

 

[wingnutt]

the article i read (in pro pilot?) was that the interview is for the corporate side of things. then after a specified amount of time over there, you could get an interview for the freight side...dont recall the specifics.

 

[skylane58]

I don't think its an automatic interview after two years. Its probably more like when they are hiring they will give you the opportunity to interview, if you meet the mins. But it sure doesn't hurt to work for them as a driver.

 

[ahlmab]

How can it be an interview, if no questions are asked?

I didn't mean that there are no questions on the actual interview, just that I heard there is "no question" that they will give you an interview once you have the required minimums.

 

[TonyC]

I heard a rumor that if you work a non-pilot job for FedEx for at least two years(package handler, truck driver, etc.) that you are guaranteed a first officer interview as soon as you have the minimum flight hours, no questions asked.

Anybody know if there is any truth to this?

FedEx has always had a corporate policy of hiring from within, that is to say, they will give preference to internal applicants for any job opening posted over external applicants.

If:
1) you currently hold a permanent position, part-time or full-time, for FedEx Express (subtle, but critical distinction here - FedEx Ground doesn't count) and
2) you have fulfilled all commitments you incurred with employment (at least one year in your position, more in some cases) and
3) FedEx is posting an opening for a crewmember position (this only happens when they decide to start new-hire classes) and
4) you meet the minimum requirements specified in that posting (total hours, PIC hours, turbine PIC hours, Bachelors Degree, ability to pass FBI background check, etc.)

THEN you are guaranteed an interview. But only an interview. You go to the head of the line for the interview, and if you succeed, you start class before external hires. If you fall flat on your face, you must wait a year before you try to apply again.

Risk #1: One of the requirements is recency of experience. One of the requirements of FedEx employment is the priority of the FedEx job. You must commit to make the FedEx job number one, the schedule of that other job has to take second place. I.E., that regional or fractional or little freight outfit you fly with on the side to stay recent will have to adjust to your FedEx schedule. That's not always feasible.

Risk #2: Suppose your application is on file with FedEx today, and you updated it just last month. Suppose you take that job as a courier tomorrow and start the clock on an 18 month commitment. Suppose next week pilot recruitment picks up your folder and gives you a call to come interview. Sorry guy, as soon as they find out you're an internal now, they can't talk to you until your 18 months is up.

If you're willing to take the risk to get an interview, knock yourself out. Understand, though, there are risks, and the only guarantee in the BEST case is an interview. You still have to fend for yourself beyond that point.

Considering the current economy, I'd suggest it's not a bad way to go, (Risk #2 seems pretty low at the moment) IF you've already met all the other requirements, and IF you have a way to keep flying. It worked for me.