How do you get to know dudes at airlines?

[kingsize]

I am looking into getting an airline job in a few years if I decide to leave the military. I've been reading this forum a bit and the general sentiment seems to be that applicants have to know people on the inside to get hired.

If I want to apply to FedEx, or UPS or some other bigboy, with the intent of flying widebodies internationally, it seems like I definitely need to have buddies on the inside that can vouch for me and recommend me.

How do people do this??? Is it just luck if I happen to have a friend that got hired on? Right now, I can't think of anyone I know flying for either of those two companies. So would I be SOL with them?

If you were me, and wanted to get the inside track how would you do it? Should I drive trucks for them part-time or load crates or what?

 

[big_al]

if you dont know anyone in your circle of friends, pretend to be an ex girlfriend, and find out where they base near you, where they drink, go hang out and strike up some conversations

 

[Tram]

With FedEx, you'd be SOL.. You have to have a sponsor and they just changed up their "interview processes."

With UPS, I hear it's the same way.. If your in the military, there should be some people in your unit or were in your unit you can "meet and greet."

 

[Kream926]

workin the ramp for FexEx is a good way i hear

 

[mar]

I don't work for UPS or FedEx, but I'm a cheap date.

Buy me a drink. Let's talk.

Joking aside...

Got college?

Been a CFI?

Go to aviation seminars?

Previous jobs in the airlines?

All these and more provide networking opportunities.

Always carry an updated resume with you. Make your own business cards. Be personable and chat up the old woman sipping soup at the counter. You never know who her husband is....or if she's looking for a cheap date.

Good luck.

 

[Tram]

Workin the ramp at FedEx gurantee's you and interview.. that's about it.. as far as I know..

 

[$$$4nothin]

Find out where the bases are. Then find out what bar in town has the cheapest beer with the most woman. There you will find all the pilots you want.

 

[Way2Broke]

How do you know who is a pilot at a bar? ......Don't worry they will tell you...

 

[pilotyip]

Join the guard or reserves where those pilots drill get to know them that way.

 

[Tram]

pilotyip - what carrier did you fly the tracker off of, and when?