How much it too much?

[thatpilotguy]

I have read in some airline pilot interview prep books that the writers suggest putting together a "packet" or bound copy of your resume, cover letter, copies of your certificates, passport, drivers license and reference letters.

What is your opinion of this with regards to corporate aviation positions. Is it too much? Will the Chief Pilot or those in charge of hiring think I'm a complete werido or will it show a level of dedication and organization that the writers suggest it does in an airline interview? What are your thoughts?

 

[G100driver]

A failure to prepare is preparing to fail .... or something like that.

Sounds pretty good to me. If you get the job you are going to need those anyways ... right?

I would save the packets for one on one interviews however. They are very expensive to make.

 

[Gulfstream 200]

Bring whatever they ASK for for sure, neatly in a binder...they will let you now exactly what they want. Too much can be as bad as too little...

In addition, I always had a 3 ring notebook with ALL the aviation garbage....

copies of resume
work history
salary history
letters of recommendation (at least 5)
certificates
medicals
passport(s)
yellow shot card w/yellow fever
FAA records
driving history and license copy
credit report(s)
FBI background
college transcripts
135/121 checkrides
PT 91 company line checks and upgrades (if applicable)
annual company reviews
FSI certificates initial and recurrent
factory training (If applicable)
Medical training (CPR etc)
EVAC survival training
RVSM training

there may be more but its not in front of me..and Im not advocating bringing all this and sitting it on your lap. no way. just good to be organized.

just good to keep all this crap in one place in case they need it --- you have everything!

 

[thatpilotguy]

I like the idea of putting everything together in a binder and keeping everything in one place.

Do you think it is a bad idea to put all this information together and presenting it at a face to face meeting? I want to portray the fact that I am the one they want, but I'm afraid that it might be too much?

It has been my experience that many operators don't ask for much on the first face to face meet. I just want to stand out, but not for the wrong reasons.

 

[G100driver]

IMHO it is never too much when you are trying to sell yourself. Your goal should be to present yourself as a professional pilot and a TEAM player.

When asked about stories and situations that have happened to you be sure and speak in terms of WE and US. Avoid using I and ME. Let your professional packet speak for itself when discussing ME and I.

As a hiring manager I always go for the team player vs the rugged indivual type.

Kinda off the subject I know, but it sounds like you are looking for interview advice.

 

[thatpilotguy]

I guess that I am looking for interview advice in a sense. I don't think you can ever learn too much about the interview process.

I am pretty new to the game. Although I have obtain every position I have interviewed for.

There is a possible position that I may or may not be contacted regarding. It's a huge opportunity and I know that the competition is going to be difficult. I understand that the other person they are considering is an airline guy with a billion hours and tons of experience. I want to knock their socks off. I have been digging into the airline pilot interview books, being that there really isn't any corporate pilot interview material out there. I guess I want to know how much of the airline interview advice carries over to the corporate world? Some of the suggestions include what I mentioned before. Bringing in a packet of information with all your records. I have never done this, although it sounds like a good idea. I have done background research about the company and I know what they do, and who they are. I like their ideas and can discuss in limited detail about what I know about them. I want to make a good impression as anyone would, but I'm really concerned about not being that "annoying guy" that brought a bunch of stuff to the first meeting...

 

[Gulfstream 200]

dont overthink this...

bring what they ask for in a nice binder/folder. Dont present anything else unless asked. Keep this simple. we dont want all the extra crap you have, just more to weed through later. You aren't the only interview today....

when I interviewed a few years ago..I kept all my other extra stuff in a binder in my bag along with my latest logbook (was asked to bring it...odd for corp interviews)...it takes up less space than you think - plus, what else do you need in your bag for an interview anyhow? Oh, leave the cell or crackberry in your car.

that way if they ever asked for something, you can have it all! -- without being upfront and looking WAY too excited. Definitly dont show up with your whole life on paper in front of you -- wierd...

relax, they are far more interested in YOU. If you have to get some obscure paperwork/information to us later nobody really cares!

sell your experience
be neat but not startchy. take off your coat if its more comfy that way.
be a guy everyone would want to travel 10 days with (most important)
sell your stability and your interest in staying local
dont exaggerate
have some real non-flying hobbies you can share about. (in other words..a life)
dont put down your current employer - we all know why people leave crap flying jobs.
dont put down/underestimate your current equipment or position
dont pry too much into pay/benefits/QOL etc unless its offered...you should have a clue about this beofrehand..plus save that for the later/final interview.
definitly send a thank you letter - get everyones name.
be relaxed and confident, even laugh a bit... If offered a water, etc...take it!
Dont follow those airline interview advice books. Nobody gives a shat what color tie you wear. Kit Darby is a dip$hit.

keep in mind you are there to check them out just as much as they are looking at you. I have interviewed places that, after 30 mins, I knew I could not work at..so it goes both ways.


Good Luck!

 

[Jack Schitt]

If it's a first interview I'd say bring extra copies of your resume, a pad of paper, and a pen. That's it. Leave all the other crap at home. If they're still interested in you after the first interview they have plenty of time to request all the background info. I would think you're an anal retentive wierdo if you showed up with a stack of crap, but that's just me. Relax, be yourself, shoot the schitt, and get the job. Don't be the annoying guy!

 

[Valkyrie]

copies of resume
work history
salary history
letters of recommendation (at least 5)
certificates
medicals
passport(s)
yellow shot card w/yellow fever
FAA records
driving history and license copy
credit report(s)
FBI background
college transcripts
135/121 checkrides
PT 91 company line checks and upgrades (if applicable)
annual company reviews
FSI certificates initial and recurrent
factory training (If applicable)
Medical training (CPR etc)
EVAC survival training
RVSM training

credit report(s) ? Is this something usually asked for ?

 

[Gulfstream 200]

credit report(s) ? Is this something usually asked for ?

maybe....many corp jobs will run it on you now. 2 of the 3 companys I last interviewed with would/did. All 3 were Fortune 20. This was within the last 5 years or so. maybe it depends on what thier business is?

I just kept it with my aviation junk, surely its not "needed"...they will run what they need anyhow - including maybe credit and FBI checks.

 

[thatpilotguy]

I have had a credit report run with my previous 2 employers. Stranger yet was the fact that my most recent employer had me take a personality test. Weird questions that formulated a very detailed report. Apparently "I find it hard to walk by a book store without going in."

I'm off to make some copies and put all my records together. Thanks for the feed back and information everyone.

 

[LegacyDriver]

Don't forget residence history.

I carry all of that stuff with me just in case. The interviewer/potential employer may not need/want it, but at least it is there for you.

 

[AA717driver]

"Credit Report". Yeah, they don't want you in financial trouble--they could lose tens of dollars from someone swiping sodas and Pringles off the plane... TC

 

[LegacyDriver]

Don't forget residence history.

I carry all of that stuff with me just in case. The interviewer/potential employer may not need/want it, but at least it is there for you.

 

[Gulfstream 200]

"Credit Report". Yeah, they don't want you in financial trouble--they could lose tens of dollars from someone swiping sodas and Pringles off the plane... TC

do you guys really carry Pringles?


uke:


I prefer to swipe those there real fancy roasted cashew thingies (whole not pieces)

rich folks know how to live!




pringles....you paupers.