CAL EWR B737
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 10, 2005
- Posts
- 652
The third pilot I sponsored started new hire class at Continental yesterday. I'll give you a short recap of what I have learned assisting my buddies getting hired at Continental.
The pilot referral process is a two step process.
1: Applicant fills out a referral form through the on-line application system and the on-line system generates an email to the sponsor. Sponsor fills out referral and e-mails response back into the application system. Based on my experience talking with many of our pilots referring their buddies this where most sponsors fall short and take no further action. Unfortunately I have learned the next step is just as important as the first step.
2: Sponsor goes into local base Chief Pilot office and discusses applicant with his/her supervisor. Assistant Chief Pilot or Chief Pilot essentially interviews sponsor about applicant. In a nut shell they are looking for someone you have known for a significant period of time. It's not mandatary to have flown with individual but it is a plus. If the sponsor has recently met the applicant or the applicant is an acquaintance or friend of a friend, etc., more than likely Continental will not offer an interview. In previous hiring periods these types of referrals were accepted but unfortunately they no longer are considered. The Chief Pilot then has the ability to go into the on-line application and add comments to the sponsors referral. The chief pilots comments about both the applicant and the sponsor are directly related to the applicants chances on receiving an interview. I was told by the EWR Chief Pilot "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree." He stated they take a close look at the sponsor i.e.: work history, reputation etc. He also said that without a Chief pilot refferal added to the sponsors refferal it is unlikely at this time one would receive an interview. My friends all received interviews within a few weeks of my visit to the Chief Pilot Office.
I have been told over and over throughout the process of helping my buddies, essentially the sponsor is putting his/her reputation on the line for the applicant. Should the new pilot have problems in training or during problems during probation the sponsor will be called in to intercede and help his/her buddy.
A huge plus in this whole process is the sponsor is the one who notifies his/her buddy if they are have successfully completed the interview process and offers an employment offer. Without a doubt the most gratifying moments in my eighteen year career at Continental was hiring my three buddies. Hope this info helps.
The pilot referral process is a two step process.
1: Applicant fills out a referral form through the on-line application system and the on-line system generates an email to the sponsor. Sponsor fills out referral and e-mails response back into the application system. Based on my experience talking with many of our pilots referring their buddies this where most sponsors fall short and take no further action. Unfortunately I have learned the next step is just as important as the first step.
2: Sponsor goes into local base Chief Pilot office and discusses applicant with his/her supervisor. Assistant Chief Pilot or Chief Pilot essentially interviews sponsor about applicant. In a nut shell they are looking for someone you have known for a significant period of time. It's not mandatary to have flown with individual but it is a plus. If the sponsor has recently met the applicant or the applicant is an acquaintance or friend of a friend, etc., more than likely Continental will not offer an interview. In previous hiring periods these types of referrals were accepted but unfortunately they no longer are considered. The Chief Pilot then has the ability to go into the on-line application and add comments to the sponsors referral. The chief pilots comments about both the applicant and the sponsor are directly related to the applicants chances on receiving an interview. I was told by the EWR Chief Pilot "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree." He stated they take a close look at the sponsor i.e.: work history, reputation etc. He also said that without a Chief pilot refferal added to the sponsors refferal it is unlikely at this time one would receive an interview. My friends all received interviews within a few weeks of my visit to the Chief Pilot Office.
I have been told over and over throughout the process of helping my buddies, essentially the sponsor is putting his/her reputation on the line for the applicant. Should the new pilot have problems in training or during problems during probation the sponsor will be called in to intercede and help his/her buddy.
A huge plus in this whole process is the sponsor is the one who notifies his/her buddy if they are have successfully completed the interview process and offers an employment offer. Without a doubt the most gratifying moments in my eighteen year career at Continental was hiring my three buddies. Hope this info helps.
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