What do you wear to a cargo interview?

[chuychanga]

We're talking about a blue-collar, load your own airplane, get dirty kind of job.

I'd feel like an iniot going in there and meeting pilots in their work clothes while I'm in the typical charcoal suit.

 

[WrightAvia]

try something middle of the road...

How about a business casual look, plus or minus a tie. Don't wear too fancy of shoes...but not beaters either. Shoes tell alot about a person.

You might want to try to talk to people that interviewed there also. Ask them what they wore. I would not show up at that type of interview dressed like I would for a Fractional or Airline, but I wouldn't wear jeans, tennys and a t-shirt either.

If you're looking for a recomendation...business casual + a tie.

 

[kingaira90]

Dressy won't hurt

I wore a suite and tie to the same type of interview and got the job. It never hurts to put your best food forward. How you dress says a lot about how serously you take your future job. You want to say you take it as serious as a job at a mojor or frac. You might be able to get away with less but you don't want to be dropped b/c you don't look professional enough. I doubt they will say, he looks too professional move on to the next one.

Just my thoughts

 

[redneck jihad]

Suit and knee pads.Ha, ha...just a little humor.Definitely the suit though. Hopefully their mx is more of the "business" frame of mind and not "business casual". Good luck.
Best regards,
RJ

 

[upndsky]

I wore sweatpants, a t-shirt and boat shoes. Then again, my interview was over the phone...

Seriously, though, unless you know someone within the company who can advise you otherwise, wear the suit. Nobody's ever been rejected for being overdressed during an interview. If they look down on the suit, you probably don't want to work there anyway.

 

[Flyingchef]

Unless told otherwise by the company.(Don't ask them) You wear a suit. You cannot overdress at an interview. These companies make and spend millions a day.Sometimes lose millions. You are not just being seen by the panel. You are being seen as you walk down the hall,going to the bathroom, sitting in the lounge etc. The CEO may walk by, who knows. Do it right or do not do it at all.
I cannot believe someone would wonder about this.
Have a nice time and Good Luck.
Flyingchef

 

[StarChecker]

At Airnet, we were specifically told NOT to wear a suit. The recruiter told me if I wore one, he would send me right home. No one who works back-office wears one, including the CEO.

 

[wingnutt]

im with starchecker...i wore business casual for my caravan interview, but for the 402 gig, it was black jeans and a button-down shirt.

but if you dont know anyone to ask...then i guess the suit would be appropriate.

 

[Buckeye]

If they fly DC-3's Bib Overalls is clothing of choice, anything else business casual. Everyone I know that has a desk job these days wears business casual. What type of equipment do they fly?

 

[chuychanga]

Thanks guys, no specific company in mind. Just something I had wondered about for awhile. Most of the places I've sent sent resumes to are small piston singles and twins.

 

[Airpiraterob]

kneepads

yep...kneepads, and Wells Fargo blue stickum gloves.
a full body carhartt if its cold enough. or, overalls with a red hankie and wrench in the pocket. but make sure your footwear is a decent looking pair of steel toe work boots, or cowboy boots if its not super heavy pallets. dont forget to have a spare cylinder jug in your flight case "just in case"

 

[RFtech]

unless told otherwise, wear a conservative suit and tie.

 

[kmunnpilot1]

Go all out!

I've never heard of anyone being turned away bcause they were dressed too nicely

If anything you'll stand out and they'll remember you

 

[500and2]

Proper Attire-

If you're going to be throw'in boxes...... the stardard CARHART attire would do fine!

It worked for my "Alaska" job!

-But.... I agree with the above.... never hurts to be "over dressed"..... the first impression is very important...


-God Bless our troops-

 

[hopeful]

if you dress like an idiot, expect to be treated like one. you are a professional pilot and should dress appropriately.

Dress nice and act like a professional. If you get a negative response from the company that you are interviewing with because you are "dressed to nice" then you better think three times before you take the job. It will be a @#$!hole company to work for.

 

[Riddle momma]

I recenly interviewed for a cargo job, and wore my very best navy suit with a cream blouse. I was complimented on my professional look. Guess it doesn't hurt to spend some bucks on a nice suit, even if it is for a one-time use.

 

[EngineOut]

The general rule of thumb (aviation industry notwithstanding) is dress one notch better than what you will be expected to wear to work.

I agree with other posters who opined that you can never overdress for a pilot interview.

So, if you chose the former over the latter, you have a recognized guideline.

 

[Nolife]

If you're really not sure what to wear show up naked with several outfits in tow. See what the others folks are wearing and then either put on clothes or not. You will make an impression doing this.
Personally I'd rather show up in a suit and feel like a turd if over dressed rather than looking too casual.

 

[chuychanga]

Thanks for all the responses. Here's an update on things that have occured since I started this thread:

I interviewed at a small cargo carrier that flies Cherokee 6s, 402s and Aerostars. The guy who helped me get the interview told me that the boss and all the pilots wear business casual, sometimes even jeans with a collared shirt.

So I wore a pair of khaki pressed slacks, a dress shirt, and no tie. Got the job and started training yesterday.

 

[bigD]

Congrats Chuychanga! That's awesome.