Expert: D. Norkus - 8/22/2005

Question
That's right, Dottie!! I have a TT of 1207 hours and I am in the process of seeking a job at the regionals. I have a few questions:
1. All my sim time has been on a multi engine aircraft. On my resume, can this time be added in my Multi Engine time? My ME time is just 74 hours and sim time 32

2. Again, can actual instrument time be added in Instrument time?
  (Simulated Instrument + Actual = Total Instrument time)
         OR
Is actual instrument part of the simulated instrument time?
I am a little confused here

3. Must I carry a cover letter and my logbook with me to the Career Fair? Is it advisable to have a Class I medical prior to attending?

4. How must the "objective" portion of my resume read? Should it be addressed to the company name? Kindly provide a suitable title.

5. Is there anything specific that I need to study for the Career Fair? Most of my time has been on the C-152 ( I never instructed, just flew on a regular basis to build hours)

6. I do understand that I need to study a little bit about the company I intend working for or atleast sending out resumes to. What company information is expected of me during a talk with a respective company recruiter?

I sincerely appreciate your speedy responses to my never-ending queries:0(

Thanks


Followup To
Question -
Hello Dottie,

There is a Career Fair/Open House scheduled to be held at Aeroservice in Miami on September 10 and I intend going for it. Just so you know, I have never been to a career fair before.
Could you please advice me on how I need to prepare, the attire, paperwork to be carried (I am a green card holder), etc.
I look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks in advance.

Answer -
Seems like this will be a good opportunity to meet airline recruiters! Colgan & Pinnacle should be your main targets (if  I remember, you are at/near mins and are applying for your first regional job).

Since you never get a second chance to make a first impression, here are the usual guidelines for pilot attire:

Wear business attire. For ladies this means either a pant or skirt suit with a blazer. A skirt should hit at the knee. (I have seen too many younger women at career fairs wearing the business inapprpriate mid-thigh length. The image is business professional, not sexy! Don't forget the nylons.) A crew neck neutral color shirt or shell/camisole works great underneath a blazer. The preferred color is navy (simulates a uniform) but other neutral colors can work. You want to look similar to their pilots, but you also want to display a professional business like image. No pinstripes. Black is often considered too severe, although it is a uniform color for some airlines.

Don't forget your shoes. A great suit can be ruined with a scuffed and tattered pair of leather shoes. A 'powersuit image' goes all the way down to your feet! No open toes, sandals or stilletto heels. Think business.

Keep jewelry to a minimum and makeup very natural. Longer hair should be tied/clipped back or put in a bun to put forth a business like image. If you need a trim, get it ASAP. Give yourself a manicure if you have the time too. You want to look as completely pulled together and putting forth an image as professional as a wall street banker (who wants to be a pilot of course).


Bring plenty of resumes! A pilot resume is formatted the same as any resume, except that two sections are added: Flight Time and Pilot Credentials. Resumes should never be on 'cloud print' or colored paper. Use this guide to check your resume for format and required information:

http://www.airlinepilotcentral.com/content/view/116/41/

Bring business cards if you have them for networking too. You should have a nice looking business shoulder bag or legal folder style tote to carry your resumes in. Keep them in a manilla folder so they do not get wrinkled. A business tote/satchel is a great idea as it leaves your hands free to shake and greet people. A briefcase is too cumbersome as you need to carry it. Mine had shoulder straps and was open at the top so I could easily remove things with one hand.

Here is an example very similar bag-
http://217-20-122-120.internetserviceteam.com/img/a4u.auctionicity/2005-08-13-12
and another good one-
http://i6.ebayimg.com/03/i/04/ba/6f/d4_2.JPG

Keep your business cards in a pocket on you or in the tote so there will be no 'fishing' for a card when you need one.  

Do some research on the companies there you want to talk with, so you can ask the recruiters specific questions. After all, you are scoping them out as much as they are you. Both applicant & recruiter are looking for a good corporate fit. That will earn you points that you took the time to do research about their company.

Good Luck!

Answer
1. All my sim time has been on a multi engine aircraft. On my resume, can this time be added in my Multi Engine time? My ME time is just 74 hours and sim time 32

NO! Sim time is sim time. It cannot be included as actual flight time in the ME column, or any other column, of your logbook.

2. Again, can actual instrument time be added in Instrument time?
(Simulated Instrument + Actual = Total Instrument time)
         OR
Is actual instrument part of the simulated instrument time?
I am a little confused here

In most logbooks, there are columns for all 3:
"Actual Instrument"
"Simulated Instrument (hood)"
"Flight Simulator"

Since you have 1200TT, you are probably looking to fill up your resume, so I would create lines for all three based on the time in your columns. Your total time equation works too, but will not fill up your resume as well. Be prepared to give a breakdown when asked too.

3. Must I carry a cover letter and my logbook with me to the Career Fair? Is it advisable to have a Class I medical prior to attending?

It is not necesary but some recruiters may be impressed that you have taken the time to create a resume package just for them with a cover letter AND personalized resume. Create a special resume for each airline by putting their name in the 'objective' line at the top of your resume, i.e.  "Career objective: Flight Officer employment with Colgan Airlines"

You only need to bring your logbook to an interview.

If you do not have a First Class, it is desirable to get one. Most regionals require one to apply.

4. How must the "objective" portion of my resume read? Should it be addressed to the company name? Kindly provide a suitable title.

You can be generic, "Objective: Career pilot employment" or create a resume for each company to which you want to apply, as mentioned above. The personalized ones are a nice touch. It also gives the impression that you are really targeting that airliine, even if you are not but are just tryng for any opeining you can get!

5. Is there anything specific that I need to study for the Career Fair? Most of my time has been on the C-152 ( I never instructed, just flew on a regular basis to build hours)

Most career fairs are just that: recruiter and hopeful meet-n-greets. You do not need to study for one, other than airline backgrounds (bases, equipment, financials, route structure ect) to be able to chat with the interviewer. Only on the rare occasion are on the spot interviews given. Contact the organizer of the event if you want to be sure about the possibility of on site interviews.

6. I do understand that I need to study a little bit about the company I intend working for or at least sending out resumes to. What company information is expected of me during a talk with a respective company recruiter?

Ask about pay, benefits (health, dental, travel), the junior bases and aircraft. Expected upgrade times? What is their minimum monthly pay guarantee. How long is training? Is it paid? Do they provide a hotel? How large is their pilot group? What are their plans for future growth or aircraft deliveries? Be prepared to tell them why you want to work for them. Why they should be interested in you. Even if it isn't really true, make it sound good! "I like the choice of your pilot domiciles", "I met a company pilot once and we talked about the airline. I was very impressed and have a favorable opinion of your company", "Pinnacle has an all jet fleet and I want to fly jets", "Colgan is a growing company" ect. Remember you are 'pre-interviewing' each other!

Dottie