GETTING A JOB IN AVIATION
The typical “How to Get a Job” book comes with ten bullet points, chapters or ideas. This article is a five minute shortcut to three basic steps that will help you land a job in aviation – or any other industry.
STEP ONE – PREPARE: With the prolonged downturn in the general economy people are discouraged at every level of preparation. Current applicants get up tight with the daunting thought of preparation during such difficult economic times. So, many aviation dreamers give up before starting but then this weeds out the chaff; however, all of us in the aviation industry have weathered these cycles every eight to ten years. I am amazed at the percentage of college graduates flooding the market place who have never held a job of any sort, yet alone one in aviation … they think they have to be FULLY prepared before they enter the workforce. Actually, the marketplace needs more help on the entry level than at the top. Yes, preparation can even include getting a job now. While Neil Armstrong eventually needed graduate training in helicopters before he could land the Eagle on the moon, his preparation began well before he hired on as Astronaut. Life is a continual process of preparing. Remember, wherever you are in the formal education process you are already qualified for some level of employment. Start working, becoming actively involved in an aviation enterprise or volunteering somewhere now!
Most of these early positions are known as OJT, on the job training. No, you don’t find washing aircraft, answering phones or painting hangars in college course catalogs but they are often considered of greater value than Greek, Latin or Art Appreciation … plus most pay gas money. The real payment comes from getting your feet on an airfield or in a business associated with aviation; here you will better learn the required steps, licenses and education necessary to achieve your next goal. How to get this position is the obvious question, it begins with step two …
STEP TWO – PROSPECT: Prospecting is apparently a dirty word today . . . covered in blood, sweat and tears of old miners and prospectors. Society has replaced that term with “networking”. Networking sounds much cooler, “new gen” and professional. The truth is that “networking” gives the applicant a mental out to hide behind a computer terminal or cell phone, not getting dirty, sweaty and bruised in the battlefield called prospecting. Life style networking or prospecting is hard work but isn’t that just what you want … work? Keep in mind, generally employers will hire someone out of the last two or three applicants they have met. While prospecting may start from the digital world, your task is to present your warm body in front of potential employers. The secret is to maximize your effectiveness. Be selective, target a few candidates. Depending on your current credentials you need to continually prospect for:
• Mentors – develop two to three at various levels above your current situation. Approach these individuals through casual contact, most will count it a compliment when asked to become a coach in your career.
• Training Facilities – need to be evaluated as you learn of different educational requirements. College and some aviation training such as flight and maintenance schools can be quite expensive and should be closely examined for effectiveness and cost. Some may require a high degree of time, expense and travel … matrimony may need to be a later goal. There is always a variety of lower cost options available ranging from on the job training, National Guard, military, scholarships and employer funded programs. Beware of commercial or university schools offering training, check their RECENT placement and graduate success.
• Employment Opportunities – should be continually mined for your next level of interest. For instance, a new commercial/instructor pilot or mechanic may consider service with the Drug Enforcement Agency or a local airport operator (FBO) … before seeking corporate, charter or airline opportunities. To find these elusive positions, first list potential options from trade associations, periodicals, mentor recommendations, desired locations, etc. Then select a handful of targets, learn all you can about the top three and establish a strategic avenue of entry into these three agencies through their normal application process. It may be as simple as walking into a local airport business or as formidable as running the wickets of a major corporation.
While you may be fortunate to be hired on your first cold call, odds are that your résumé (short, one page) will join a stack awaiting computer input or the wastebasket. The typical candidate stops right here and waits for the job to arrive by internet, mail or cell phone. After rejection, “we-will-call-you” slips or none of the above arrive, it is time to storm their fortress. Be imaginative, end run well established receptionists and barricades. Instead, locate persons within their ranks … they are your grappling hook to climb inside.
STEP THREE – PERSIST: Disciplined follow up requires bulldog persistence. Gracious, well structured and correctly spelled “thank you” letters or calls acknowledging their conversations, letters and interviews should flow from you automatically. The key at this point or even before the initial application process is to search for an in-house contact. You may know someone or of someone in the organization. Merely contact them and inquire who might be the best person to talk to within the organization to find out what manpower needs the company might have in your area of interest … their name alone may open the door.
Even if you are scaling the wall cold turkey, a simple call to their receptionist asking for Flight Operations or Maintenance will get you to the desk of a knowledgeable person. When they answer, be ready to write down their name, treasure it. Amiably introduce yourself, tell them of your interest in working for their company and ask who might be the best person to call. Then ask for their phone number. Their worst response will be to call Human Resources but you can explain you have already been there and while waiting you are trying to learn more about their company. Most will chat with you or send you on up the line … for another introduction and name. “Persistence” sounds pushy, it is … but gracious persistence can show interest, desire and aptitude to get their work done. Through these calls, letters, cards and visits they will get to know you. Before an actual interview, practice with your mentors to become polished and relaxed, this will pay dividends. Even if the company doesn’t have what you are looking for at this time they may remember you for the next position that is a fit. A company will first hire those who they know; they don’t want to go though another hiring process either. Continue to persist with occasional follow up.
If you haven’t secured a job by this time … remember, all eggs are not in one basket, you have implemented this procedure on at least three companies. If one falls out of contention (you may learn of pending bankruptcy, no opportunity or that it does not meet your interest) immediately replace it with the next company on your list. I have seen the truth of my Flight Instructor’s final lesson, “There will always be hundreds of people looking for jobs in aviation … but there will always be one for those who can and will do the work”. Happy hunting!
Thanks for your five minute read. Please add any comments or suggestions below you might feel helpful for an aviation job applicant.
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