Career Talk: Tips For Getting Your First Pilot Job

You recently earned your commercial pilot license, and you are prepared to take on the job market. However, landing your first flying job can be challenging. Most employers typically demand or require experience before hiring a pilot, even in situations where there is a shortage of pilots, such as the current one. When you need your first job to gain experience to get a pilot position, it’s a difficult situation. Here are some tips to improve your chances and also use a resume builder for making your resume.

Your best option is to obtain a certificate as a flight instructor.

The most common low-paying pilot employment is flight instruction. After putting in so much time and effort to earn your commercial certificate, you might not want to hear that you could need more certificates or that you might not like the concept of working as a teacher. But working as a flight instructor gives you the best chance of getting an entry-level position. Furthermore, having flight instruction experience is viewed positively by potential employers. Going the flying instructor path will position you for both immediate and long-term success.

Continue your flight training.

As far as your budget will allow, obtain recommendations and ratings for as many different kinds of aircraft as you can fly. Any additional effort you put on will increase the value and credentials you offer a potential employer.

Examine the industry for pilot careers.

You must be aware of where jobs are located and what qualifications businesses require. Don’t just stick to the location where you now reside because doing so will restrict your choices and decrease your chances of obtaining the ideal employer. You will be hired for the position faster if you are aware of what added experience or credentials you must have to be competitive.

Make a decent pilot resume and cover letter.

The key to gaining a job as a pilot is to have a resume that is both professional and well-written. The level of care and effort you invest in your employment documentation will determine how well you perform. You should introduce yourself and explain why you wish to work for the company in your cover letter, which is an opportunity to provide information that is not included in your resume.

The key lies in networking.

When given the option, employers favor pilot applicants who have an endorsement from a current employee. They are much less willing to gamble on the individual. Many positions will be filled by word-of-mouth rather than being advertised to the general public. Participate in the aviation industry. Locate volunteer opportunities, aviation-related events, and organizations. Do not limit your networking to pilots or pilot managers; network with anybody you can. Keep in touch with your flight instructors; they are immediately ahead of you in the pilot career and are also striving to move up.

Treat each interaction with a future employer like a job interview.

Every time you communicate with someone at a company, you are being examined. That person may be evaluating your credentials, your strengths, or whether they would like to collaborate with you. Even if they are not actively involved, people will still likely share their impressions with those who are present. Always be respectful and professional.

Learn how to stay calm.

If you can learn to relax when speaking with an employer, you’ll perform better and make a better impression. Keep in mind that if an employer contacts you, they want you to fill the position and are looking for reasons why you would be a good fit. Know your worth and the contributions you can make. It could be beneficial to conduct mock interviews with family members or friends or to research pilot interviews.

Always be positive.

Job searching can be demanding and exhausting. It might also get discouraging if your hunt takes longer than you anticipated. If you allow this to bring you down, it can show in the way you talk to potential employers and lessen your chances of being hired. Be aware that many individuals before you have tried to get jobs in hiring situations that are more difficult than the ones we face today. Keep a positive outlook and be willing to continue if you desire to land your first pilot job.

Ravi Barot
Ravi Barot

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