Early job hunting

T

tje927

Well-Known Member
I am wondering if many people started looking for jobs before they were qualified. I have been knocking on doors and asking around about CFI jobs. Only problem is: I am not a CFI and don't even have a commercial license, yet. But, I am planning on having both in the next couple months. On the upside, many of the people I have contacted have stated that they are interested. Could be the fact that I was previously a teacher and might do a decent job or the fact that I am actually asking before I am even qualified. Either way, I'm not sure how to press forward.

I have been upfront with any potential employers about where I am in the process. But, they ask me for a resume. Should I give them a resume with past non-aviation experience? It is mostly in education, so it is at least somewhat relevant to CFI. Or should I just ask to meet with them in person in lieu of a resume?

Thanks for your help.
 
Personally, I'd wait until I got my CFI taken care of.

I walked into an FBO on a friday and had my first student on Saturday. Now if I told the chief pilot that, "Ooops! Well, give me a few months!" that opportunity is long gone.
 
Yeah, I see what you mean. I guess the problem for me is that I am relocating to a new area in Sept. and really need to find some sort of employment as soon as possible when I move. So, I am somewhat obsessively jumping the gun in order to put myself in a good situation. I figured it wouldn't hurt to get my name out there. But, you are probably right. I should wait.
 
How about for someone already employed in a pilot job looking to move on or up. How soon is too soon to start feeling out the waters?
 
I was hired for my first CFI job two weeks before taking the checkride. I was upfront and honest with the schools I was contacting that I didn't have it yet and what my planned competition date was. Turned out one school had a guy leaving in that same time frame so the owner interviewed me and flew with me and offered me a job for when I completed my checkride. He even helped me prep for the oral for free.
 
I was offered my CFI job a few weeks before my ride. I had done all my training at this particular airport, and was there almost everyday, so my boss got to know me. He said if I got my CFI I'd have a job, and in fact I gave my first hour of dual about 30minutes after my CFI checkride. I think the ink was literally still wet on my certificate haha
 
Derg said:
Personally, I'd wait until I got my CFI taken care of.

I walked into an FBO on a friday and had my first student on Saturday. Now if I told the chief pilot that, "Ooops! Well, give me a few months!" that opportunity is long gone.
Click to expand...

It is never to early to start networking. He could introduce himself and explain the situation.
 
mojo6911 said:
It is never to early to start networking. He could introduce himself and explain the situation.
Click to expand...

Network, of course. Early, often and repeatedly.

However I probably wouldn't specifically network for a CFI job, I'd just build contacts that understand that I'm a "career-oriented" up-and-comer. So what way when I get the CFI, it's a smoother transition from "Hey, how's that F-33 working out on leaseback" to "BTW, I've got a fresh CFI and I'm looking for employment"
 
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