First Corporate Interview

MSU Pilot

MSU Pilot

Well-Known Member
I received a call from a friend last week about a position open in a Citation for a First Officer and am heading up north for the interview this week. He is the chief pilot for the company and I have known him for about a year. I have never been to an interview of this magnitude before and would like some input of what to prepare for/bring along. I have had a few interviews (for flight instructing, small turbo-prop gigs, etc...) before but want to go into this one on top of my game. Any suggestions? Any information on what may be asked would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
I've never had q technical question in a strictly corp interview. I've had them at a fractional, so who knows.

They wouldn't have called you if they didn't think you were qualified. Most corp interviews are about your past, what you're all about, and what kind of a fit you are for the dept. Corp guys spend a lot of time together, they want to make sure they'll enjoy that time.

Know as much as you can about them, and be prepared to ask questions of them as well.
 
If the flight time in your profile is accurate, you are super duper low time, but don't go into the interview like they are giving you some special opportunity. Conduct yourself like a guy flying a corporate jet, and don't let them get the impression you need them more than they need you.

Talk about how you make things work/happen. I feel the most important quality of a corporate pilot is a guy or girl that can go out on the road, and make important decisions on his own, without always having to call back to the higher ups for guidance or advice.

As the first reply said, make sure to ask a lot of questions. Don't sell yourself short pay wise...They may say to you, well because of your low time, we're going to pay you less. Don't fall for it. If hired, you're doing the same job as the 5,000 hour pilot, so be paid as he or she would.

I also think it's important to express you are looking for a place to call home. You have no aspirations to run off to the airlines, and you don't care what kind of airplane you are flying. (You're not going to run off if you get to fly a bigger citation). Corporate aviation is where you wanna be.

Goodluck
 
I would just be yourself. I think your personality, as the Tron guy, will be a big bonus during the interview.

Good luck.
 
I agree with everything that MikeOH58 says. So rather than give you another several paragraphs to read ... just re-read his. :)
 
Thanks for the help guys. I do indeed have very low flight time and that's why I feel lost as what to expect. This has been great info though!
 
Wear a tie. (Obviously) You would be surprised that people have shown up to interviews with thousands of hours and they don't wear a tie (or it has a stain on it! You're being evaluated the second you walk in the door, so be interested, be yourself, and just be cool :cool:. Remember that you can take a second to think when you are given a "tell me about a time" question. And know a little about the company, "Why do you want to work here?"

The people who get picked at our company are generally personable and outgoing while still being humble.

And relax...they wouldn't be bringing you in if they didn't think they may want you....you'll do great!



(and don't tell the interviewer that you use "the force" when flying....yeah, I actually heard that in an interview, and no, he didn't get the job.)
 
No kidding!

It's funny what you hear in interviews sometime. I'll ditto the above remarks, be yourself, know your information, do a little research on the company, and if you don't know don't be afraid to say so. Humility is much better than mochismo. (especially if you guess wrong)
 
Mike's response was very good. I would add that you should also say that you enjoy dealing with people and enjoy variety and changes are not a problem for you as you are easily adaptable and will do what ever is needed at the time. Tell them you are flexible. Tell them you are looking for a stable environment and a long term position. Dress the part. Wear a suit and tie and be groomed up. Be friendly, outgoing, alert and professional. Act and look "together". Show them some personality but don't be over the top. Do some research on the company so that you have an idea about their operations. Be confident, but not overt. Just remember, you define the job, the job doesn't define you. I wish you the best of luck on your interview. Be sure to let us know how it goes.
 
It helps to go over some commonly asked interview questions so you're not sitting there for what feels like an eternity trying to come up with what you think is the best answer
 
You have a citation type, no? I would review the books on that one, give straight no nonsense answers on all questions be they technical, HR or WWYD. Also, what we all should do, be humble with a attitude of being always in learner's mode-super pilots turn most folks off.

The ability to be sat next to in a cockpit, or in a crew room is an important quality in either a corporate flight department, or the 135/121 world I guess.
 
Arrive 10-15 minutes early

Be well Groomed

Wear a suit and a tie

Research the company and know what you can about them and think of some quetions to ask them. (e.g. if they are involved in Breast Cancer ask them how they got involved in supporting that cause. Delta has a pink 757 that goes to airshows)

Have you Logbooks up to date and with you

Have letters of recommendation available

Do some basic research on the type of Citation they fly and learn some of the basic limitations on it.

Be yourself, Be Confident, I don't know if a legit answer if it is the truth. Don't try to BS them.

It may be over kill but you could make a small packet with your cover letter, resume, and letters of rec. Have about 10 copies and give it to each person that interviews you.
 
Interview complete - I find out "by" Monday when they return from a trip what the results are. Thanks for the help everyone!
 
It went well - we ended up flying a pop-up trip on the interview to Chicago and back. Didn't get to fly at all (obviously) but was able to build a good relationship on the way. They asked a lot of questions that you all mentioned like 1) tell us about yourself 2) tell us what you know about our company 3) what do you do to relieve stress 4) what do you think a co-pilot's duties are... You guys will be the first to know! (behind my mother, of course)
 
MSU Pilot said:
It went well - we ended up flying a pop-up trip on the interview to Chicago and back. Didn't get to fly at all (obviously) but was able to build a good relationship on the way. They asked a lot of questions that you all mentioned like 1) tell us about yourself 2) tell us what you know about our company 3) what do you do to relieve stress 4) what do you think a co-pilot's duties are... You guys will be the first to know! (behind my mother, of course)
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Hot damn!!! Keeping my fingers crossed for you!! Way to go!!!
 
MSU Pilot said:
It went well - we ended up flying a pop-up trip on the interview to Chicago and back. Didn't get to fly at all (obviously) but was able to build a good relationship on the way. They asked a lot of questions that you all mentioned like 1) tell us about yourself 2) tell us what you know about our company 3) what do you do to relieve stress 4) what do you think a co-pilot's duties are... You guys will be the first to know! (behind my mother, of course)
Click to expand...

Great to hear! My first (only) corp interview went the same way. I got a call the night before saying if I was interested in the job to show up the next morning for a day trip to MDW. The interview was basically an all day experience along with some flying mixed in. The next day I was invited to fly to FWA. Then the rest was good from there. My first real trip was to IAD. The first "big" airport I have been to, that was eye-opening!
 
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