Help...

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New Member
Hi,
I'm in a desperate situation right now, maybe one that a few of you might be in as well... and wondering if anyone can shed some light on my situation, or offer any helpful tips.

I am currently at 680 TT and 50 ME. In the past months, I've applied to every single regional out there, with the exception of a select few that I know to have strict mins like RAH. Not one of them is calling me.

I know some people will jump on me for coming off like I'm entitled or something. I would like to emphasize that I don't feel entitled to a regional job just because I meet the (low) mins for several airlines. I realize that I am relatively low time. (I say "relatively" because nowadays, "low time" has a new meaning as you all know.)

My frustration stems from the fact that there are many others with similiar hours or even less who are getting hired by various regionals. I know numerous people who got hired with less time (both TT and ME) than I have. This doesn't even count all the people in this forum who post about either getting hired low time themselves or hearing of friends/strangers/etc. getting hired with low time. Sure, some of them are able to get on at 250 TT because their flight school had a bridge program... but there are lots of others who are getting hired with 600-700 who didn't go through a bridge. My best friend just got picked up by a certain redtail regional with about a hundred less hours than I have. (I'd ask him to walk my resume in, but he hasn't even started class yet.) I also ran into an acquaintance yesterday who told me that his airline had to delay a flight one hour waiting for him because they simply didn't have any other FOs to call. That's how short they are! (This happens to be one of the regionals that I meet the mins for btw, and yet isn't calling me despite their FO shortage.) Everyone is screaming "so and so is SHORT ON FOs!!!! reserve is nonexistent! sign-on bonuses! FOs are flying 90 hours a month! etc etc"

I've waited several months now (I know some who got called within hours of submitting their resume... they had similiar hours as me), and I'm starting to beat myself up... after all, what the heck is wrong with me that no one will call? (For the record, I don't have any criminal background/FAA violations and my driving record is free of even a single speeding ticket.) Even Mesa and TSA who suppposedly hire super low timers aren't calling.

I don't have the 135 mins to apply to various part 135s out there. I've been actively searching miscellaneous jobs (like tour/pipeline/etc) so I can build some more hours in the meantime and hopefully become more competitive for the regionals... but so far none of those have called me back either.

I'm so discouraged and wondering what I could be doing differently. Getting desperate because I need a job very soon, am becoming broke rapidly. I considered taking on a non-flying job but I don't want to lose my currency, which would make it even harder for me get a flying job later on. Can anyone offer words of advice?
 
Howdy.

I think you left out the part about networking! That's probably the most important part of your job search.

No matter how short the company is on pilots, networking is still key. You made a great start by signing up at Jetcareers. What part of the country are you in?
 
Half of what you hear about minimums is BS.

Just keep after it and like Doug said, get to know people in the business. That will open a lot of doors right there.

Subscribe to some of the job search websites and also have some people take a look at your cover letters and resume. Make sure they are personal and sent to the right people. You can't just fire of several resumes and see what sticks. There are tons of jobs out there, you just need to change your approach a little I think. You have taken the first step by coming here and asking for help.
 
To add on, do some virtual handshakes in the forum. Ask lots of questions and keep your ears wide open.

Where/how are you currently building time today? and DON'T stop building flight time because you match some mins.
 
dougtaylor, thank you for the welcome. I'm on the east coast... I think you work for Comair, is that correct? I would love to go there for the JFK base but alas they haven't called me either. (I know I'm 50 ME short of their 100 ME min, but I know a few people who got hired with same TT/ME as me.)

as far my current job goes.. I have none. (right now I'm supporting myself on savings from my last job which ended not too long ago.) Thus, my added desperation - no income and with each day that passes, my currency decreases. That is why I'm looking for a timebuilding job in the meantime to hold me off... but those are kind of elusive. Traffic watch or pipeline patrol jobs that I came across are out in Cali, Vegas, or Texas. The costs of flying over for the interview (with not even a guarantee of a job of course) and then subsequently moving out there would outweigh the income that I could earn from those jobs in a few months (these jobs net only $1000-1500 at MOST a month). At least with airline interviews most provide the space avail ticket. Still, I'm willing to relocate across the country if that's what it comes down to... except they aren't even responding to my resumes. Though, I do agree with desertdog that I can't just be firing off a bunch of resumes... I think I have been guilty of some of that, and need to change that.

and the "professional pilot" comment.. well, I considered myself a "professional pilot" since I started flying for my first commercial job... which also gave me plenty of real life "aviator" experience.. so I'm not sure what you're talking about?
 
Two words man, Networking and Time building!!! If you dont have a job then look for one. If times are tough getting a flying job either for the regionals or just to build time then work for an airline as a ramper or customer service.Yes the pay is not all that great but your foot is in the door, your networking, plus collecting income. Show your face, meet people and before you know it you'll be in the right seat of an airliner. You must keep a positive mind set untill you succedd and you know this! This is my mentality all day every day and I'm still a student pilot! Good luck!
 
Brother - I am sitting in the same boat as you hours-wise but was lucky enough to get a job out here in HI flying SIC in the fabulous, manly flying box in my avatar. Throw me a PM and I will fill you in on the details. Like FrankieG said, Keep your head up and keep posting on here...we'll get to know you and if you don't piss anybody off, you might just get a letter of recomendation and a couple of great friends out of it. I know it feels like you are never done paying dues but sometimes the price is just a little more than you expected...but totally worth the cost. Good luck and let us know what's happening. P.S. You didn't mention if you had a CFI, II, or MEI. Are you qualified?
 
I apologize if I missed it, but I didn't read where you said you had followed up with your resume?! Have you called to confirm the places you're applying have received your resume? Talked to recruiters at job fairs, anything and everything to get your name out there and keep it in front of them.

Just a suggestion...good luck out there.
 
Best thing ever said to me about networking ... "Job hunting itself is a full time job!"

I haven't actually met anyone on JC, but been here for a year now, and I can see the camaraderie bridging all over the place. You picked an EXCELLENT place to forward your career!
 
I second what tx...I mean stone cold said. When I was applying to companies I emailed, faxed, and snail mailed my resume if it was possible to all the carriers I could.

It's not all about hours. Some things to consider:
  • College? Grades?
  • Lack of recent employment history could be tough to do a background check on you - if you go something like 30 days without a job you will need some letters of reference from upstanding members of the community to back up your claim
  • What class of medical do you have? Is it current? Jobs will require at least a 1st class medical within the past 12 months, most within 6.
  • Do you have a current passport?
  • Do you have an FCC license?
  • ATP written complete?
Keep in mind, even though companies are short on FO's there is never a shortage of people applying to the company. I was doing my job search in a much more competitive environment (compared to now!) back in 2005 and I was called to interview by a lot of carriers where I didn't know anyone - so networking is important but with all the hiring going on it isn't necessary IMO. But it is one of those things that helps differentiate you from all the other applicants and will put you on top of everyone else.
 
gypsimac said:
I haven't actually met anyone on JC, but been here for a year now, and I can see the camaraderie bridging all over the place. You picked an EXCELLENT place to forward your career!
Click to expand...

Yes, no kidding. I can't believe how nice you guys are here. I browse other forums once in a while and all they seem to do is argue.
Well, I have good news though... I just saved a bunch of money by switching to Geico! jk, after all that whining, and only several hours after I made the above post, I got offered interviews by TWO regionals! that is weird how it works.. months of desperation and dry spell and suddenly, two call in one day. I'm ECSTATIC, and they are actually my top two choices! :nana2:
time to start studying my butt off now, that would be the biggest shame in the world if I finally managed to get the interview but didn't pass!
 
pic said:
Yes, no kidding. I can't believe how nice you guys are here. I browse other forums once in a while and all they seem to do is argue.
Well, I have good news though... I just saved a bunch of money by switching to Geico! jk, after all that whining, and only several hours after I made the above post, I got offered interviews by TWO regionals! that is weird how it works.. months of desperation and dry spell and suddenly, two call in one day. I'm ECSTATIC, and they are actually my top two choices! :nana2:
time to start studying my butt off now, that would be the biggest shame in the world if I finally managed to get the interview but didn't pass!
Click to expand...

That's awesome on the interviews!!! But don't be a stranger here now. There's a lot of cool people here, as you've seen, and they are more than willing to help you out. Relationships you forge now can help you down the road.
 
pic said:
dougtaylor, thank you for the welcome. I'm on the east coast... I think you work for Comair, is that correct? I would love to go there for the JFK base but alas they haven't called me either. (I know I'm 50 ME short of their 100 ME min, but I know a few people who got hired with same TT/ME as me.)
Click to expand...

Umm, no. But I do think they have orders to shoot me on the spot! ;) :sarcasm:

If you have your CFI, there are a number of companies that are thirsty for new recruits. You're going to need to stay current and there are always fantastic networking opportunities as well. Make sure you check in the "Jobs Available" section.

At this point you have low time. Low time in addition to not actively flying is a rapidly accelerating catch-22 that you need to avoid. Been there, done that, bought the t-shirt!

The best place, at your experience level, to be sending out resumes is from an FBO in-between students in my humble opinion.

That way, in the interim, you're building flight time, making networking contacts, earning money and keeping your head up because 'career depression' and losing hope is not a good thing.

Also, how old are you? Have you thought about the Air National Guard?
 
As an old-timer, I would reiterate that it is as much who you know as what you know that moves you forward in the world. No one is entitled.
 
pic said:
Well, I have good news though... I just saved a bunch of money by switching to Geico! jk, after all that whining, and only several hours after I made the above post, I got offered interviews by TWO regionals! that is weird how it works.. months of desperation and dry spell and suddenly, two call in one day. I'm ECSTATIC, and they are actually my top two choices! :nana2:
Click to expand...

In addition to the VERY good advice about networking, there's one other thing I really recommend to help you with your interviews. Go to the website of each company you are interviewing with. Look for things like "core values", "company culture," and things like that. See what is important to those companies and make sure that your answers in the interview line up with those values.

Also learn everything you can about the company. If they are buying planes, know what they are. If they are changing routes, find out what they are and why they are changing. If you go into the interview showing that you are as interested in the company as the employees are, that makes a big impression. I saw that in aviation and non-aviation job interviews.

Finally, don't be afraid to ask questions. If you are curious about company culture, quality of life, work schedules, ask BEFORE you're hire. Also, ask how soon you can expect to start work (showing confidence that they WILL want to hire you).

Just RELAX and be yourself. If you "put on a face" at an interview, and then after you're hired you act differently, a) they'll be sorry they hired you, and b) you'll probably be miserable.

Good luck!
 
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