How to stand out at a Job Fair and ask smart questions.

Rodger Wilco

Rodger Wilco

Well-Known Member
What are some intelligent questions and talking points that I can ask a recruiter at a job fair? Im assuming they would like to see that you know something about the airline and you have insightful questions about the future.

Standard and boring question; how can I be a more competitive applicant, and how can I get hired?

I am assuming that they are pretty sick of that question and that it would not really set me apart from the masses. Although in reality, that is the only real question I have.

I’m not really sure what else to ask. So… you like planes and stuff? Hiring lots this year, cool. That 737-Max, bad eh? …
 
Ask something that circles back to you.

As a mil guy, I’d ask about mil leave and if they have a program set up in case I have to deploy, for example.
YOU also have to come up with stuff. It’s like introducing your buddy to a single hot chick friend. Only so much I can do, you’re going to have to impress her with your attributes.
 
Rodger Wilco said:
What are some intelligent questions and talking points that I can ask a recruiter at a job fair? Im assuming they would like to see that you know something about the airline and you have insightful questions about the future.

Standard and boring question; how can I be a more competitive applicant, and how can I get hired?

I am assuming that they are pretty sick of that question and that it would not really set me apart from the masses. Although in reality, that is the only real question I have.

I’m not really sure what else to ask. So… you like planes and stuff? Hiring lots this year, cool. That 737-Max, bad eh? …
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What do you mean intelligent questions? How much are you going to stand out compared to the other 2,000+ applicants at a job fair? You're all pilots, all have ATPs, all meet or exceed the mins. You can highlight your 'extra' stuff like checkairman, volunteer work, but whatever you say, it's an extremely high chance that someone else has already said it.


I heard some of these interview prep companies are offering JOB FAIR PREP. LOL that's pathetic.
 
Cherokee_Cruiser said:
What do you mean intelligent questions? How much are you going to stand out compared to the other 2,000+ applicants at a job fair? You're all pilots, all have ATPs, all meet or exceed the mins. You can highlight your 'extra' stuff like checkairman, volunteer work, but whatever you say, it's an extremely high chance that someone else has already said it.


I heard some of these interview prep companies are offering JOB FAIR PREP. LOL that's pathetic.
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Ok Mr Perfect. There's no reason to look down on people from your high perch. Some people just aren't as awesome as you. They just like to be prepared. You don't have to be so damn condescending to people. Jesus.
 
ASpilot2be said:
Ok Mr Perfect. There's no reason to look down on people from your high perch. Some people just aren't as awesome as you. They just like to be prepared. You don't have to be so damn condescending to people. Jesus.
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You missed my point. I'm making fun of these things for the very reason the OP just questioned about. Because there is no right answer and because you can't. In a perfect world, these things wouldn't exist.
 
Have something succinct and appropriate to say about yourself and your background. Engage with the other person as a human being and have a conversation. Answer any questions about yourself. Don’t make up pointless questions that you already have or should have the answer to because you’ve done your research about the company.
 
This should be without saying but you need to research every potential employer that you will meet at the job fair. Look up recent news for that operator, whether it be new bases, aircraft orders, ect ect ect. And figure out a question relating to current events. Also realize that you may be talking to someone from HR or you might talk to a pilot, so a simple question like "what is reserve life like?" a pilot will be able to answer easily, someone from HR won't have a clue. Generally the recruiter will ask the majority of the questions, your resume will tell your career story, the questions that will be asked of you are so the recruiter will get to know you as a person. You could have 50 type ratings and 10 space shuttle landings and not be hired if your an •. You're not just selling your experience, you are also selling yourself.

The tough part of job fairs is seperating yourself from the rest of the herd. What makes you a better fit than everyone else? And what can you do that will make this recruiter remember you? For example I designed and had stainless steel business cards made, and I clipped them to my resume, and did the same in my interviews which linked me back to the job fair. It was a great talking point and icebreaker. It's little touches like this that I feel made me stand out among my peers and made the only job fair I attended a successful one.
 
Cherokee_Cruiser said:
You missed my point. I'm making fun of these things for the very reason the OP just questioned about. Because there is no right answer and because you can't. In a perfect world, these things wouldn't exist.
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What? Lol. Job fair prep is a real thing. Not everyone is naturally equipped or prepared for the type of casual social situation / informal business opportunity. It’s a completely different skill set (socially-speaking) from doing well in an actual interview.

You’re preparing for a multi-million dollar job. I don’t scoff at anyone who is willing to do what it takes to prepare accordingly. Despite the retirements the top-tier legacy pilot jobs are still competitive. If you aren’t willing to do what it takes to prepare there is always someone else who will.
 
I don’t think the recruiters can answer the question “how can I get hired” so don’t ask it. Sell yourself, don’t ask how you can be bought. Tell them about your resume like you’re telling them a story. Highlight your accomplishments, talk about your goals, and make working for their carrier one of those goals.
 
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