resumes

sbe

sbe

Well-Known Member
I have a question in regards to resumes. Not specifically a strict pilot's resume, but one that serves dual purposes. I have 10 years of graphic design experience that obviously dominates my current resume. As a CSEL-IA pilot working on my initial CFI right now, I currently have my flying accomplishments under 'interests'. But, not only is my 'interests' section clear at the bottom, flying has gone beyond a mere 'interest' at this point as I aspire to 'profession' (and in a few months my CFI).

Anyone ever have a 'dual-purpose' resume like this? Should I have two versions of my resume? I'm always keeping my eyes open for bigger and better things in the design department, so want to keep a focus on that. But also want to make the flying more prominent. Not only for potential flying work, but also because it looks impressive to prospective employers in the non-aviation realm.

Any ideas? TIA for your help.

Sarah
 
You need two different resumes. The resume you give a prospective employer needs to be career-specific. If you're applying for a flying job, your flying needs to be the 'focus' of that resume. If you're applying for a graphic arts job, your experience in design needs to be the focus.

I've got 3 different resumes. Flight Attendant, Instructor, and Supervisor. They are very similar, but each tweaked a bit to define each specific position and my experience with each.
 
Definitely have different resumes for each career path. I have only listed positions which are flying related (ramp, customer service, intern, instructor, pilot), and not any other jobs. In my "activities" section, I only listed leadership and aviation activities. Should I apply for another career (like customer service), I'd have to adjust it somewhat.

You could have 10 different resumes. Just need to fit each for the employer you are trying to reach.
 
FlyChicaga makes a good point:

When I do my pilot resume', should I list all my former employers (law firms) for the past 10 years there, or should I not put anything that's not aviation-related???

Any ideas?
 
List mainly aviation-related things.

However, it is a good idea to have your last one or two jobs listed one there, regardless of whether or not they're flying jobs. Especially if you're applying for your first flying job, and you have no employment history in aviation.

When the company is ready to see your 10-year history, for the background check, they'll ask for it. That 10-year history is *every* job you've ever had for the past ten years, regardless of the field. I keep my history updated in a Word file on my computer, with a disk back-up and a hard copy in my fire-safe box.
 
It depends. You'll want to show that you haven't been unemployed living at home for the past 20 years, but also show that you do have many things to offer the company. Using your current career and jobs associated with it to show leadership, teamwork, etc., all those things which are good qualities for a captain/pilot, you'll want to enhance.
 
I think that both of you (SBE and R2F) need two different resumes. For the pilot resume, I would summarize all of your non-aviation related experience in a few bullet points at the bottom just to show them that you haven't been sitting around doing nothing since you graduated from college.

R2F, I know that you did a lot of that when you were an intern on the Hill (how'd ya like reserving those softball fields?) but don't advertise that.
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Sarah, I'd do something that highlights your part time work experience flying and training horses. I think that shows that you've got initiative and when you go and apply for a job they'll jump all over it. Thinking about HNTB?
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Just my two cents based on my experience with corporate America. I'll let someone else address the pilot resume in detail.
 
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That 10-year history is *every* job you've ever had for the past ten years, regardless of the field. I keep my history updated in a Word file on my computer, with a disk back-up and a hard copy in my fire-safe box.

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Cool! With the exception of the fire-safe box, I do the same thing. I just completed my updated 10-year history and saved it to disc for future reference.

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R2F, I know that you did a lot of that when you were an intern on the Hill (how'd ya like reserving those softball fields?) but don't advertise that.

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HEEEEEYYYY! I did REALLY important work as an intern on the Hill..... like answer constituant mail.... sort mail..... mail mail......copy stuff..... get... coffee.....

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Yeah, I know - While the internship looks somewhat impressive, I basically just list it as an Honor/scholarship, because that's what it was = a scholarship (paid internship).
 
Thanks everyone. I was thinking two resumes. Having just finished updating my resume, while it is becoming fairly impressive, my flying resume will be oh, about a quarter of a page.
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Ah well.

And Tony....HNTB? Who knows.
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I'm just thinking about casually looking around. Not in a huge hurry to switch, just looking for better compensation if I can. Since I'll be CFI'ing part time eves/weekends, I'll be in a design position for at least a few years anyhow, so might as well make the best of it.

Thanks again...will get to work on my oh-so-illustrious flying resume.

Sarah
 
One page is good, You want to try and keep it as compact as possible. Nobody is going to want and read a book when sifting through tons of resumes. my .02 worth.
 
Like was said above, try to keep it to one page. I wouldn't totally neglect non-aviation experience, but I would keep it to a miniumum. Put your aviation experience (hours etc) at the top of the resume. List any jobs that you feel may prepare you for the aviation job, and list the qualities of the job that prepared you for that. I was a trainer at all the theme parks, so that goes on my resume since it shows that I have "instructing" experience already. I was also an ride lead, so that gave my experience as someone that has to make spot decisions that deal with safety. If you want a layout, Doug has his resume on the web site. I "borrowed" the layout for my Technical Report Writing class, and it landed me an A. Thanks Doug.
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