Why should we hire you?

S

Skyway

Well-Known Member
Good evening all,

Looking to move on from regional airline flying. If I am am fortunate enough to ever receive an interview invite to the next level of flying for a legacy carrier, would like to know how some pilots would respond to the question, why should we hire you over the other qualified pilots interviewing as well? I have managed to come up with a couple of what I believe to be good, quality answers, however would like to read a couple other examples please.

I feel like this could be a challenging question because, I would not know all of the candidates, whom may very well be more qualified in terms of hours, and experience. I only have 6,000 total time, and of that just over 1,000 PIC turbine, with 5 type ratings. Do have an Associates, and Bachelor degree as well.

Appreciate any, and all feedback, thank you.
 
There is no best answer to this question, there is no right or wrong answer to this question. Be humble and honest and tell them why you think they should hire you, not some pre programed answer that someone told you to tell them.
 
C00C6918-BED5-4667-A784-AF5E22103049.jpeg
 
Skyway said:
Good evening all,

Looking to move on from regional airline flying. If I am am fortunate enough to ever receive an interview invite to the next level of flying for a legacy carrier, would like to know how some pilots would respond to the question, why should we hire you over the other qualified pilots interviewing as well? I have managed to come up with a couple of what I believe to be good, quality answers, however would like to read a couple other examples please.

I feel like this could be a challenging question because, I would not know all of the candidates, whom may very well be more qualified in terms of hours, and experience. I only have 6,000 total time, and of that just over 1,000 PIC turbine, with 5 type ratings. Do have an Associates, and Bachelor degree as well.

Appreciate any, and all feedback, thank you.
Click to expand...

All you have to do is “know yourself” and give your >>>own<<< answer.

I know my truth is that I’m basically going to be the same guy in ten years that’s sitting in the interview room today.

I can’t tell you how many guys are all roses, sunshine and “Yessir/No Sir” that a few scant months after probation is up, are negative, bitchy and entitled. Don’t be that guy.
 
If after day 2 and the other guy/gal wants to choke you out, maybe you won’t fit here. Don’t be that guy and you’re probably gonna be offered a job.
 
Derg said:
All you have to do is “know yourself” and give your >>>own<<< answer.

I know my truth is that I’m basically going to be the same guy in ten years that’s sitting in the interview room today.

I can’t tell you how many guys are all roses, sunshine and “Yessir/No Sir” that a few scant months after probation is up, are negative, bitchy and entitled. Don’t be that guy.
Click to expand...

Interview prep: polishing turds with snake oil!
 
Have your own reasons that you can qualify with your own experiences. Highlight traits about YOU that you will bring to the company, and try to tie that into how you would be good fit for their company. Essentially you’re telling them why they should hire you as well as why you’re passionate about working there. This answer is different for everyone so probably no one is going to give you any canned answers.

Just ask yourself these questions. “Why do I want to work at this company? What specifically about me makes me a good fit for this company’s personality, mission, culture, etc.? What experiences and qualities will I bring to this company that they value?”

In essence this is your chance to sell yourself, and tell them why you want to work there. Those two things are closely linked together.
 
  1. Is the applicant legally qualified?
  2. Is the applicant experienced enough to do the job?
  3. Do they strike me as someone who has integrity?
  4. Do they follow procedure and attempt to fly as safely as possible?
  5. Will I want to suck-start a shotgun if I have to sit next to this person for an extended period of time?
This is basically the list of questions I ask myself when I interview someone. If I can't satisfactorily answer those questions, I don't hire them.
 
Skyway said:
Good evening all,

Looking to move on from regional airline flying. If I am am fortunate enough to ever receive an interview invite to the next level of flying for a legacy carrier, would like to know how some pilots would respond to the question, why should we hire you over the other qualified pilots interviewing as well? I have managed to come up with a couple of what I believe to be good, quality answers, however would like to read a couple other examples please.

I feel like this could be a challenging question because, I would not know all of the candidates, whom may very well be more qualified in terms of hours, and experience. I only have 6,000 total time, and of that just over 1,000 PIC turbine, with 5 type ratings. Do have an Associates, and Bachelor degree as well.

Appreciate any, and all feedback, thank you.
Click to expand...
"Because I'll show up on time, in uniform and sober, and fly your airplanes to the destinations indicated in the flight plans given to me." ???

Most hiring entities want some hero story up front... and a stoic, pain-tolerant working stiff out back.
 
Well, I bombed my only legacy interview so far, so maybe do the exactly opposite of what I say but...
My answer (when I get my next shot...) will be because I will be well liked by my coworkers, I'm easy going, dependable, and loyal. When I upgrade, I'll set a positive example, I'll treat my FO's with kindness and mentor-ship, and a healthy heaping of patience and guidance. I'll always protect the brand and maintain a professional image and make sure professionalism is upheld to the highest degree. Because I bring something unique to the table through my background and non-aviation jobs, between teaching coworkers the real secrets of always providing excellent customer service, managing a highly successful sales department, and copious amounts of volunteer ALPA work to leave my current carrier better and safer than how I found it. I'll do the same thing at the next shop: Hire me because I'll be the guy that ASAPs a safety problem when 99 others will just do what they've always done because that's how they've always done it. I'll do the right thing, even when it's the difficult thing. I won't always do everything perfectly, and when I don't, I'll own my mistakes, and learn from them and help others to do the same. I'll protect the profession to the best of my ability and look to inspire, guide, and lead the next generation of aviators.

As for the hours, don't sell yourself short. More or less hours of airplaning (depending on what that even entails) correlates very weakly to any sort of ability to get through training, fly the airplane well, and not be a total jerk to your coworkers. To me, "I have all of the hours" would not be a strong selling point.
 
Maybe keep the answer shorter and sweeter? Tailor it to the job you're interviewing for. FedEx? Hire me because I am dependable, responsible, and I'm a solid pilot (then give one or two short examples for each). They need you to be where you are supposed to be to move the freight, they don't want guys to make stupid decisions at work or at the layover, and they need guys that can fly safely at 4 am. Jetblue? Hire me because I love your product, I live in/want to spend more time in your focus city, and I will be a great brand ambassador. Then give short examples. Just keep it short, sweet, and easy for the interviewer to digest while maintaining some originality. No one is the perfect candidate for every job and they're not asking for a dissertation.
 
Dphoenix said:
Well, I bombed my only legacy interview so far, so maybe do the exactly opposite of what I say but...
My answer (when I get my next shot...) will be because I will be well liked by my coworkers, I'm easy going, dependable, and loyal. When I upgrade, I'll set a positive example, I'll treat my FO's with kindness and mentor-ship, and a healthy heaping of patience and guidance. I'll always protect the brand and maintain a professional image and make sure professionalism is upheld to the highest degree. Because I bring something unique to the table through my background and non-aviation jobs, between teaching coworkers the real secrets of always providing excellent customer service, managing a highly successful sales department, and copious amounts of volunteer ALPA work to leave my current carrier better and safer than how I found it. I'll do the same thing at the next shop: Hire me because I'll be the guy that ASAPs a safety problem when 99 others will just do what they've always done because that's how they've always done it. I'll do the right thing, even when it's the difficult thing. I won't always do everything perfectly, and when I don't, I'll own my mistakes, and learn from them and help others to do the same. I'll protect the profession to the best of my ability and look to inspire, guide, and lead the next generation of aviators.

As for the hours, don't sell yourself short. More or less hours of airplaning (depending on what that even entails) correlates very weakly to any sort of ability to get through training, fly the airplane well, and not be a total jerk to your coworkers. To me, "I have all of the hours" would not be a strong selling point.
Click to expand...
That sounds awfully long and complex.

How about "I will be a reliable, dependable and productive member of your team."
 
Dphoenix said:
Well, I bombed my only legacy interview so far, so maybe do the exactly opposite of what I say but...
My answer (when I get my next shot...) will be because I will be well liked by my coworkers, I'm easy going, dependable, and loyal. When I upgrade, I'll set a positive example, I'll treat my FO's with kindness and mentor-ship, and a healthy heaping of patience and guidance. I'll always protect the brand and maintain a professional image and make sure professionalism is upheld to the highest degree. Because I bring something unique to the table through my background and non-aviation jobs, between teaching coworkers the real secrets of always providing excellent customer service, managing a highly successful sales department, and copious amounts of volunteer ALPA work to leave my current carrier better and safer than how I found it. I'll do the same thing at the next shop: Hire me because I'll be the guy that ASAPs a safety problem when 99 others will just do what they've always done because that's how they've always done it. I'll do the right thing, even when it's the difficult thing. I won't always do everything perfectly, and when I don't, I'll own my mistakes, and learn from them and help others to do the same. I'll protect the profession to the best of my ability and look to inspire, guide, and lead the next generation of aviators.

As for the hours, don't sell yourself short. More or less hours of airplaning (depending on what that even entails) correlates very weakly to any sort of ability to get through training, fly the airplane well, and not be a total jerk to your coworkers. To me, "I have all of the hours" would not be a strong selling point.
Click to expand...
I fell asleep reading that, it’s exhausting. That sounds like you’re trying to force it and convince yourself that you will do all of that. It reads like your first line mentions, “you failed an interview” and the frustration is showing with a long winded answer. Sorry.
 
Last edited:
Can't say I was asked that question in the last interview, but if you let me go freeform and sit here and write it down, then yeah I suppose it's fair it gets too long and rambly...
But I did say don't listen to me cause I already bombed one. Ah well, at least I have F9 flow!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top