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Networking and Visibilty: Two keys in obtaining aviation employment-
The process of finding out about any aviation job, getting interviewed, and eventually receiving an offer for aviation employment starts with visibility and networking. By networking I dont mean sending out hundreds of copies of your resume unsolicited to H.R. managers throughout the country, but by establishing contacts with people who may be in a position to hire you or refer you to someone who is in the position of hiring... you! Visibility simply means getting your resume and credentials "out there" for employers to view, and possibly keep on file if they like what they see, even if no position is open at the time. There are various websites that deal in aviation recruiting and aviation jobs, but the best in our opinion is http://www.AviationResumesOnline.com This website allows employers to view resumes at will, and allows you the jobseeker to post your resume on one website that is geared towards exactly what aviation jobseekers need:
Visibility.
One example, corporate aviation, there are several key players as well as smaller, less known operators. Jet Aviation, TAG Aviation, and Netjets are some of the larger companies and they all have a staff of qualified flight attendants or cabin service representatives on hand. In addition, smaller players including Pacific Jet, Clay Lacy Aviation, and New World Aviation are part of the charter market. Finally, you have a whole host of independent flight departments with one or two or more aircraft. Some of these operators utilize larger cabin aircraft and are in need of flight attendants. You could send out a copy of your résumé to every single company that flies a Falcon, Gulfstream, Bombardier, BBJ, or any of the other larger cabin jets. You may get an interview, but youll also spend an excessive amount of time researching names, addresses, paying for postage, paper and more. Instead, the best way to land a job is through networking and visibility.
Networking involves making plenty of people contact. Some of the best ways of having contact with others is at a convention [in our case, the NBAA Flight Attendant Conference or NBAA general conference]; over the internet via message boards; while flying a trip as a contractor; working for a company in another role [e.g., as a dispatcher, flight manager, etc.]; or through a friend already in the business.
Successful people establish a list of contacts from the smallest lead [e.g., a receptionist or switchboard operator at an aviation charter operator] to doing voluntary work on an associations newsletter or with a steering committee for the same type of organization. Each person you come into contact with is a potential person who may know of someone in the aviation business or know of a job opening. Conversely, unsuccessful people rely too much on waiting for a phone call, for an answer to an unsolicited letter, or by not going out to meet people face to face. Quite simply it takes a lot of phone calling, pavement pounding, and other forms of action to land the job that you want. Plus, it takes someone with dedication, professionalism, zeal, enthusiasm, confidence, and a caring attitude to help make things work. If you are not confident of your abilities, you will have a much more difficult time landing a job.
Before you establish contact with anyone it is extremely important to have a top notch aviation resume. Make sure that there are no spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, that it is formatted professionally, printed on bond paper and that you include correct contact information such as your name, address, phone numbers, and e-mail address. You can be the most talented person in the world, but your résumé could look awful. Busy employers look at résumés and toss the unprofessional looking ones away [or they file it away for a predetermined amount of time]. You also need: three top notch references [dont list them on your resume, but be able to furnish them upon request]. Emergency training is very important to have agencies such as Jet Professionals insist on it; most of the larger operators require it as well. Additional training including galley services, a wine class, emergency training, can all help you out.
Finally, when you do receive a call -- even if unexpected be prepared to interview on the spot. Most interviewers will screen you on the first call and you will need to sound sharp as well as be focused. Be prepared to give a concise background on who you are and what you can offer the company. Do not focus on your needs, but focus on the companys needs and how you will benefit them. Do not expect them to be thrilled by your focusing on yourself. This business isnt about you -- it is about the customers and the company. Successful candidates know this and they are the ones who will be hired, trained, paid well, and otherwise be perceived as being an asset and not a possible detriment to the company.
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