ATP Grads at Airlines

Prepare for Success in Your Airline Interview

Published Oct 23, 2012 on Pilot Jobs

FREE Airline Pilot Career Guide. — Requirements, Pay, Steps and More. Download Now »

Regional Airlines have been hiring a lot of new pilots this year. ATP has graduated over 450 pilots in the last 12 months, and sent many of them to fly for the airlines. I personally have spent a lot of time helping those aspiring airline pilots prepare for their first interviews. I have made binders full of notes debriefing those pilots after their interviews and would like to share some common mistakes that you can avoid.

Incomplete Paperwork

  • Use a spellchecker.
  • Check for bad or undecipherable handwriting.
  • Check for errors regarding facts and math.
  • Have your Logbooks up to date and properly endorsed.
  • Make sure you provide all requested information.

Dressing Unprofessionally for the Interview

  • Wear a Dark colored suit with shined shoes and a matching belt.
  • Wear conservative, matching accessories.
  • Always arrive for the interview professionally groomed.
  • Make sure that any tattoos are covered.

Unprofessional Behavior

  • Make eye contact with your interviewer or anyone you are speaking with.
  • Smile when appropriate.
  • Address every Interviewer if there is more than one.
  • Don't chew gum or eat candy.
  • Don't act restlessly, squirm or fidget.
  • Be pleasant and affable with anyone you meet, but especially with:
    All Recruiters and Interviewers.
    Other pilots interviewing with you.
    All Airline employees that you encounter.

Miscellaneous things you should already know

  • Never badmouth your past employer, or anyone else.
  • Never say anything about the airline you are interviewing with that can be misconstrued as criticism – even in jest.
  • Be candid and honest with your answers.
  • Don't say anything because you think that is what they want to hear

Use of common sense, as well as attention to detail, while preparing for an interview will pay off when the spotlight is on you. Oh, and one last thing...Please turn off that cell phone before you walk through the door for your interview.

Get Your Free Airline Pilot Career Guide Download Yours Now — No Obligation

Airline Pilot Career Guide PDF

Free Airline Pilot Career Guide

Get your complete guide on how to become a pilot — Requirements, Pay, Steps and More.

Download Now »