Q. Why is
an interview techniques course necessary?
The days of the 'cosy chat' with the Chief Pilot are fast disappearing.
More and more airlines have Human Resources departments, which set the agenda
for staff selection, including pilot selection.
Q. What difference
does that make?
They use structured selection tests to really find out about the individual.
These may include psychometric profiling, literacy, numeracy and technical
tests, group exercises, simulator assessments and interviews with pilot managers,
HR officers and psychologists. The whole process is carried out to get a very
accurate picture of the prospective employee and it is therefore vital to
sell yourself properly at interview.
Q. What will
an interview techniques course give me?
A thorough understanding of the interview process and a structured method
to sell yourself successfully, showing you how to prepare thoroughly, highlighting
strengths and weaknesses and therefore minimising your chances of failure.
Q. Interview
techniques courses are somehow cheating in that they just 'coach' pilots to
give specific answers.
Wrong. They show the candidate how to use their experiences and skills
to match an employer's selection criterion, making them aware of the pitfalls.
No answers are 'taught'. Good interviewers use the interview to confirm selection
test results, therefore coached answers will be seen through.
Q. Isn't it
a lot of money to outlay for one days training?
No, quite the contrary. You have spent tens of thousands of pounds to get
into the position to apply for commercial pilot jobs. In the current market
you may only get one chance of employment. Can you afford to blow it? It is
about the cost of a couple of hours flying in a single. Would you give up
two hours from your logbook to give yourself an advantage over other candidates?
Q. I don't
need an interview techniques course, I'm confident enough of my abilities.
Maybe so, it is not for everyone, but is this your first UK airline selection?
If so how can you be sure your idea of what the airlines want matches their
requirements?
Q. I have
failed selection for xxx airline and don't know where I went wrong. Will the
course put this right?
The course will allow you to compare your past unsuccessful performance with
what you should be doing, thus allowing you to work out where you went wrong.
Q. I'm just
not getting interviews when colleagues with similar experience are, what's
the problem?
It could be any number of things, but the standard of CVs sent to the airlines
by prospective pilots often leaves a lot to be desired. Pete will critique
your CV before the course and you will receive some ideas on what a good CV
that has been successful getting through to the interview looks like; thus
eliminating that area of potential failure. He will also offer advice on any
other aspect of applications.
Q. Should
I wait until I have secured an interview before attending an interview techniques
course?
No. The timescale is often too tight to find a mutually suitable date. You
risk not being prepared and possibly blowing your only chance of airline employment.
Q. Do I have
to have a commercial licence issued to attend the course?
No. If you find a suitable gap in your training you may wish to attend to
stay ahead of the game. Ideally you want to be attending the course before
applying to the airlines to make sure your initial approach is not flawed.
Q. What if
I don't get an interview for several months after attending the course?
A full set of course notes is available for you to refer to after attending
the course and should you need any further assistance please do not hesitate
to contact Pete for advice or information after the course.
Q. If I have
any questions or problems after the course can I get back in touch?
No problem. Email is the preferred method, but telephone backup is available
at no extra cost.