Commercial Pilot Job Interview

“Every day of your training is a job interview.” This statement means that all the
technical aeronautical knowledge I acquire in aeronautical school will contribute to my
success in my first job interview. However, equally important are the personality and
character traits I develop while in school will either work for or against me in my first
interview (Dream Reach Media, 2017). As explained in one of the videos, technical
knowledge, and skills, especially their practical applications, are important to employers
(airlines) and recruiters because they want to be certain that they are hiring adequately
qualified people for the job (Boldmethod, 2016).
Employers’ and recruiters’ emphasis on technical ability can be seen in the types and
intensity of tests and interviews job candidates are subjected to, most of which emphasize
technical aptitude. The tests include a written 45-questions, a 45-minute APT test, and a
technical interview. The latter is usually conducted by representatives of the airline’s
technical department. While technical interviewers do not expect a candidate to answer all
their questions correctly, a big part of who gets the job and who does not depends on how
well candidates answer these questions (Bristow, 2011). Technical aptitude is important when
one considers that the lives of passengers and crew are at stake in the airlines industry.
Yet, as explained in the other two videos, personality and character traits are just as
important to employers. It is said that technical ability is a commodity; anyone can acquire it
through formal training (Bristow, 2011). What really sets candidates and employees apart is
their character traits. For example, in a situation where two candidates are equally technically
qualified for a single position, the selection panel is likely to choose the candidate who
portrays a more positive attitude through their body language, for example.

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To prepare for my first job interview and considering that character traits can be a real
differentiator in a highly competitive job market, I am committing to improving some of the
character traits employers look out for in candidates, notably trustworthiness, courage,
integrity, respect, and initiative (Valenta, 2018; BE Video, 2016). Employers want employees
who can be trusted with company resources and information with respect to trustworthiness.
Particularly in this age when information can be shared easily and fast, employers want to be
confident that their staff will not share commercially sensitive information with outsiders,
especially competitors.
Further, employers also want courageous employees to admit it when they need help
with their work. They should also be courageous enough to try ideas never tried before in the
organization. Integrity means completeness of one’s words and actions. Thus, an employee
who consistently follows through and actually does what they commit to is more valued than
one who does not or only does so occasionally. Integrity also implies that an employee
conducts company business honestly and in an ethical manner. This would include not
colluding with others to defraud their employer. Employers also want an employee who
respects their co-workers at all levels of seniority, including those beneath them. Finally,
employers are looking for the initiative to see what needs to be done and do it without being
told.

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References

BE Video. (2016, November 22). Tom Heffner – What character traits do employers look
for? Retrieved from YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84iC5H6NREg
Boldmethod. (2016, March 10). What To Expect In Your Airline Interview. Retrieved from
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhDGuLKxhs4
Bristow, G. (2011). Ace the Technical Pilot Interview (2 nd ed.). New York: McGraw Hill.
Dream Reach Media. (2017, October 25). A Millennial Job Interview. Retrieved from
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uo0KjdDJr1c
Valenta, V. (2018). Effects of Airline IndustryGrowth on Pilot Training. Magazine of
Aviation Development, 52-56.