Category: Job Seekers

Lately, I’ve been hearing from a handful of aviation candidates who are new to job hunting. Some of them feel like job-hunt novices, mainly because they’ve been at the same company for the past 10 years—and in some cases, even 20. Needless to say, the market’s changed radically over that time period. Now, as they report, they’re either inspired to job hunt by sensing opportunity in the marketplace or they’re forced by circumstances to seek out another prospect. As I’ve been talking to them, they list the following reasons for their decision to […]

Are pilot pay, benefits and quality of life the keys to retention during the talent shortage? Here at Aviation Personnel International, we happen to think so. After all, business aircraft owners and operators are feeling the pressure to compete for the best pilots. And many are wondering whether they’re offering the right mix of competitive pilot pay, benefits and a more regular schedule to allow for better quality of life.   Keys to Retention To further explain these keys to retention, I’ve gathered up the most popular articles that reference them. I’m hoping that you’ll […]

It was quite an honor to be invited to be a panelist at the 9th Annual JETNET iQ Summit* in New York. It was my first time attending, but it won’t be my last. The panel I participated on was entitled, simply, “Industry Talent.” The informative session was moderated by Rolland Vincent, who is the JETNET iQ Summit Co-Chair as well as the iQ creator and director. My co-panelists included Joseph Barber, Vice President of Fleet Development for Clay Lacy Aviation; Steve Gade, Duncan Aviation’s VP of Marketing and New Business Development; and […]

Just what are the opportunities for women in aviation? And will the pressure around identifying and recruiting great talent ever let up? Those are a few of the questions I wanted to answer when API’s Jennifer Pickerel and I attended the recent International Aviation Womens Association’s General Aviation Leadership Forum. The IAWA Forum focused on opportunities for growth within the sector. It also emphasized the need to attract, retain and promote women in aviation. I was honored to participate in an inspiring panel entitled, “Leading Today and in the Future.” For that discussion, we […]

Earlier this year, I (Sheryl Barden) had the pleasure of being interviewed by Bill Garvey, the Editor of “Business & Commercial Aviation,” one of the industry’s premier trade publications. In every issue, Bill writes a Fast Five column in which he asks a thought leader five questions. Bill recorded our phone conversation, in which we go more in depth than the print article. Topics included resume writing, college degrees, projected industry growth, the pilot shortage and compensation. I’ve also included a transcript of our conversation below. Or, if you’d like, you may click […]

In this competitive aviation job market, a great resume can work to get you noticed. But it won’t guarantee that you’ll end up landing the job. There’s a lot more that goes into job interviewing these days. At API, what we find that what really set our candidates apart are their “soft skills.” There are some great resume templates online that allow you to include your skills—not just your technical know-how. Today’s hiring managers want to know what differentiates you from the rest of the pack. They want to see that you’re prepared […]

We are now in the third year of an unprecedented shortage of pilots, and the situation is not going to get better quickly. There simply are not enough pilots in queue to fly your aircraft. How did this happen, why is it so, and what can you do? Several factors contributed to the pilot shortage, among them:   Career Discouragement – Air travel plunged after 9/11, and more than 14,000 pilots were laid off. In 2007, the mandatory retirement age was raised from 60 to 65, squelching upward income mobility for more junior […]

One of the most pressing issues facing business aviation is the shortage of pilots and maintenance professionals. And because of those shortages, most aviation organizations are modifying their total compensation structures. While most Part 91 employers cannot match airline base salaries, many organizations are winning at the war for talent by offering a multi-faceted compensation program. This includes an attractive salary, potential bonus, equity in the company and company benefits.   What is Equity Compensation? As a refresher, the granting of compensation in the form of equity can take many forms: options, restricted stock […]

It’s unfortunate, but I often hear from aviation pros who suddenly find themselves in an unplanned career transition. Life was great, and things were “status quo.” But then an aircraft sells. A principal dies. A flight department downsizes and the perfect job goes away. Whatever the case, it seems candidates’ biggest regrets are that they didn’t build a stronger network while they were employed. And, as we often say, “in business aviation, it’s who you know, but it’s also who knows you.” Thankfully, there are several ways of creating a meaningful network. One […]

Here at API, we frequently get emails and calls from job seekers asking, “Did you see the latest job posting at XYZ Company?” Sure, sometimes we know about the latest aviation job postings, and sometimes we don’t. But, in any case, we offer a word of caution to candidates combing the “wanted ads.” We try to point out that flight departments will, in fact, post a job online because they actually have an open position and are seeking talent to fill it. But others post them because they’re required to. For example, we […]