Category: Job Seekers

Have you set your sights on the next step up in your flight organization? If so, that’s great. But as you know, it’s very unlikely someone’s going to simply tap you on the shoulder one day, say “Congratulations!” and hand you a job promotion. Like anything else worth earning, you are going to have to create a plan to achieve that goal and job. And that means preparing yourself—and the organization as a whole—for your place in the succession plan. Following is a checklist of seven productive measures you can engage to […]

Job burnout getting you down? If so, you’re in good company, because surveys suggest that nearly 90 percent of the U.S. working population feels job-related stress or burnout at some point in their working careers. It’s true that it’s a common affliction, and corporate aviation, with its unique set of challenges and stresses, can be a particularly likely industry to help generate burnout. Of course, job burnout affects some more than others—everyone has his or her own “threshold of misery.” It’s a significant enough problem, though, that it might help to examine some […]

There’s no way we can ever overemphasize how important a properly written resume is to anyone’s job search. How your aviation resume reads—the story it tells about you and your experiences—will always be vital. Last month, we reviewed resume formatting from the “nuts and bolts” point of view—from discussion about the various sections and subheads, to page length, template, fonts, etc. Now in Part II, I’m sharing resume writing tips—what to say, what not to say, and how to best tell your story for the audience you’re seeking to impress: the business […]

‘Tis the season for New Year resolutions! Yet why is “goal-setting” one of our least favorite personal progress activities? Whether or not we care to admit it to ourselves, nearly every one of us is a goal setter, in that we all have something that we look to accomplish in the future—a better job, a new home, losing that last 10 pounds or even qualifying for the Boston Marathon. Keep reading and you will hopefully find out that goal-setting can actually be fun! Mingling Professional and Personal Goals To help our API Registered […]

For this, my “debut” blog for my brand-new employer, Aviation Personnel International, the topic of interviewing tips and tricks is quite fitting. Being the “new kid on the block” has its advantages—especially because I just navigated my way through the very process of self-examination, research and follow-through that many of API’s candidates will need to engage as they market themselves, their skills and experience for whatever aviation position they’re angling to land. So, while it’s still very fresh in my mind, I’d like to share with you some of things I’ve learned […]

Social media is playing a more critical role in the recruiting process on a daily basis. That means aviation hiring managers, responsible for recruiting talent for their flight departments, have a tremendous responsibility foisted upon them. He or she should be integrating a social media search into their recruiting process. Why? Because it’s a great way to see how the potential new hire present themselves professionally. Looking at someone’s social profiles (if they’re public) is also a great way for someone to decide whether the candidate might fit within the organization’s culture. This can […]

In business aviation, the maintenance organization is a cornerstone of the operation. That’s why, in part II of API’s aviation maintenance, I’m sharing even more insights from my conversations with seasoned maintenance professionals. This post is essential reading for anyone seeking to advance in the maintenance field or is responsible for mentoring up-and-coming professionals. And, in case you missed last month’s blog on seven qualities needed for a solid maintenance organization, you check it out now! Immerse Yourself! What advice would a leader offer young people thinking about a career in this […]

In our first post in this three-part series about chief pilots, co-author Jim Lara and I shared the four key leadership traits required of a great chief pilot. Next, we’re delving into specifics regarding finance, performance metrics and measurements. Understanding the Budget and Finances While the primary responsibility of the chief pilot does not traditionally fall into the financial arena, it’s important that one develops a solid understanding of the aviation department’s budgets – both the operating and capital budgets, especially if he/she wants to be considered for the director of business […]

When it comes to business networking, some say that it’s all about “who you know.” But I respectfully disagree. Contrary to some people’s beliefs, good networking isn’t necessarily about who knows you, how many industry events you attend or the size of your Outlook contacts and Facebook following. Instead, I find that networking is about investing in others and committing the time needed to develop and maintain your relationships. It’s also about creating new connections and not just resting on the contents of your LinkedIn profile or “Rolodex.” How to Build Your Business […]

“Workplace transition”—which is often a softer term for layoffs or downsizings—is never easy, especially when it stems from actions that occur beyond our control. In business aviation, these “transitions” usually occur due to a reduction in force (RIF) or the shutdown of an entire flight department. The challenge here is that there’s no crystal ball to tell you if your flight department is at risk. Even if an aviation director has a great connection with the company’s CEO, a downsizing event can occur as a quick decision and without warning. Other […]