As of this writing, the interview process is a 3 part process. 2 phone screenings and an in-person interview. Initially, you will be contacted by email to give your availability for a phone screen with a current line pilot. It’s like being on-call! The first phone screen is really a conversation about yourself, what you know about XOJET and how you can contribute. From what I learned at the in-person interview, many candidates are weeded out during this phase, as in 50% weeded out. So first impression is important. The very first question is Why XOJET? What do you know about us? Other questions included any incidents, accidents, FAA actions? Any failed checkrides? A good portion of the interview will be going over your resume. I talked about how I got into aviation, where I learned to fly, college and all of my jobs including my current job. Some customer service questions will be thrown in as well. TMAAT you went above and beyond your normal job description. You should plan on at least 1 hour. Mine was 1 hour 15 minutes.
Assuming you pass the first phone screen, you will get another email to give your availability for a Technical Interview via Facetime or Skype. Same deal, you’re basically on-call during the dates & times you specified. The pilot may email you to let you know when to expect a call. Remember, you’ll be on video so look sharp and clean up the room you plan to be sitting in. Also, if you have approach charts, have those ready before the call. My tech interview--- started off reading NOTAMs, METAR and TAF. Then into a ‘simulated’ flight from KSEE to KEGE. Brief the departure including projected taxi route at KSEE, applicable ODP or SID, questions about airspeed restrictions in various airspaces- Class D and B. Under and above 10,000 MSL. Max speed in Class B airspace above 10,000 MSL (example Denver). Brief KEGE LDA DME 25 approach. Flying at night. Reported visibility 5 sm, 2000' ceiling *Read all notes* Cannot emphasize that enough. Other known airports that have been used for the approach briefing are KASE and KJAC. Seems like the theme is mountainous terrain where XOJET flies into on a regular basis. Additional questions included: When can you descend below DH/MDA? What 3 things do you need to land out of an instrument approach? 91.175c material. What defines the touchdown zone? Landing within the first 1/3 of the runway…. Where/what is the final approach fix on an ILS approach? From what I’ve heard from previous interviews, if you don’t fly 135, you will most likely not be asked about 135 regs, but it seems like you can impress the interviewer with that knowledge. If you want to work here, eventually you’re going to need to know 135 regs. 135 questions I was asked: 135.223 IFR Alternate airport requirements... 135.89 crew oxygen requirements. 2 crew jet: When do you need to wear and use oxygen mask? 135.267 flight time limitations unscheduled ops. Max flight hours you can be scheduled in a 24 hour period? This interview lasted about 1 hour. I received an email the next day that I passed this portion and that I would be contacted to go to their Operations Facility in Sacramento for the in-person interview.
In-person interview--- Depending on your location/distance, you will be flown out the day prior or you can drive (they reimburse mileage) and be put up in a hotel on their dime. You will have dinner with the other candidates and several XOJET employees the evening before the interview day. Great way to break the ice and get to know everyone. Day of interview, you will get a tour of the facility and a thorough briefing covering the training schedule, compensation, schedule, insurance, etc. The interview process consists of 3 to 6 panel interviews with various XOJET employees. They will serve lunch at noon as well. The actual number of panel interviews vary based on availability of employees. Each interview is allocated 45 minutes, but most candidates were done around the 30-35 minute mark. All questions are TMAAT, personality, and decision making/scenario/what would you do (WWYD) if… No tech questions like aircraft systems or regulations. You will get many of the same questions at each panel interview. Here’s what I recall: Tell us about yourself. How did you get in aviation/flying? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Why did you leave your last job? If we hired you, which aircraft do you prefer? WWYD if you lost your medical and are unable to fly again? If you had to pick a job outside of aviation, what would that be? Tell us about your charter/135 experience. What is a pet peeve in the flightdeck? Name 1 thing you can improve upon. What do you do at your current job? What are you most grateful for? What do you do in your free time? Tell us about your relationship with your internal rec. What is your definition of customer service? TMAAT you went above and beyond your normal job description to make a customer happy. TMAAT you dealt with an angry passenger. What is/are your long term goal(s)? Why XOJET? Why not other companies like NetJets or Flextjet? Do you want to work for the legacy airlines liked United, Delta or American? Have you applied to anyone else? What is the foundation of good leadership? What is your leadership style? If there is someone out there that you’ve had differences with and you would not go to that person for a recommendation, what would he/she say about you? What will your current employer say about you? TMAAT you failed something and how you handled it. Any incidents, accidents, or suspensions in flying? Failed checkrides? Are you ready to work 8 days straight and long days? How does our significant other/family feel about working at XOJET?
If you make it to the final, in-person interview, XOJET will call you to let you know if you’re hired or not. No automated emails or generic letters. You will be notified within just a couple of days of your interview. Hope this helps! |
