| Summary of Qualifications: |
ATP, CFI, CFII, MEI, 2000TT, 400ME, 750EFIS, 100IFR, 1700CFI. (No-121/135/Turbine/Multi crew) |
I submitted a resume via fax in early August and received a telephone call a week later. The initial interview over the phone involved mostly HR questions to determine that I met minimum requirements, was currently employed and did have interest in the company. The HR representative offered me several dates and location for a face to face interview, I elected for DCA on the 7th of August. Hotel is at your expense and D.C. is expensive make sure you shop and book in advance.
I arrived the day before, and made sure that I found "the door" I was supposed to be in front of the next day; it is a Security door somewhat hidden in the terminal's 2nd floor. Following the directions on the e-mail from their HR department I had no problem finding the meeting place, nevertheless I would urge you to scout a little the day prior, as it could be confusing.
We where 8 candidates (2 Flight Instructors, 4 corporate jet/turbo, 2 airline guys jumping ship) at 8h30 when the chief pilot opened the security door and escorted us to their office. We where sited in a small conference room, their staff introduced themselves to us, and asked of us to turn over our applications/background checks/PRIA/Passports/Driver license.
One of the ladies from HR gave us a company overview: history, financial numbers, benefits, pay scales. She then gave us an opportunity to ask questions. The DCA Chief Pilot took over and talked to us about the line side, overall pilot group, base options, training, upgrades, overall anything that could be of interest to us.
Take some notes it will help you formulate intelligent questions later.
By that time, we where told that the interviews would be conducted 2 on 1, and we where given an approximate time at which each one of us would have to be ready, we where told we where free to roam about the airport until such time. 6 of us where escorted out of the secured area back to the airport terminal, and I believe that we where all scared of missing our call that we all just stayed there and engaged in idle chatter. I discovered that all candidates where of fairly high caliber, and that was very good news in terms of wanting to belong to this company. I was the last one to interview that day, and as such saw everyone leave for their flights; nobody received an offer that day however.
I was teamed with Anna (HR at DCA?)and Dave (Chief Pilot at DCA), they took turns for the most part asking their questions. Anna asked about strengths and weaknesses, how I would describe my leadership style, what would be the one word that my employer would describe me with, if my employer knew I was seeking other employment, what could I bring to AWAC, would I be available right away for class, if not when. That was it for her.
Dave during that time reviewed my logbooks; he did not seem to have any questions about it. He asked what an FFDO was; what if the captain I was flying with was an FFDO and started playing with his weapon or putting it on the dashboard during flight. Asked what most of my multi-engine time was in. What king of engine was on that aircraft (I faltered there, I know this aircraft so well that I think I held off on information, I believe he wanted more). What would I bring to their clients, in their total quality concept. What was the one flight that I made a safety call, and describe the events.
What would be the bases I would be interested in. That's it!
I was given time to ask questions to them, which was very thoughtful.
They dismissed me and told me that I would hear from them in a week at the latest.
Grabbed my luggage and ran to get an early flight, we were all done by 11 that same morning.
I must say I was very impressed by their personnel, their practices, the information they gave, and everyone was very nice and respectful. I believe that they don't call just anyone; when they do call, the interview seems to be more about finding out if you fit the corporate values and culture of the pilot group. In other words if they call you, dress like you want to be the CEO, bring your smile, leave your arrogance at home, and answer all of their questions with candor and honesty.
I have not been selected apparently, my demeanor could have been better (I am somewhat of an introvert), I might have scared them.
Good luck to everyone!!! |
