Question:
Hi Lori-
What's your most "memorable" interview? Good or bad...
Thanks-
Answer:
Your question made me smile - thanks!
Wow - I've done so many interviews that they really seem to run together. I would have to say that when I reflect back over the years that I tend to generalize, or compartmentalize if you will, instead of remembering individuals.
Having said that, there are a couple of things that stick out. I do remember key "things" about individuals such as those "off the wall" felony convictions (they always astound me) or the fun interviews. Usually the fun interviews are because we, the interviewers, made them fun. [I do not advise that the candidate try to interject fun into an interview.]
For example, we had a candy dish sitting on the table full of colored candies. I loved to "mess" with people and line up three different colored candies on the table and then ask the candidate to choose one....before we began the interview. The reactions were priceless. The candidate would get wide-eyes and study the colors and our faces before picking one. They would choose, hand it to one of us with the most puzzled look. We would say thank you and then move right into the interview. Most people would ask at a later date what that was all about and which color meant what. Of course it meant absolutely nothing except to give us a chuckle.
Thanks for the smile... and the memory reflection. :)
Regards,
Lori Clark
Friday, April 25, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
How do I prepare early?
Question:
I may have an interview coming up in the future, how should I start preparing early?
Answer:
There are several books which can be quite helpful -
Look to the right --->
in "My Study Picks."
I recommend using the gouge too. BUT…. As you read the gouge do not pay attention to what they write as “the answer.” do yourself that favor – it will only hurt you in the long run.
Read up on your airlines of choice. Get to know who they are and what direction they are headed in the future. Also do your due diligence on your own background. Order your airman record from OK city, get your training records from your current airline, driving records, NDR, etc. know what is in your own background.
Regards,
Lori Clark
I may have an interview coming up in the future, how should I start preparing early?
Answer:
There are several books which can be quite helpful -
Look to the right --->
in "My Study Picks."
I recommend using the gouge too. BUT…. As you read the gouge do not pay attention to what they write as “the answer.” do yourself that favor – it will only hurt you in the long run.
Read up on your airlines of choice. Get to know who they are and what direction they are headed in the future. Also do your due diligence on your own background. Order your airman record from OK city, get your training records from your current airline, driving records, NDR, etc. know what is in your own background.
Regards,
Lori Clark
Why do I need to prepare if nobody is hiring?
Question:
Without trying to sound cynical here, is anyone interviewing now and in the near future? From what I read on these boards (so it must be true), the hiring wave seems to be over. Honest question.
Answer:
Actually, that is a good question.
The airlines are cyclical with regard to pilot hiring, this is nothing new. Time of year certainly plays a part in the ebb and flow of hiring. And with the current economic state and fuel prices soaring, I personally hope they are streamlining their processes and therefore expenditure for conducting interviews. Frankly, this means a more competitive market in the near term. Yes, there are still airlines hiring – perhaps not the ones that pop into your head immediately – but foreign carriers such as Emirates are not suffering the same economic pinch as US carriers. Other carriers outside the 121 realm, like NetJets, are continuing to hire as well.
Why do people wait for the airlines to open the hiring flood-gates before they begin preparing? This doesn’t necessarily mean to visit a consultant right away, but rather to get your ducks in a row. If you are ready to make a career move then take advantage of the slow time and start getting prepared. Order your airman record from OK City, order your NDR, update your logbook, review your logbook (for possible stories, etc), start making notes about the airlines that interest you. Be ready for that phone call.
Regards,
Lori Clark
Without trying to sound cynical here, is anyone interviewing now and in the near future? From what I read on these boards (so it must be true), the hiring wave seems to be over. Honest question.
Answer:
Actually, that is a good question.
The airlines are cyclical with regard to pilot hiring, this is nothing new. Time of year certainly plays a part in the ebb and flow of hiring. And with the current economic state and fuel prices soaring, I personally hope they are streamlining their processes and therefore expenditure for conducting interviews. Frankly, this means a more competitive market in the near term. Yes, there are still airlines hiring – perhaps not the ones that pop into your head immediately – but foreign carriers such as Emirates are not suffering the same economic pinch as US carriers. Other carriers outside the 121 realm, like NetJets, are continuing to hire as well.
Why do people wait for the airlines to open the hiring flood-gates before they begin preparing? This doesn’t necessarily mean to visit a consultant right away, but rather to get your ducks in a row. If you are ready to make a career move then take advantage of the slow time and start getting prepared. Order your airman record from OK City, order your NDR, update your logbook, review your logbook (for possible stories, etc), start making notes about the airlines that interest you. Be ready for that phone call.
Regards,
Lori Clark
What is the biggest weakness of a candidate?
Question:
Lori, what's the biggest weakness you see in a typical applicant's interviewing style in terms of things they say or perhaps fail to mention during an interview. Do they tell too much about themselves? Or do they generally not tell enough? Is there a particular quality that interviewers want to see that tends to be missing in some people? We hear that even UPS will occasionally hire someone they feel good about, despite that person's lack of large airliner experience. This would seem to indicate the interview is critical.
Answer:
Weaknesses are as varied as personalities. Let me take your question one piece at a time…
Style indicates repetitiveness…let’s hope this isn’t the case with an applicant. :)
It is really more about delivery. People are so wrapped up in being well received that they forget to communicate. So what happens is that although you know what you are trying to say it isn’t always interpreted the way you mean. The expression “that’s not what I meant” comes to mind.
Generally there are two types of delivery from a candidate:
1. The person so relaxed that he/she shares too much.
2. The person so nervous, guarded or self-critical that he/she doesn’t share enough.
Both are commonplace, with emphasis however on the latter. Most people don’t share enough detail for clear communication. Interviewers are trying to determine what kind of person you are and how you resolve situations. Effective communication becomes vital.
A particular quality that tends to be missing. Hmmm. Well, it’s not about one particular quality so much as it is about who you are as a whole. Interviewers must feel like they have really gotten to know you. They need to feel as if they have a solid understanding of how you think and what type of team player you are. That can be a tall order in a 20-minute interview. Keep in mind that the interview is about YOU, not them. As we prepare for interviews we tend to lose sight of that fact. We become so concerned with “what the interviewers want to hear” that we forget they NEED to see the real person.
One characteristic that will shoot you down every time is attitude. If you are perceived with a bad-attitude then the interviewers will pass…they don’t want to expose their entire labor group to a bad-seed. Keep in mind the old adage: “I can teach you to fly my airplane, but I can’t teach you a personality.”
In recent years airlines have, to their credit, zeroed in on the “core person” and their flying experience in relation to the job function. So, yes several airlines have hired folks who have requisite experience, not necessarily from a large airline, that is in alignment with the job they are hiring for. Majors have hired directly from turbo-prop operators and also those with no Turbine PIC.
We have long since forgotten, but airlines used to hire based on the core personality of the candidate only – regardless if they already knew how to fly. They would then teach them the skills for the job and a career was born.
Yes, interviews are critical, for both the airline and the candidate. Interviews are a big deal – they don’t come around every day, and the dream job is once in a blue moon. Effective communication is the number one element for a successful interview.
Regards,
Lori Clark
Lori, what's the biggest weakness you see in a typical applicant's interviewing style in terms of things they say or perhaps fail to mention during an interview. Do they tell too much about themselves? Or do they generally not tell enough? Is there a particular quality that interviewers want to see that tends to be missing in some people? We hear that even UPS will occasionally hire someone they feel good about, despite that person's lack of large airliner experience. This would seem to indicate the interview is critical.
Answer:
Weaknesses are as varied as personalities. Let me take your question one piece at a time…
Style indicates repetitiveness…let’s hope this isn’t the case with an applicant. :)
It is really more about delivery. People are so wrapped up in being well received that they forget to communicate. So what happens is that although you know what you are trying to say it isn’t always interpreted the way you mean. The expression “that’s not what I meant” comes to mind.
Generally there are two types of delivery from a candidate:
1. The person so relaxed that he/she shares too much.
2. The person so nervous, guarded or self-critical that he/she doesn’t share enough.
Both are commonplace, with emphasis however on the latter. Most people don’t share enough detail for clear communication. Interviewers are trying to determine what kind of person you are and how you resolve situations. Effective communication becomes vital.
A particular quality that tends to be missing. Hmmm. Well, it’s not about one particular quality so much as it is about who you are as a whole. Interviewers must feel like they have really gotten to know you. They need to feel as if they have a solid understanding of how you think and what type of team player you are. That can be a tall order in a 20-minute interview. Keep in mind that the interview is about YOU, not them. As we prepare for interviews we tend to lose sight of that fact. We become so concerned with “what the interviewers want to hear” that we forget they NEED to see the real person.
One characteristic that will shoot you down every time is attitude. If you are perceived with a bad-attitude then the interviewers will pass…they don’t want to expose their entire labor group to a bad-seed. Keep in mind the old adage: “I can teach you to fly my airplane, but I can’t teach you a personality.”
In recent years airlines have, to their credit, zeroed in on the “core person” and their flying experience in relation to the job function. So, yes several airlines have hired folks who have requisite experience, not necessarily from a large airline, that is in alignment with the job they are hiring for. Majors have hired directly from turbo-prop operators and also those with no Turbine PIC.
We have long since forgotten, but airlines used to hire based on the core personality of the candidate only – regardless if they already knew how to fly. They would then teach them the skills for the job and a career was born.
Yes, interviews are critical, for both the airline and the candidate. Interviews are a big deal – they don’t come around every day, and the dream job is once in a blue moon. Effective communication is the number one element for a successful interview.
Regards,
Lori Clark
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Fight or Flight?
Over the past several years, I have been saying repeatedly that this industry is in the infancy stages of metamorphosis. The development over the last week or so with four airlines closing their doors is part of this morphing. We are now seeing more intense conversations of mergers and/or possible acquisitions. It is my opinion that by the end of 2010 we will see a very different airline industry here in the States.
This brings me to Frontier's Chapter 11 filing last week. When the public first learned of the filing, there was a definite dichotomy in the reaction. Investors hit the panic button until they learned the facts of the filing. Living and working here in Denver, it has been very interesting as a "bystander" watching, reading and viewing the local, public reaction. Interestingly enough, the flying public embraced Frontier and rallied behind their efforts, unlike some of the more public figures in the city.
The newspapers locally were quick to jump on the “drama” bandwagon by printing such uninformed headlines as “Buckle Up.” They were not the only “news” (and I use that term loosely) organization to seek the drama spotlight. One news reporter in Seattle appeared on the air telling the flying public he would not fly Frontier because of the latest filing. It left me wondering “why?” What is he basing his haphazard quip on? Facts? Does he understand what chapter 11 really means or how it is intended to be used in business?
When did the “news” stop reporting the news and start focusing on drama and rumor? Now I understand ratings and the mad-scramble to compete with the Internet and other media, but honestly folks…doesn’t the “news” have a responsibility to perform due diligence to obtain the facts before reporting a story? Where do they get their information? I know, I know, they listen to aviation analysts. Ok, well then I have to ask how reliable the analysts’ opinions are; the folks who are, by some, considered as “experts” (another term I use loosely.) Why is it that most of the analysts jumped on the very same bandwagon of presiding over Frontier’s funeral? Why are they not addressing the factual basis of chapter 11? Are they insecure in themselves or their job? Or perhaps they desperately need attention? How sad. To my knowledge, the only analyst to perform due diligence and actually speak intelligently about the facts of Frontier’s filing is Michael Boyd of The Boyd Group. I respect the Boyd Group for reporting the facts - a refreshing change.
Frontier certainly has a loyal following right here in Denver and I, for one, applaud the public for not succumbing to the knee-jerk reactions from the media “stories” but to instead take the time to read and understand the facts.
Before making any assumptions regarding career choices, or even purchasing airline tickets, do your own due diligence and take the time to educate yourself.
• Frontier has publicized their position and all documentation on their website: http://www.frontierairlines.com/restructure/
• Michael Boyd’s report – supported by factual substance – can be found here: http://www.aviationplanning.com/asrc1.htm
Regards,
Lori Clark
This brings me to Frontier's Chapter 11 filing last week. When the public first learned of the filing, there was a definite dichotomy in the reaction. Investors hit the panic button until they learned the facts of the filing. Living and working here in Denver, it has been very interesting as a "bystander" watching, reading and viewing the local, public reaction. Interestingly enough, the flying public embraced Frontier and rallied behind their efforts, unlike some of the more public figures in the city.
The newspapers locally were quick to jump on the “drama” bandwagon by printing such uninformed headlines as “Buckle Up.” They were not the only “news” (and I use that term loosely) organization to seek the drama spotlight. One news reporter in Seattle appeared on the air telling the flying public he would not fly Frontier because of the latest filing. It left me wondering “why?” What is he basing his haphazard quip on? Facts? Does he understand what chapter 11 really means or how it is intended to be used in business?
When did the “news” stop reporting the news and start focusing on drama and rumor? Now I understand ratings and the mad-scramble to compete with the Internet and other media, but honestly folks…doesn’t the “news” have a responsibility to perform due diligence to obtain the facts before reporting a story? Where do they get their information? I know, I know, they listen to aviation analysts. Ok, well then I have to ask how reliable the analysts’ opinions are; the folks who are, by some, considered as “experts” (another term I use loosely.) Why is it that most of the analysts jumped on the very same bandwagon of presiding over Frontier’s funeral? Why are they not addressing the factual basis of chapter 11? Are they insecure in themselves or their job? Or perhaps they desperately need attention? How sad. To my knowledge, the only analyst to perform due diligence and actually speak intelligently about the facts of Frontier’s filing is Michael Boyd of The Boyd Group. I respect the Boyd Group for reporting the facts - a refreshing change.
Frontier certainly has a loyal following right here in Denver and I, for one, applaud the public for not succumbing to the knee-jerk reactions from the media “stories” but to instead take the time to read and understand the facts.
Before making any assumptions regarding career choices, or even purchasing airline tickets, do your own due diligence and take the time to educate yourself.
• Frontier has publicized their position and all documentation on their website: http://www.frontierairlines.com/restructure/
• Michael Boyd’s report – supported by factual substance – can be found here: http://www.aviationplanning.com/asrc1.htm
Regards,
Lori Clark
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Is weight an issue?
Question:
Hi Lori,
Sorry for the intrusion, but I wondered if you might share your perspective on overweight applicants for pilot jobs you may have encountered in the past. How likely is a substantially overweight applicant to be rejected for this? What has crossed your mind in the past when you've interviewed such applicants?
I appreciate your viewpoint.
Answer:
Certainly no intrusion.
It is important to note that an interviewer can recommend not hiring you simply because they don’t like the color of your eyes. Thankfully, most interviewers are more savvy than that and set aside their own personal opinions when evaluating a possible employee. They are simply more concerned with two things:
1. Will you represent the company with a professional, positive image?
2. Will you fly their airplane competently and safely?
Beyond that, the only concern would be regarding egress from the aircraft. You must be able to egress from all emergency exits (including the cockpit if there is an exit located there) and be able to hold a first class medical.
I am not a doctor and medical opinion regarding “overweight” is best left to the medical professionals. Denying someone employment solely based on perceived weight issues is not typical of the interview evaluation process. Although many airlines conduct independent medicals by a licensed medical practitioner as part of their process, during which your medical health may come into question.
I wish you the very best.
Regards,
Lori Clark
Hi Lori,
Sorry for the intrusion, but I wondered if you might share your perspective on overweight applicants for pilot jobs you may have encountered in the past. How likely is a substantially overweight applicant to be rejected for this? What has crossed your mind in the past when you've interviewed such applicants?
I appreciate your viewpoint.
Answer:
Certainly no intrusion.
It is important to note that an interviewer can recommend not hiring you simply because they don’t like the color of your eyes. Thankfully, most interviewers are more savvy than that and set aside their own personal opinions when evaluating a possible employee. They are simply more concerned with two things:
1. Will you represent the company with a professional, positive image?
2. Will you fly their airplane competently and safely?
Beyond that, the only concern would be regarding egress from the aircraft. You must be able to egress from all emergency exits (including the cockpit if there is an exit located there) and be able to hold a first class medical.
I am not a doctor and medical opinion regarding “overweight” is best left to the medical professionals. Denying someone employment solely based on perceived weight issues is not typical of the interview evaluation process. Although many airlines conduct independent medicals by a licensed medical practitioner as part of their process, during which your medical health may come into question.
I wish you the very best.
Regards,
Lori Clark
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