Should I rent a sim for an interview?

Question:
I have a 121 interview in a few weeks, but I haven't flown in two years. Should I rent a motion simulator and do some airwork and approaches so I can say I've at least done that?

Answer:
In recent past the regionals have struggled with hiring enough pilots to fill their rosters so if you have the minimums they may bring you in for the interview to evaluate "where the land lies"... if you will.
It is tough, if not impossible to gauge the quality of the applicant on paper alone. One of the rules of thumb that many regionals used to screen candidates was 100 hours logged in the last six months.

Having said that, if you haven't flown in two years then currency is of utmost importance, but proficiency is equally as important.
The airline will want you to be current, at the very least. But it's not just about the interview alone. You may be very sharp technically, but demonstrating it could be a different animal.

My advice is an emphatic "yes" you want to get some time in a sim - bring yourself back into currency at the very least. If the airline has a sim evaluation section of the interview then you will want to be ready.

The other side of the coin, which often times is not considered in advance, is that you will also want to be ready for training. Keep in mind that the interviewers are not just evaluating whether you would be a good fit for the company, but whether or not they feel you will pass their training program. Here's where proficiency enters. You might pass the interview, but how will you fare in training? If you haven't flown in two years I recommend an Instrument Proficiency Check or an IFR Refresher course. Knock off some of the dust that has been collecting over the past two years and get yourself ready - Failing training is much worse than failing the interview.

Good Luck with your interview!!

Regards,
Lori Clark