For what it's worth Johnny_56, there are some strategies for your mates to look at that might not get immediate results, but improve their prospects over time. Like the salesperson that makes cold calls...if 1 call in 100 yields results, making two hundred calls will double the chances of results, 300 calls will triple the chances. One thing is for sure...if these guys don't invest time in relationships outside the home, their chance for being noticed goes down.
Keep in contact with people. Don't burn bridges. Most jobs in GA come through contacts - hangar chatting, etc. That hasn't changed. One of my recommended sources for new jobs is through the boss. Most good bosses want to see good employees advance and succeed. Yep, it can be hard work that comes easy to some people and is a real struggle for others, like myself. Help someone move an aircraft. Clean an aircraft in a well travelled area that encourages conversation with passer-bys. Chat with the engineers. Converse with the refueller. Work on the attitude. Have a strategy for navexes where the student can be tasked with checking on weather or local facilities while the instructor gets an easy introduction to the local characters. Take the students for hangar walks ostensibly to discuss features on other aircraft, but also as a way to meet other people.
Use the family as a benefit rather than an excuse. Most employers I know have empathy and get a thrill from helping someone with a family compared with single employees. Employees with a family are usually far more reliable and responsible than a single person of the same age. They can usually multi-task and plan their activities better as well.
Last edited by Lodown; 25th October 2012 at 17:45.