Qatar Executive Interview Update

[Skypirate1961]

This is my first post ever. Apologies if this seems like an unsuccessful candidate just trying to vent. I’m not. I just want other pilots to know that QE may well waste your time, as they did mine.

I just came back from my QE interview and observed a woefully unsatisfactory process. After studying for the requisite amount of weeks to FULLY prepare for their various ‘hoops’ to have to jump through (psychometric exams, ATPL theory, etc), I arrived in Qatar, Day 1, with a Captain CV, fully current on the Global Vision and Classic, ATPL 3100hrs PIC on type, & >10,000 hours TT. I sat through their ‘Qatar contract conditions video’ with their Fleet Manager (I. C.) who went on to tell me that the Global Express fleet was already fully crewed?? But adding, that if/when the G500/600’s arrive that we might get assigned to these with a mandatory training bond. What? He then went on to say that @20% of my Qatar tax free salary had to go towards paying for my QE ‘provided’ accommodations of which I had no choice but to accept? What??

After this 30+ minute intro I was off to the 50 question technical exam. What a ball breaker. Even one of the instructors mentioned the ludicrous nature of it. There was three of us in the room all exceptionally qualified. One, like myself with an excellent Cpt CV BD-700. We all passed the exam. I was even told I did well on it. Great!

So now I’m eager to face the 4 pilot Inquisition at the 30-45 minute personal interview. (Italy, Germany, England, and ME pilots on our panel) Paul, the other Global Captain went first. Nice guy, talented, qualified. He did not pass the interview and was told immediately afterwards. When he entered the room to diplomatically shake the hands of the panel of pilots, he told me they were, “ sort of looking sheepishly at their shoes”?

Then it was my turn. They only asked me about 7 scenario based questions of which I answered them as I always do, with the confidence of who I am and what great qualities I can bring to Qatar. NOT ONE personal question was asked of me?? Very strange I thought? 30 minutes later I finished the interview. They ‘deliberated’ and the Italian pilot said, outside in the hallway, “sorry you are going home”. He did NOT even let me into the room to thank the pilots within. Strange?

With plenty of time on my flight back to Hearthrow I debriefed myself of this entire process. Here is my objective and somewhat subjective conclusions.

1) The Fleet Manager staff (I.C.) and the HR staff do not talk to each other. They should say things like...”hey we don’t need any more Global Express pilots so let’s not waste their hours/days attending/studying for an interview where we already know they won’t be hired”. Simple, No?

2) They should let us know that 20% of our salary is pegged to their forced housing scam. (They say 40% of real estate is vacant in areas owned by Qatar)

3) The ridiculous level of their psychometric exams goes below and beyond what makes a good pilot.

4) Qatar does not have their fecal matter together. It is all so showy yet, “something is rotten in the Kingdom of Qatar”. Salary of 16K USD whittles down considerably with all their deductions.

5) They totally wasted my time, cost me a 7 day freelance trip and the opportunity to regain my 90 day currency. All in all, really not impressed.

6) I know of several pilots who have successfully passed all stages of their interview. Weeks/months later they are still waiting.......waiting.....waiting for any definitive news.

7) Is the Geopolitical situation in the ME affecting their quasi competence?

8) The subjective interview process is the best place to wash you out as there is no evidence of their misdeeds. Plus it doesn’t waste any further resources like the use of the Sim in their final assessment stage. Dare I say if a candidate did well there too and was turned down then their tactics would be fully exposed.

PS. I.C. & QE HR. You will receive my email shortly. Like I said in the interview, I’m proactive and don’t like people wasting my time!