Getting a job as a pilot is no different to getting any other job. As someone who has employed people both in and out of aviation there are unwritten rules whether you like it or not. I prefer people who are recommended to me by existing employees. I prefer people I have trained to those I have not. I prefer lots of qualifications to few qualifications. I prefer people who can spell and speak well. I prefer people who make an effort to dress up for an interview rather than rolling in late, chewing gum with no explanation or apology. No, he didn't get the job! I prefer people who are well rounded, have an opinion and won't agree with everything I say for the sake of it. I prefer people who are optimistic rather than whining about their lot.
I prefer people who make an effort. I was contacted recently by PM by a polite man through this forum, who although inexperienced has the right attitude. If he had sent me an unsolicited CV I would probably have ignored it but I was impressed enough to offer him an interview. We will see how that works out.
Interviews won't tell me everything I need to know. People who are rebels without a cause or too fanatical about anything probably won't get past that stage. If you don't know how to play the game, find out. Loyalty counts for a lot, people who flit from job to job are probably not what I need.
I hope this is taken the way it is intended. It may be 'A' Level bleeding obvious but I have seen plenty of poorly prepared people who apparently want a job but appear to have made no effort to market themselves or to find out anything about me or my company. Wear a tie not a 'T' shirt!
Chopperpilot47