I think you will find in the real world that hiring is normally not from the stack of resumes, its from someone knowing someone and the reputation one carries.
Some companies vary, they want a youngster they can bring up there way who has got all the ratings they dont have to pay for. Others want someone they think will take them through a contract and move on so they dont have to increase pay and benefits. Still others will dangle a carrot and keep folks around with a title and little money. Its not just the helicopter world, life is tough out there..
Many friends who have been in the industry for years and by moving around, have little or no retirement waiting.. That means literally work till you die. If your in the Military and have been for a while, get a least the 20 so you will have something to fall back on. It may not be much but as long as your breathing air it pays for Bed and Beans. You can jump into the civilian scene later.
[ 09 December 2001: Message edited by: B Sousa ]