Indeed you do have to give 3 preferences of bases, but preference is as the word indicates 'preference'. Essentially they will give you a base where they need people, and its your choice to take it or leave it. Indeed it is silly to have 3 preferences when you are going for EZS, maybe they will get another base in the future, there are supposed to be 2 more announced for next year. Where - is a closely guarded secret - but hopefully a bit more secret than the run-up to Madrid base! With the majority of guys going to EZY rather than EZS, then it would appear that there is less of a waitlist for interviews to join EZY.
But we have certain days that are targetted as recruitment days for EZS or EZY, sometimes a combination. But the majority of recruitment days are for EZY. Guys in the past have transferred from EZY to EZS, but it is a case of applying to the other company and resigning from EZY.
Sim time is a problem. Even trying to get slots for guys to do a sim check after they have passed the first recruitment stage is an issue. Having previously been a good customer at Alteon in Luton with the number of Boeings. As all 300 are gone we have no need for either of the 300 sims at Alteon. Therefore not as much of a frequent flyer with Alteon makes it difficult to get the slots we want. Which is why some guys have been going down to Gatwick and doing the assesment on a B747-400.
Having a friend recomend you in the company helps at least to get your name flagged. But we have lots of guys that have been screened and acceptable waiting for interview. So I do feel for you - and its a case of hanging on in there.
Keep you pecker up - as they say in Britain!
Alvin