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Interview Process – Virgin Nigeria
The main people dealing with the interviews are ;
- Lauren Kerr – Recruitment, Training & Re-currency, Virgin Atlantic & Virgin Nigeria.
- Omobola Sanya – Local HR Virgin Nigeria.
- Nicole Svatek – UK Human Factors specialist.
- Capt Hakeem Oyawoye– VN Training captain.
Rule 1 – don’t be late and don’t overdress.
Rule 2 – Ace the technical Guide is not necessary – go over your comm notes for ATG.
Rule 3 - be yourself.
The interview starts with a presentation by Lauren about Virgin Nigeria and their current setup. It outlines the aircraft they have, the plans for the EMB 170/190 fleet and future routes to the U.S. The 767 are on their way out to be replaced with ? Make a few notes as there is no press / info pack. There is info on their website and additional info available if you google. No-one asks you who owns who, but its nice to know…..you also don’t have to impress anyone with engine model numbers and output performance….keep that for the pub.
Have a list of basic questions worked out in advance, it makes you look more prepared and you will not think of anything intelligent at the time to ask, so plan in advanvce. This includes, tax issues, pension, accommodation, life insurance etc. Some of these requests will be deferred to your interview, so keep them handy.
The psychometric test is done on their laptop. Just have to drive the mouse…It is based on 4 response patterns to various questions. About 80 questions that should take you 15 to 20min. The responses are ; strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree and strongly disagree. Typical questions are ; Do you get angry / impatient. Are you tidy / organized. Are you freindly. Do you get along with other people. Do people listen to you / are you a leader etc. Read the question….some questions are almost double negatives.
Beware of trying to read into questions. Some questions revolve around asking you if you are prepared to hurt someone by telling them the truth. Whether you are applying for P2 or P1, your responses should be the same, i.e. instinctive. They get clever by varying the same question and then end up asking you the exact question as per 40 questions earlier. This is designed to see if you are trying to read into an appropriate response instead of being a true reflection of your character.
You have to be a true psycho not to “pass”. Relax, be in your usual assured pilot mode.
There is no result shown to you regarding the psychometric test ( but I’m sure they have a laugh at some of the profiles over a beer ).
The technical is based on various basics relating to ATG. Most questions are around the principle of lift, TAS vs CAS, effect of temp, TODA, VHF range etc. Brush up on your PPL notes and ATG comm level. It is not tough.
There are really easy questions and really tough ones. I know I certainly did not get the tough ones right, so it’s a matter of getting the gift-horse ones right. There is no pass mark and you are not informed of your result.
There are about 60 questions and it should take you 20min. You have a max of one hour. I suggest you don’t take the full allotted time. Be decisive, whether you are right or wrong. You could even score brownie points by leaving the ones you definitely don’t know blank…then again, it’s multiple choice and you may get lucky.
For some locals, the psychometric test, technical and interview may be held on two separate days. For expats flying in, it will be done in 4 to 5 hours.
A tip for those having to pay full fare, as VN do not give you a discount, is be nice to the lady at the ticket office and ask her boss for a discount. They do give them out of SA. Keep it to yourself…..make sure the interview staff knows the mission you have been through to get to the interview.
The interview portion is the easiest…
The main panel is HR lady, human factors lady and training captain.
The main questions are ;
HR – why did you start flying, why VN, tell us about your past companies etc.
Human Factors – is this not going to be boring compared to your previous flying, tell us about where you have flown, explain the ITCZ ( she might be blond but treat her with respect ), how would you brief a new P2 on local radio procedures and associated problems, explain an ILS to a layman, how would you deal with flying in local met conditions etc.
Training Capt – Metar / TAF brief & plate brief. Do the entire plate brief as you would in the cockpit ( including the date and rev number ). Include the lighting available and if you don’t know something….say you don’t ( RELS – runway edge lightning system ). No guessing. Like any captain, he wants to see you are open to learning something new and not a wise arse.
Make sure you ask them some pertinent questions about working conditions, accommodation, days off or even command upgrade periods. It’s really about been relaxed. Enjoy….the more they talk, the less you have too.
I will post approximate salary packages, but these are given to you on a hand written note and appropriate to you. I am not saying locals and expats get different packages, but they do not want to discuss salary items in the interview.
There is a basic, block hour rate, day-off rate and away S&T rates. I am trying to get clarity around tax, pension, medical deductions, so hang ten.
Guide take-home pay is ;
P3 - $4000
FO - $4500
SFO - $5500
The bond is 3 years and GBP 20,000. A bit rough for some, and just right for others. That’s a whole thread on it’s own. Flying is capped at 900 hrs / year. Be warned….this is not a ticket in VA.
Next round is then off to simm check ride in the UK at VN expense. I have had feedback that the simm check is not to see if you know how to fly and land the 737-300, but if you know the basics and how you cope with the new environment and stress. Treat it like an OPC check…..you are there to learn something new and show you have the right personality. Not that you know every button and can teach the simm instructor something.
After that it’s a formal offer from VN, then off for 7 week training course in the UK and finally, line training in Lagos. The chaps who interviewed in Nov started their training mid feb…..
Think sponge, dry sponge….
Accommodation is for bachelors at this stage only. I have not seen the units, but they are near the new VN offices. You share an apartment with one other. Own kitchen and lounge in complex with others. If you need a spot for the family, you can get something for around $500-1000 ( according to the training captain ). Be careful. Landlords require two years rent upfront which VN will help you with in the form of a loan.
I have not found out how many expats stay in Lagos and commute home. There are free flights, but they have not confirmed how many. Considering you only have 20 days leave, you will have some roster juggling to get home to mom.