another thought, was that if you do join a company in this economic situation think of the following.......
- get a full contract if posisble (if pigs fly)
- dont do split shifts as thats the new "in" thing at most airport's
- avoid working in the baggage hall/make up area's as they may seem dull (to some) and may discourage your ambition to work further in the industry
- always avoid seasonal contracts (the name says it all)
- avoid Airlines and ground handlers on behalf of who are in finacial trouble, as job cuts and redundancies are very popular (certain airlines being protected under chapter 11 etc)
- Check what you job entails, as it may look great on paper until you actually start airside
I can understand some points may seem unrealistic if your dying for a job but after doing a week of split shifts arriving to work at 0600 leaving at 1000, to then come back to work at 1800 till 2200 isn't great!
But I for one wouldn't worry about getting "ripped" but then again every one to their own