At the time when I was turned down after stage 2 of the CEP selection process I felt rather low and questioned my reasoning for applying. Not unsurprisingly as the whole process at times felt like it was designed with one purpose in mind - to thrust you headfirst into the wall in order to observe how you react. Most here know about the rigrorous selection process and those who have yet to experience it will hopefully soon be a part of it, should that be their desire. The initial feelings of inadequacy over my failure after stage 2 soon gave way to the realisation that it was probably the best outcome afterall. One has to question the logic behind some components of their recruitment process but I guess it works for them? I do not wish to bad mouth the company as my reasons for the above statement are really just a simple reflection on the fact that we were not suited - too much of a punchy corporate alpha male vibe for my liking - and I screwed up some rather taxing mental math calcs in the tech interview - that's the top and bottom of it. Que sera. But this is why we have job interviews, right? You check them out and they check you out. It is all on the day and a CX interview is pretty far down on my list of fun things to be doing when I've not slept properly for nearly 72 hours.
I would imagine that there are some very good points to joining CX as DEP but wannabe CEP's need be under no illusions that they will almost certainly feel little sense of respect in the workplace. One strongly senses that after the initial highs of being flight deck crew subside, they will more than likely be left wishing they had chosen another path to the airways. I heard some pretty horrific stories about SO's treatment at the hands of some old dogs on the flight deck whilst I was at Cathay City. It is amazing what you can find out by doing just a little digging and schmoozing within the inner circles of CX glitterati...
Take it from people who have been around in aviation a bit longer and trust them. I can usually gauge situations and people rather well and after attending two interviews at CX can honestly state that the impression given here by a vociferous minority is just the thin end of the wedge. In aviation, your gut feelings are something you learn if and when to rely upon. What do your gut feelings tell you about this scheme given what you read here on PPRuNe? Never have I before seen so much hostility surround a particular topic. Can over two years worth of postings on this matter ALL be the malicious, rancid and vindictive hot air of a bunch of devious, cynical old salts who wish nothing more than to stop enthusiastic youngsters from entering their chosen career? I know PPRuNe has gone down a rather negative alley in recent years but.... c'mon, most of us know how to sift out the wheat from the chaff here - even a hefty pinch of salt still leaves an awful lot of bad air. In short: there HAS to be some validity to the hostility evidenced here, wouldn't you say?
After stage two the option to reapply was offered me... however, I shall not be reapplying. Two interviews at a legacy carrier chalked up as experience. I learn from my experiences - it's what has kept me alive in aviation for over 10 years.
Trust that voice. Be afraid, be very afraid!
VFE.
Last edited by VFE; 29th Nov 2011 at 20:56.