My experience in the first round was as expected. I had the unique experience of being the only pilot in the room, two HR specialists giving me the third degree. For a solid hour.
They basically went through everything on my application then started in on my logbook to round out the time.
They wanted to know all about my previous jobs (all of them), how I come to have so many passports, how I would feel if one of my former students was captain on a flight where I was the FO (very proud, actually), where do my family and friends live, who do I know at KA and what do they say about it, would I accept an offer from HKA (probably not), why not Cathay (I prefer short haul), what will I do if I miss out (stay put and upgrade in a year), where else have I tried (everywhere), what was I doing in 2012 (same as now, trying everywhere), how do I like living in Tung Chung, do we rent or own, how does my family feel about all this and what to they want for me, where do I live, where was I born, with additions for the classic questions:why leave your present company, what is your current roster like, what are your prospects where you are, ok so why Dragonair then, can you manage the workload (80 + on a short haul roster is punishing. Are you aware of how hard you will work and how will you manage it?) how do you feel about integrated patterns and overnights, can you live in Hong Kong, variations on do I know what I am going to be in for basically.
Was a hell of a grilling. They were thorough, there was no chance of skating lightly over any of it. I nailed a few big ones, and they did invite me back.
I am expecting an even tougher time next round. If they are that thorough on HR, then I am thinking hardball in the tech round. ATPL fun (i.e. obscure) facts, classic Aerody and some Post Graduate Airbus. Probably with some diabolical personal questions that they have thought up in the meantime.
Anyone got any more to add? Good gouge is the only defence against such an onslaught.....
And they want to hear 900kts if the airplane is flying along the equator. I know a guy who asks that question in interviews.....
Happy Landings!
OFO