What's more important?

[BWSBoy6]

Just about to graduate from FTE as self sponsored. Average % mark in GS exams 86% (two retakes so not outstanding) but passed CPL and IR 1st time.

At an interview, what would a potential employer be more impressed with?

I guess I'm looking for advice over what to play up or play down. I'm just 20 too so I realise my age might count against me with regards to experience.

Cheers.

[average-punter]

In my experience no one is really going to care about the retakes, but be prepared to talk about it in an interview should it come up.

[rudestuff]

I wouldn't worry too much about retakes - given what's going with the EASA question bank at the moment!

[PURPLE PITOT]

You hold the most basic qualification to do the job. Theres nothing in that to "big up".

Concentrate on your personal qualities, and what makes you stand out above other candidates.

[paco]

".......and what makes you stand out above other candidates. "

LOL! One candidate I know used to be an exotic dancer! We told her not to keep too quiet about it!

Phil

[PURPLE PITOT]

Yes, they should add pole dancing to the ATPL syllabus!:D

[Reverserbucket]

With little experience and age on your side, I would be prepared to describe why you were interested in pursuing a CPL/IR - what interests you particularly in a career in aviation? How much do you understand about the industry and which path do you think your career may take within the company? An 86% average pass mark and a couple of retakes is nothing - put any perceived negativities behind you and approach every interview as an opportunity to promote what you have achieved; I know several line pilots flying for UK operators who did not achieve a pass in the first series at CPL or IR Skill Test and frankly, I'd be surprised if you were even asked.

Remember that everyone invited for interview is likely to be at a very similar level to yourself (i.e. freshly minted CPL/IR/MCC) so it's what the rest don't have but you do that will make the difference - personality, presentability, passion (well, some interest at the very least)...and know something about the aircraft you have experience of currently - it's not expected that you will have a deep technical understanding of the type(s) operated by your prospective employer (do know what they fly though), but few candidates seem to recall much about PA28's or Seneca's or whatever device they used for MCC and this is quite revealing. The interviewer is unlikely to know that much either but that's not why you are being asked ;). Make sure you prepare some meaningful questions based on some research about the company - don't inspect your shoes and mumble when asked if you have any...

And if you can pole dance, all the better - just ensure they can provide the facility during the interview.

Overall, a prospective employer during interview is more concerned with your conviction for working for them and how much effort you have put into preparing for the biggest day of your career so far...soft skills appear to be lacking these days so invest in some proper interview prep and improve your chances.

Good Luck

[parkfell]

All sound advice given above

Ground school outcome was satisfactory. Mark in GN can be revealing.

As you are probably hoping for an airline job, the MCC/JOC 737-800W is important as a positive outcome would be very helpful.
This is where your learning curve is put to the test, and will be of great interest to any employer.

In any event, any prospective employer will carry out a sim check looking both at your PF, and equally as important your PM skills.

[BWSBoy6]

Thanks guys for all your responses - particularly Parkfell and Reversebucket. Those words about GS are very reassuring. You kind of get the undercurrent that unless you have an avg over 90%, you won't even get an interview. Now into MCC/JOC. 737 sim starts on Monday and my tutor has very generously offered its use later if I need a refresher ore interview. There are 17 self sponsored on my course and we were informed at grad that 9 of us are about to be approached by Easyjet or Norwegian re interviews - we will find out who this week.

I've also been polishing my pole vigorously in case I'm picked and have to satisfy the interviewer!! :ok:

[turbopropulsion]

It's somewhat of a cliché but relax! You're qualified and young, exactly what they want:ok: You got this man.

[nick14]

I partial passed my first IR, I'm now an instructor on a large jet.

Failure is as important as success; recovery from failure demonstrates more about you than infallibility.