Best way to network for corporate jobs and what are my chances?
 

Evening all, I am looking into my chances of landing a corporate job either with a private owner or biz jet company. I have a JAA (F) ATPL and approaching 1500hrs TT which has been accumulated through instructing and probably like everyone one else I have been sending CV's out to every corporate company I can think of.
Since I have had luck with this my next plan is to visit airfields and physically knock on doors/cockpits in hope of a chance. I just would like to hear from current biz jet pilots on how they would feel if I was to turn up un announced looking to be hired and if this tatic is frowned upon ???? I have no means of funding a type rating nor a FAA conversion either which I know can be beneficial to have as a corporate pilot.All I have to offer is my enthusiasum to learn , I will always work hard, loyalty and that I passed all my flying courses first time and in minimum hours and the same for the ATPL exams which I gained a 92% average. Would this be enough to get hired as a FO.??

Honestly,

Best way is to get through ops or sales department... Start there, show your comitment and tell them what is your target and they will take you.
This business lacks of really good sales guys but ops is also a good way to start with.

The way you plan to do it is nothing more or better than sending the cv's, and can turn out even against you, IMHO.

Physically going to company offices can be a dangerous game. The snootier / larger the company, the more they hate people coming in with CV in hand. Smaller outfits may well be more friendly but, unfortunately, may lack the resources to train you up :sad:
Sales and Ops are both good things to do, depending on whether you are of techno-geek / Del Boy mindset, as they will give you a regular income, and keep you in aviation instead of pulling pints or whatever else. :} Good luck!

Agree with last post, your best chance is if you can offer the company something other than your license to get through the doors. Try charter sales, OPS, FBO work etc.

Nezzer,

I also agree with the last post. Try to apply for charter sales department or ops, there are a some jobs around!

A few years ago I startet with charter sales, made some networking, got some good contacts/friends and earned my rating this way. Actually my ride is up for sale and stored in hangar :hmm:

**** happens....
Nevertheless - I'm typerated and able to freelance!:}

Nezzer, nothing wrong with knocking on cockpit doors, if you can get through the security. I for one don't mind at all chatting to guys/gals at the handlers/FBO's who are trying to get into the business and if they make a good impression I won't mind either giving them some pointers or even taking their CV if I know of someone who might be interested. We have a higher entry requirement, but that doesn't stop me handing a CV to someone if the guy/gal has impressed me.

Getting into charter sales is all well and good, but there are plenty of jets not on an AOC. If you are thinking about an entry level job, forget charter sales, that will only give you exposure to that company and go for a handling job at an airfield that handles multiple owners and operators, that would give you far greater exposure.