Aer Lingus cadet program 2013
Join Date: Jan 2013
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This selection decision is independent of future requirements and we would welcome subsequent applications from you, should you meet the criteria at that time.
Six months it took them to send that generic pre-written email? If it was just me it had happened too I actually would've forgiven it as an unfortunate error, and probably would have applied to the next scheme. But it wasn't just me, it was so many other people too, to me that doesn't reflect well on a company at all. I won't be applying again.
Good luck to others though, bad experiences aside it actually does seem like a good scheme, and if you can look past been treated like an unwanted annoyance during the application process then go for it.
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Even though I'd love to say otherwise, I have to agree.
Even a simple "sorry you haven't heard back yet, but the selection processes are taking us longer than we expected."at the time information was promised, would have been fine for me.
But NOTHING at all? For an application where the ability to communicate is VERY high on the list, I have to find this kind of behavior amusing, just so I don't have to find it saddening.
Even a simple "sorry you haven't heard back yet, but the selection processes are taking us longer than we expected."at the time information was promised, would have been fine for me.
But NOTHING at all? For an application where the ability to communicate is VERY high on the list, I have to find this kind of behavior amusing, just so I don't have to find it saddening.
Join Date: Dec 2010
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I have just received an email apologising for the long delay, but they have, unfortunately, declined me 
. Good luck to everyone else, I hope you receive word today.
. Good luck to everyone else, I hope you receive word today.
Join Date: Dec 2010
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Dear tobster911,
Firstly, we would like to thank you for your continued patience while we were evaluating your application for the Aer Lingus Cadet Pilot Programme 2013. We received an unprecedented number of applications and it has taken us longer than anticipated to give each application due consideration.
We would like to thank you for your participation in the selection process which included online assessments, assessment centre and interview.
We had only a limited number of places available on our Cadet Pilot Training Programme for 2013 and as a result competition was extremely high.
Having carefully considered your overall performance throughout the Cadet Pilot Training Programme selection process, it is with regret that we must inform you that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
This selection decision is independent of future requirements and we would welcome subsequent applications from you, should you meet the criteria at that time
We wish to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in Aer Lingus and wish you every success in the future.
Yours sincerely
Aer Lingus HR Recruitment Team
Firstly, we would like to thank you for your continued patience while we were evaluating your application for the Aer Lingus Cadet Pilot Programme 2013. We received an unprecedented number of applications and it has taken us longer than anticipated to give each application due consideration.
We would like to thank you for your participation in the selection process which included online assessments, assessment centre and interview.
We had only a limited number of places available on our Cadet Pilot Training Programme for 2013 and as a result competition was extremely high.
Having carefully considered your overall performance throughout the Cadet Pilot Training Programme selection process, it is with regret that we must inform you that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
This selection decision is independent of future requirements and we would welcome subsequent applications from you, should you meet the criteria at that time
We wish to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in Aer Lingus and wish you every success in the future.
Yours sincerely
Aer Lingus HR Recruitment Team
Join Date: Jul 2013
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I was at the assessment in Dublin but unfortunately they declined me.
What bothers me like hell ! is what the criteria of their choice are.. During the assessment I was wearing a suit, kept a head up pose all the time, I was talkative and enthusiastic, smiling all the time, seconds after having arrived at the hotel I started talking with bunch of guys who were also waiting for the assessment, I am fluent in English - however, it's my second language so undoubtedly I made some linguistic mistakes during the interview - I was very active during the group part and I mentioned couple of things that, from what I noticed, the HR guys wrote down, I was talkative and smiling during the personal interview, I answered all of their questions such as 'what is fly by wire' or 'what is the aer lingus' fleet', I believe I made an intelligent answer to the question 'what is special about Aer Lingus', when they asked me if I had a question I asked a very intelligent, I think, question 'it is wonderful that you are giving such a marvellous opportunity for people like me to fulfill their dreams of becoming an airliner pilot, but considering there are multitude of already trained pilots on the market why do you organise a cadet programme instead of acquiring pilots through direct entry?', I talked and had a laugh with these 2 nice ladies that dealt with organisation of the assessment, I have a bachelor degree in Aviaton Management, I passed the International Baccalaureate, I completed an internship in Credit Control Department in Pratt & Whitney, I have certificates in English, German and Spanish, I hold a Private Pilot License and have 58 hours logged...
So here is my question - what are the criteria?! Who are they looking for? I am not stating I am a perfect candidate because it simply appears I am not, otherwise I would be in Jerez at the moment drinking beer with our fellow applicants, but I would love to know what the successful ones must have done to stand out from the rest..
Regarding the assessment - on the other hand - I am only 23, I am of Polish nationality, I have long hair (but during the assessment I had them neatly pinned in a bun), I feel I did pretty much mediocre during the written part.
Maybe my experience (58 hours flight time) is too little? Or maybe is it too much???? Maybe they didn't want to hire a non-British citizen??
Do you think they might have been looking for an older and more mature person? A person with a better education, from a better university?
What bothers me like hell ! is what the criteria of their choice are.. During the assessment I was wearing a suit, kept a head up pose all the time, I was talkative and enthusiastic, smiling all the time, seconds after having arrived at the hotel I started talking with bunch of guys who were also waiting for the assessment, I am fluent in English - however, it's my second language so undoubtedly I made some linguistic mistakes during the interview - I was very active during the group part and I mentioned couple of things that, from what I noticed, the HR guys wrote down, I was talkative and smiling during the personal interview, I answered all of their questions such as 'what is fly by wire' or 'what is the aer lingus' fleet', I believe I made an intelligent answer to the question 'what is special about Aer Lingus', when they asked me if I had a question I asked a very intelligent, I think, question 'it is wonderful that you are giving such a marvellous opportunity for people like me to fulfill their dreams of becoming an airliner pilot, but considering there are multitude of already trained pilots on the market why do you organise a cadet programme instead of acquiring pilots through direct entry?', I talked and had a laugh with these 2 nice ladies that dealt with organisation of the assessment, I have a bachelor degree in Aviaton Management, I passed the International Baccalaureate, I completed an internship in Credit Control Department in Pratt & Whitney, I have certificates in English, German and Spanish, I hold a Private Pilot License and have 58 hours logged...
So here is my question - what are the criteria?! Who are they looking for? I am not stating I am a perfect candidate because it simply appears I am not, otherwise I would be in Jerez at the moment drinking beer with our fellow applicants, but I would love to know what the successful ones must have done to stand out from the rest..
Regarding the assessment - on the other hand - I am only 23, I am of Polish nationality, I have long hair (but during the assessment I had them neatly pinned in a bun), I feel I did pretty much mediocre during the written part.
Maybe my experience (58 hours flight time) is too little? Or maybe is it too much???? Maybe they didn't want to hire a non-British citizen??
Do you think they might have been looking for an older and more mature person? A person with a better education, from a better university?
Join Date: Aug 2013
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Kudlaty,
It's very easy to go back on what you have done, and go through it with a fine tooth comb, however, the matter of the fact is, is that no matter how well you think you did, i'm sure there are areas in which you can improve.
I myself, walked out of the interview, and wanted to walk straight back in and say "Scratch that all, let me start again". I've got a great CV, and in my opinion a good personality, however, it just didn't work for Aer Lingus on the day, which is unfortunate.
I understand your frustration, and i've worked year to get the point in which I am now; and yes, when you go for something like this, it's easy to compare yourself to other applicants, but you will never know the factors in which they were successful; it could be the difference of a sentence in an interview in which they have been put ahead, you will never really know.
Use it as a learning curve, like I. You have to. These things don't come easy, and they don't just hand them out on the merit that your CV is strong, or you have a certain amount of flying hours, you have to stand out in all areas. That stuff looks great on paper, and yes it certainly does play a part, although yourself as a person does too.
Do I feel disheartened I didn't get in? Of course I do, I think most people would be lying if they said they weren't, after all, that's what we were all hoping when we applied. Although, i'm not upset. I know I wasn't the best I could be on the day, through nerves, only made worse by comparing myself to other candidates which I had only just met on assessment, which made me doubt myself, which you should never do.
Other opportunities will hopefully come around in the future, and i'm ready for them
It's very easy to go back on what you have done, and go through it with a fine tooth comb, however, the matter of the fact is, is that no matter how well you think you did, i'm sure there are areas in which you can improve.
I myself, walked out of the interview, and wanted to walk straight back in and say "Scratch that all, let me start again". I've got a great CV, and in my opinion a good personality, however, it just didn't work for Aer Lingus on the day, which is unfortunate.
I understand your frustration, and i've worked year to get the point in which I am now; and yes, when you go for something like this, it's easy to compare yourself to other applicants, but you will never know the factors in which they were successful; it could be the difference of a sentence in an interview in which they have been put ahead, you will never really know.
Use it as a learning curve, like I. You have to. These things don't come easy, and they don't just hand them out on the merit that your CV is strong, or you have a certain amount of flying hours, you have to stand out in all areas. That stuff looks great on paper, and yes it certainly does play a part, although yourself as a person does too.
Do I feel disheartened I didn't get in? Of course I do, I think most people would be lying if they said they weren't, after all, that's what we were all hoping when we applied. Although, i'm not upset. I know I wasn't the best I could be on the day, through nerves, only made worse by comparing myself to other candidates which I had only just met on assessment, which made me doubt myself, which you should never do.
Other opportunities will hopefully come around in the future, and i'm ready for them
Join Date: Nov 2012
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Kudlaty, I reckon you just have to appreciate that everyone at the final stages of these schemes is going to be pretty high calibre too, the vast majority with good degrees and experience. Plenty of people get knocked back at their first attempt, but are then successful the next year for the same or other schemes. Certainly never give up, all you can do is take it on the chin and work out how to improve. Criticising the process is completely pointless.
Divulging specific interview questions on an open forum strikes me as a very poor idea, particularly when you've just clearly identified yourself to the recruitment team who may well look at the forum.
I don't think they'd mind that you weren't British. The vast majority of their cadets are Irish, not British. Hopefully you didn't refer to Aer Lingus as a British airline, can't imagine it'd have gone down well!
Don't know if you're a guy or a girl, but with regard to having long hair; it's clearly not an issue if you're a girl. If you're a guy, you'd be nuts to turn up at an airline interview without having it short, neat and professional.
FlyVeryHigh's reflections are a pretty good example of how to approach getting knocked back.
Divulging specific interview questions on an open forum strikes me as a very poor idea, particularly when you've just clearly identified yourself to the recruitment team who may well look at the forum.
I don't think they'd mind that you weren't British. The vast majority of their cadets are Irish, not British. Hopefully you didn't refer to Aer Lingus as a British airline, can't imagine it'd have gone down well!
Don't know if you're a guy or a girl, but with regard to having long hair; it's clearly not an issue if you're a girl. If you're a guy, you'd be nuts to turn up at an airline interview without having it short, neat and professional.
FlyVeryHigh's reflections are a pretty good example of how to approach getting knocked back.
Join Date: Jul 2013
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I'm not critisting the process in any way! As I said, I'm just dying to know what kind of person is the 'perfect' one for them. Do the HR guys have some specific 'key' to assess the applicants or do they base on their feelings towars the applicant, or maybe a bit of both? For instance, I would say they are undoubtedly looking for an outgoing and talkative person but when I spoke to one of the guys (applicants) during the assessment, he mentioned he had a friend who is very calm and silent and succeeded in a cadet program and flies as a F/O at the moment.
I too have been analyzing the assessment and I know what kind of mistakes I might have made and in what areas I need to improve so now I know what I should change during such an assessment in the future.
Regarding my hair, yes I am a guy and have long hair
My second biggest love after aviation is music but if they told me 'we reviewed your performance and would be delighted to have you onboard but under the condition you to lose your hair', the first thing I would do would be to go to the barber's. But I don't think (but still, wondering if) my long hair could be a reason/one of the reasons to knock me back..
Anyway, I don't have a smallest intention to give up my dream, I'm just hoping there will be another so attractive opportunity in the near future
I too have been analyzing the assessment and I know what kind of mistakes I might have made and in what areas I need to improve so now I know what I should change during such an assessment in the future.
Regarding my hair, yes I am a guy and have long hair
My second biggest love after aviation is music but if they told me 'we reviewed your performance and would be delighted to have you onboard but under the condition you to lose your hair', the first thing I would do would be to go to the barber's. But I don't think (but still, wondering if) my long hair could be a reason/one of the reasons to knock me back..Anyway, I don't have a smallest intention to give up my dream, I'm just hoping there will be another so attractive opportunity in the near future
Join Date: Sep 2013
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Kudlaty, I think I know where your application fell apart.. It's when you thought Aer Lingus is a British Airline that only hire British citizens! There's a big Shamrock on the tail of their aircraft.... Next time do your research and at least get the country right!
Seriously though, if you want to progress in aviation ditch the long hair. It gives off the wrong impression in an interview.
Just ask Bruce Dickinson, lead singer in Iron Maiden, he changed his hairstyle for this very reason when he became a commercial pilot.
Just ask Bruce Dickinson, lead singer in Iron Maiden, he changed his hairstyle for this very reason when he became a commercial pilot.
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Chins up
IMHO I think that anybody who made it to either stage in Dublin should
not be disheartened. There were very few places and a lot of really strong candidates, I knew of people with MSc's and others who had started RAF training but been made redundant because of budget cuts. Hopefully more schemes like this to come.
Good luck to all.
not be disheartened. There were very few places and a lot of really strong candidates, I knew of people with MSc's and others who had started RAF training but been made redundant because of budget cuts. Hopefully more schemes like this to come.
Good luck to all.
Join Date: Aug 2012
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2014 was mentioned if 10 cadets were taken. The case now being 20 taken on, loads of D/E joining the Airline too it could be 2015/6 until there is another recruitment drive.
These schemes seem to come along all at the same time like they did in 2013, so sit and wait patiently & make sure you take the opportunity when it does come along!
These schemes seem to come along all at the same time like they did in 2013, so sit and wait patiently & make sure you take the opportunity when it does come along!
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Firstly well done to all who made the grade, I myself was not so lucky. I'm currently pinning it on the fact I hadn't yet started my degree and was out of formal education. Anyways, not to fret, there is always next time 
A maths/science degree will hopefully help next time round, especially in the early stages. I'm sure some of us will eventually make it! To those who feel hard done by, you're not the only one!
A maths/science degree will hopefully help next time round, especially in the early stages. I'm sure some of us will eventually make it! To those who feel hard done by, you're not the only one!
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Next one?
Just wondering if its currently anticipated whether or not this programme will run next year? I know there cannot be a definite answer yet; although i'm curious as to whether its being considered.
Cheers.
Cheers.