The best CVs or Resumes (Merged)
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Use the Microsoft Word Resumé Wizard, it will present your CV in a variety of attractive ways,
and anyway, you're better concentrating on the content and language of your CV....
and anyway, you're better concentrating on the content and language of your CV....
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Do not under any circumstances use Microsoft or any other commercial CV writer to prepare a pilot CV!!! Do I make myself clear? Don't do it!
These programs are, in the main, American and are aimed at the general business/financial jobs market. A five-page list of your personal qualities and talents - as defined by the writer - is absolutely no use to a Director Flight Ops trying to find a new pilot!
There have been many threads here over the years which have contained good advice about aviation CVs. Do a search and look carefully at what you find. Some of the more important points are:
The CV should be no more than one side of A4.
It should list your flying experience, with the greatest detail for the most recent and relevant parts.
If you recently left full-time education, basic details of your academic qualifications should be included.
If you are from the world of work, a brief summary of your more recent positions should be included. Do not, however, tell me how great you were as a salesman/leader/whatever. If you fit my specifications for pilots to fill my posts, I'll invite you to interview and ask you myself.
You must include details of your licence, (relevant) type ratings, instrument rating and medical, and personal details like age, sex and marital status.
Include a covering letter explaining what position you are applying for and, briefly, why you think you would fit into my airline. Don't overdo the bullsh*t. Don't quote your flying school to try and get extra kudos. I'm interested in that you have a legal and genuine ATPL, not where you got it - although I may want to know a bit about your training if you're a brand shiny new fATPL. Tell me when you are available, and tell me how to get in touch with you. Include contact details of 2 potential referees.
Now, go do that search.
These programs are, in the main, American and are aimed at the general business/financial jobs market. A five-page list of your personal qualities and talents - as defined by the writer - is absolutely no use to a Director Flight Ops trying to find a new pilot!
There have been many threads here over the years which have contained good advice about aviation CVs. Do a search and look carefully at what you find. Some of the more important points are:
The CV should be no more than one side of A4.
It should list your flying experience, with the greatest detail for the most recent and relevant parts.
If you recently left full-time education, basic details of your academic qualifications should be included.
If you are from the world of work, a brief summary of your more recent positions should be included. Do not, however, tell me how great you were as a salesman/leader/whatever. If you fit my specifications for pilots to fill my posts, I'll invite you to interview and ask you myself.
You must include details of your licence, (relevant) type ratings, instrument rating and medical, and personal details like age, sex and marital status.
Include a covering letter explaining what position you are applying for and, briefly, why you think you would fit into my airline. Don't overdo the bullsh*t. Don't quote your flying school to try and get extra kudos. I'm interested in that you have a legal and genuine ATPL, not where you got it - although I may want to know a bit about your training if you're a brand shiny new fATPL. Tell me when you are available, and tell me how to get in touch with you. Include contact details of 2 potential referees.
Now, go do that search.
Last edited by scroggs; 31st Aug 2002 at 20:21.
I say there boy
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Scroggs,
Regarding referees, each industry expects job applications to be slightly different. In the one in which I currently work, referees on CVs are not expected as it is taken as a given that you have referees, and they are only ever checked up on after a job offer has been made so are requested then.
Are referees on the CV or covering letter important in aviation? (I'm not providing them currently).
cheers!
foggy.
Regarding referees, each industry expects job applications to be slightly different. In the one in which I currently work, referees on CVs are not expected as it is taken as a given that you have referees, and they are only ever checked up on after a job offer has been made so are requested then.
Are referees on the CV or covering letter important in aviation? (I'm not providing them currently).
cheers!
foggy.
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Actually, to be fair, they are optional. Most of the major airlines will have an application form which will need to be completed prior to any interview, and this will ask for all the formal details they need including referees. However, most Wannabes are likely to be targetting smaller companies, which may not have these forms, and the mention of referees may be useful.
It would be quite sufficient, probably, to just mention that referees are 'available'. These referees should be people that know you in a professional sense. If you have no work history, flying school or further education staff may agree to write references for you.
It would be quite sufficient, probably, to just mention that referees are 'available'. These referees should be people that know you in a professional sense. If you have no work history, flying school or further education staff may agree to write references for you.
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British Airways offers this advice:
Taken from Flight Operations Pilot Recruitment booklet.
As for references, I think it is standard practise in most industries now to only seek references once a provisional offer of employment has been made.
Make first impressions count.
We can only proceed with your initial application on the basis of the information you provide us with. The following tips are offered to give you the best possible chance of succeeding to the next stage:
- Ensure your CV is well-organised, logical and easily understandable. Your experience, education and qualifications should be listed in reverse chronological order.
- Don't pad out your CV unnecessarily. Include everything that is relevant, but keep it brief.
- Keep a clear picture in your mind of the job for which you are applying, and the skills you have that most closely match the requirements.
- Take some time to think about your accomplishments. Include volunteer activities, jobs, projects, assignments, travel and team activities. Identify the personal qualities they brought out in you.
- Make sure your CV is up to date.
- Do a final check of your CV for spelling mistakes and errors.
We can only proceed with your initial application on the basis of the information you provide us with. The following tips are offered to give you the best possible chance of succeeding to the next stage:
- Ensure your CV is well-organised, logical and easily understandable. Your experience, education and qualifications should be listed in reverse chronological order.
- Don't pad out your CV unnecessarily. Include everything that is relevant, but keep it brief.
- Keep a clear picture in your mind of the job for which you are applying, and the skills you have that most closely match the requirements.
- Take some time to think about your accomplishments. Include volunteer activities, jobs, projects, assignments, travel and team activities. Identify the personal qualities they brought out in you.
- Make sure your CV is up to date.
- Do a final check of your CV for spelling mistakes and errors.
As for references, I think it is standard practise in most industries now to only seek references once a provisional offer of employment has been made.
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Curriculum Vitaes
Does anyone out there have a good CV template they could send me please? Approaching the stage where I am going to need to start applying for jobs and any help would be appricated.
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I've spent quite a bit of time writing CVs for others. The template from Oxford is ok, but I would say:
Don't put personal details, like address, phone number at the top - put them at the bottom - it wastes space, and ditracts from the impact. Have your name, then immediately under it, put your hours, qualifications etc. A bit like:
Mike Smithers
1200 TT, B737NG rating,
then a few quick facts to sum up your aviaition prowess, and others; put down one or two statements about what you could bring to the org.
leave out naff statements like, team-player, proactive, responsible for, - let the experience speak for itself, such as:
- instructor at XXX flying club for 15 months; 23 students passed under tutorship; assisted in day-to-day club duties, and instrumental in developing new club brochure attracting 23% increase in student numbers.
I like the message about including responsibility and potential leadership stuff, but don't overdo it.
Statements like: references on request are pointless. But 'References from CFI/senior managers from current org at appropriate time' are useful.
Remember: a cv is completely tailored to you. If you've got little experience, don't oversell the lack of it. A well written cv and a great application letter should get you an interview. Therefore, don't underestimate the power of the written application letter: it could make the difference. There are thousands of CVs floating around, and 99.9% all look the same, feel the same, and have the same excruciating language.
email me if you want me to review/suggest ideas.
Don't put personal details, like address, phone number at the top - put them at the bottom - it wastes space, and ditracts from the impact. Have your name, then immediately under it, put your hours, qualifications etc. A bit like:
Mike Smithers
1200 TT, B737NG rating,
then a few quick facts to sum up your aviaition prowess, and others; put down one or two statements about what you could bring to the org.
leave out naff statements like, team-player, proactive, responsible for, - let the experience speak for itself, such as:
- instructor at XXX flying club for 15 months; 23 students passed under tutorship; assisted in day-to-day club duties, and instrumental in developing new club brochure attracting 23% increase in student numbers.
I like the message about including responsibility and potential leadership stuff, but don't overdo it.
Statements like: references on request are pointless. But 'References from CFI/senior managers from current org at appropriate time' are useful.
Remember: a cv is completely tailored to you. If you've got little experience, don't oversell the lack of it. A well written cv and a great application letter should get you an interview. Therefore, don't underestimate the power of the written application letter: it could make the difference. There are thousands of CVs floating around, and 99.9% all look the same, feel the same, and have the same excruciating language.
email me if you want me to review/suggest ideas.
Just follow Scroggs advice and you won't go far wrong.
If you are the right side of good looking then attach a photo - otherwise don't.
If you are a youngster ( <22 ) then one of the best things you can do regards a CV is to find 5 people who are in positions of responsibility and give them your CV and ask for a critique. Your Dad, your Dads Boss, same for your Mums Boss + a couple of friends of the family etc. In the same vein and if they are oblidging then I would ask for some practice interviews.
Most people will be flattered and I BET you know someone who regularly interviews people for jobs. They don't need to know a damn thing about the airline business. If you have never been for a proper job interview before you may be suprised by just how tongue tied and cack handed you can be when under the spotlight on the wrong side of the interview desk.
Their feedback comments on your speech and non-verbal mannerisms might be invaluable when the time comes for you to impress at your first airline interview.
So many Wannabe worry about which school they went to or whether they passed Met with 85%+.
Most of that is worthless rubbish - whereas - the fact you say Ummmm incessantly or just flap when asked why you are better than the other 6 guys in the outside waiting room will make or break your job prospects. As will those nasty unpolished ex-sixth form shoes you thought you could get away with...
WWW
If you are the right side of good looking then attach a photo - otherwise don't.
If you are a youngster ( <22 ) then one of the best things you can do regards a CV is to find 5 people who are in positions of responsibility and give them your CV and ask for a critique. Your Dad, your Dads Boss, same for your Mums Boss + a couple of friends of the family etc. In the same vein and if they are oblidging then I would ask for some practice interviews.
Most people will be flattered and I BET you know someone who regularly interviews people for jobs. They don't need to know a damn thing about the airline business. If you have never been for a proper job interview before you may be suprised by just how tongue tied and cack handed you can be when under the spotlight on the wrong side of the interview desk.
Their feedback comments on your speech and non-verbal mannerisms might be invaluable when the time comes for you to impress at your first airline interview.
So many Wannabe worry about which school they went to or whether they passed Met with 85%+.
Most of that is worthless rubbish - whereas - the fact you say Ummmm incessantly or just flap when asked why you are better than the other 6 guys in the outside waiting room will make or break your job prospects. As will those nasty unpolished ex-sixth form shoes you thought you could get away with...
WWW
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Although I realise my following comments might not be helpful to people applying for aviation jobs, you might find them interesting:
The large aerospace company that I’m currently working for removes the personal details from ever CV they get; especially photos!
The reason for this is so that no one can come back at them in court and say they were unfairly looked over due to sex, age, race, religion etc.... So if a manager wants to hire someone, they are given a pile of nameless and faceless CVs. They then pick the ones they want out of that bunch. They are then given the personal details of the people picked and from that point on if anyone doesn’t get the job the manager has to write down why....in case it goes to court!
I would think that if anyone takes a company to court because they were looked over for a job they would be pretty egotistical, hence showing why they were right to be overlooked. But hey, you can sue anybody these days!
Political correctness too far or good idea? I’m not sure.
C
The large aerospace company that I’m currently working for removes the personal details from ever CV they get; especially photos!
The reason for this is so that no one can come back at them in court and say they were unfairly looked over due to sex, age, race, religion etc.... So if a manager wants to hire someone, they are given a pile of nameless and faceless CVs. They then pick the ones they want out of that bunch. They are then given the personal details of the people picked and from that point on if anyone doesn’t get the job the manager has to write down why....in case it goes to court!
I would think that if anyone takes a company to court because they were looked over for a job they would be pretty egotistical, hence showing why they were right to be overlooked. But hey, you can sue anybody these days!
Political correctness too far or good idea? I’m not sure.
C
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Check6
Relax, man! The fact is that these templates are usually inadequate, and are intended mainly to make money for their authors. The amount of editing required to turn Microsoft's example into a useable CV - particularly for a UK pilot - means that it's more or less useless.
As for your point about Air Carrier employment, that is what this forum is all about - or maybe you missed that small detail?
Perhaps you are the real Thomas Keller?? (You have to follow Check6's link!).
Relax, man! The fact is that these templates are usually inadequate, and are intended mainly to make money for their authors. The amount of editing required to turn Microsoft's example into a useable CV - particularly for a UK pilot - means that it's more or less useless.
As for your point about Air Carrier employment, that is what this forum is all about - or maybe you missed that small detail?
Perhaps you are the real Thomas Keller?? (You have to follow Check6's link!).
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Presentation of CVs and Succeeding at Interview
Guys and Gals
I'm looking for some hints and tips on CV writing. What are the things a good CV must have, similarly what are the things it must never have??
If the cv as actually read instead of being 'filed', what are the do's and don'ts at interview. Are there things you need to direct the conversation towards to demonstrate particular knowledge, awareness or skills?
Any help appreciated.
high-flyer
I'm looking for some hints and tips on CV writing. What are the things a good CV must have, similarly what are the things it must never have??
If the cv as actually read instead of being 'filed', what are the do's and don'ts at interview. Are there things you need to direct the conversation towards to demonstrate particular knowledge, awareness or skills?
Any help appreciated.
high-flyer
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Dear high-flyer
A friend of mine who completed her CPL/IR last year and has been looking for a job for some time, told me about some guy in the North West area who runs a sort of CV / interview brush up course and has experience in interview technique.
I e-mailed my friend for info and she has sent me this link.
http://www.pittraining.co.uk
In this day and age, I don't think going the extra mile to get the interview and making sure you don't cock it up would be a bad thing.
Why spend all that money to get so far with your training and then mess up on something that is so important as your CV presentation and interview.
Its like spending £10,000 on your daughters wedding and then trying to book the cheapest DJ you can for the night do. Your guest will always remember the crap DJ but not the smart Limo or the Great afternoon meal???
A friend of mine who completed her CPL/IR last year and has been looking for a job for some time, told me about some guy in the North West area who runs a sort of CV / interview brush up course and has experience in interview technique.
I e-mailed my friend for info and she has sent me this link.
http://www.pittraining.co.uk
In this day and age, I don't think going the extra mile to get the interview and making sure you don't cock it up would be a bad thing.
Why spend all that money to get so far with your training and then mess up on something that is so important as your CV presentation and interview.
Its like spending £10,000 on your daughters wedding and then trying to book the cheapest DJ you can for the night do. Your guest will always remember the crap DJ but not the smart Limo or the Great afternoon meal???
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True. I used www.pilotinterviews.co.uk (Penny Austin), she is a great interview coach, so do a search on 'Penny Austin'.
The testing, sim and interview I subsequently had, I passed!
The testing, sim and interview I subsequently had, I passed!
Last edited by MorningGlory; 24th Jul 2003 at 22:26.
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Well I just tried it and it worked; it's definitely www.pilotinterviews.co.uk or her email address is [email protected]
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[email protected]
The webpage seems to be sponsored by uk2.net which deals with domain names. seemed to work for me
regards
edited to say morning glory beat me by one minute!!
The webpage seems to be sponsored by uk2.net which deals with domain names. seemed to work for me
regards
edited to say morning glory beat me by one minute!!
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Dear High Flyer
Difficult to give you an answer to such a broad subject, as every approach to an airline needs to be tailored to that company and indeed each airline probably has their own slant on what they want.
I can recommend AOT Ltd (see aotraining.net). They cover the whole process from cv prep, getting ready for the interview and the interview itself, plus things like how to relax yourself and what you need to know. You also get the chance to do a mock selection day.
I found it good value for money and it worked for me. I changed my approach to both cv writing and interview technique following the course. Have since got a job and am sure that my pre course cv would have not made it past the bin.
Another benefit is that it is presented by a group of airline recruiters/training captains and senior airline personnel, so you get to spend quality time with people who do selection for a living, and are happy to pass on the benefit of their knowledge.
Agree with EGCC, there is too much at stake these days to leave things to chance, and you really do only get one shot at making a good impression (or getting your cv in the right pile!).
Good luck
oap
Difficult to give you an answer to such a broad subject, as every approach to an airline needs to be tailored to that company and indeed each airline probably has their own slant on what they want.
I can recommend AOT Ltd (see aotraining.net). They cover the whole process from cv prep, getting ready for the interview and the interview itself, plus things like how to relax yourself and what you need to know. You also get the chance to do a mock selection day.
I found it good value for money and it worked for me. I changed my approach to both cv writing and interview technique following the course. Have since got a job and am sure that my pre course cv would have not made it past the bin.
Another benefit is that it is presented by a group of airline recruiters/training captains and senior airline personnel, so you get to spend quality time with people who do selection for a living, and are happy to pass on the benefit of their knowledge.
Agree with EGCC, there is too much at stake these days to leave things to chance, and you really do only get one shot at making a good impression (or getting your cv in the right pile!).
Good luck
oap