Does randomly sending out CVs work?
 

There aren't many companies out there at the moment with either, an active online application process or stating they are recruiting.

This may seem limiting but I was wondering whether just sending in a CV and cover letter is in fact more detriminental than positive. I know of a particular airline that has actually asked an FTO to advise it's students to NOT randomly send in a CV.

I've recently received my license through and feel anxious as to what to do.

Has anyone has any positive experiences of sending a CV (for a role not advertised) and getting a positive reply?

Speaking from my own experience, I haven't had any luck with the companies that were hiring, let alone with random applications. But maybe someone else had more luck ... On the other hand I don't think that sending CVs out randomly would have any detremental effect - they will probably finish in a recycle bin, but you could get lucky.

I found companies contact me up to 6months later after ive done an online application or by sending my CV in. Pathetic but hey its got me interviews at least.

Thanks for the information guys. Much appreciated!

Always have a copy of your CV with you! Treat everyone you meet as a potential employer - you never know...

A number of my past drinking-buddies have gone on to do recruitment. I know someone who was flying light GA and happened to be transporting an airline CEO. They quickly ended up working for them and in time became a director in that airline. I once recognised a (different) CEO passing from aircraft to chauffeur and handed him my CV which I had in an envelope close to hand - nothing ventured, nothing gained. He directly arranged for an interview for me.

Airlines don't want unlucky people working for them. You are likely to be more lucky by spending time in the right environment to meet the right people and being presentable and personable when you do. Make sure that when the next opportunity knocks you are prepared.

Good luck out there!

Worked for me;)

Rather than just randomly spraying my CV around, I did the research and targeted the companies that I met or were close to meeting the requirements.

Some airlines in the past liked to see enthusiasm. Qantas was one of them. So when you pitch up for an interview, they'd pull out your file with all your CVs in it. Not sure if they do that any more.

Worked for me! I had an aptitude test with CityJet after 2 rejection letters. Completely out the blue. Wish I could say I'm flying with them, but I am not:bored:.

try pay to fly, I am sure you will find soemthing.

work for 1 year, save like crazy, then pay a training in Asia.

Do you really think airlines will offer you a job without any experience.

PM me to know more.

Try pay to fly?
Easer said than done on the "pay" section unfortunately.

Do you really think airlines will offer you a job without any experience.
Well I've the experience required to be the holder of a (f)ATPL. I understand in the grand scheme of things this is still highly inexperienced but where's the cut-off point of being "experienced"?

If what you are suggesting that this is not experienced enough to be offered a job then maybe the training needs to be extended. However this could push course costs even furthur through the already high roof!

Go figure!

If you are a fresh frozen ATPL holder with the typical 200 - 250 hours then your deemed to have zero experience. Once you've done your first year or 2 multi crew ops and have 500 to 1000 hours multicrew time in your logbook then you can say your a little 'experienced'. Your no longer a training risk(assuming you have a good training report - LPC/OPC, Line Checks etc) and will appear a little more 'interesting' on a CV. Until you get that first 500 to 1000 hours under your belt then your pi**ing against the wind unless you either strike very very lucky, or do a TR and line training package, or join the rest of the bandwagon that went to work for MOL!

As for sending our speculative CV's - absolutely! Worked for me on 2 or 3 occasions. Gotta be in it to win it!

Worked for me as a rated but low-houred guy. I targeted my CV to those companies operating my type and got a call about 4 months after sending my CV to one of those companies when they decided to start recruiting. Went to a meeting the next day and was doing a trial / check flight with them 3 days later. I was expecting some occasional freelance work but I was offered a full-time job. Still working for them (sort of) but now on a different type. (I now fall into the above 'a little experienced' category)

Be methodical - try to tailor your CV &/or a cover letter to suit each company based on your research. Keep a record of who you have sent your CV to and when and I would resend a CV to each viable company every 6 months or so.

Spend an hour each week (or more if you can) trawling all the aviation job sites for new leads.