Writing a CV for the first job after training
 

Hello all,

I understand the basics - keep to one A4 page, smart and simple.

What I am wondering about is - for the first job, do employers want to see the following written on your CV?

1) ATPL theory average/ first time passes

2) Any sort of personal statement or hobbies etc? Or everything on the CV should be kept strictly aviation-related?

3) A passport photo (personally I find it strange that people include them)


Any other tips welcome. I tried to use the search function but couldn't find much and the web is pretty scare of any CV examples since there's a million companies offering to check over your CV for £50-£100. And perhaps I will spend the £100 when the time comes but for the moment I would like to have the first draft ready.

Thanks!

As you said, keep it simple! And yes, it's a good idea to put your ATPL results. I wouldn't bother too much with the first pass rate.
Airlines don't care about our hobbies. Unfortunately, they ONLY care about ratings and hours on type!

"Try to apply for every vacancy you find even if you don't exceed the minimums. At least, you are on their database. "

Just my 2 cents.

I disagree with the above.

Everyone has the same stuff coming out of school.

Its the other stuff which sets you out from the crowd.

BTW that's the opinion of someone that has to go through the bloody things.

Its life experience which we pull out, straight out of school your an unknown quantity.

First times passes and high ATPL exam score mean jack these days with online question banks and a first time pass from a school employed examiner is no indication at all of the competency of said pilot.

Some do though how ever use it to cut down the shear numbers of CV's on their desk.

Hi there,

I have spent the last 5 years running courses on this and helping guys/girls find their first job. My background is also in aviation recruitment.

I agree with most of the above.

Keep these things at the forefront of your mind:

1- The CV is your chance to sell yourself. So sell, don't just present technical information about yourself. Make sure every sentence has a positive impact on the reader. As pilots a lot of us are exceptional at attention to detail,but not always so great at identifying and positively promoting the skill set we have.
2- You cant sell something unless you know what the customer wants to buy. So make sure you have a thorough understanding of the job role. In the case of the first officer, look at these sorts of communication based skills:

Leadership and Management,
Decision Making,
Situational Awareness,
Teamwork.

3- When airlines select, they tend to use competency based questioning, they want to see evidence. So lets use that knowledge to get ahead of the competition at the CV stage. Lets deliver the skills we have learned they want and provide evidence of when we use them.

Just a few overview tips to get you started. I hear tonnes of tips that are sometimes not so effective! So when you receive advice on a CV, measure the effectiveness of that action Vs. its risk. I heard an FTO recently who tell their graduates to decorate the CV with the airlines logo! I've popped that in there purely for amusement, there are clear risks associated with this that probably outweigh any potential for gain.

I'll answer your questions directly:

1) ATPL theory average/ first time passes - If the results are good. Yes. There is potential gain and no risk. You'll also be taking up minimal space on your piece of A4.

2)Any sort of personal statement or hobbies etc? Or everything on the CV should be kept strictly aviation-related? - You can find examples in your hobbies of when you've used the skills above. In my opinion I'd focus not just on what your hobbies are but also what you've achieved. This section also serves to show you are a 'rounded' interesting person.

3) A passport photo - This is one of the more personal elements. Really in putting photo on you're trying to put over a subliminal message. My opinion is that putting a photo on holds risks that probably aren't outweighed by the gains. Some advice, if you do:
a) Don't break the airline's uniform rules of the airline you're applying too.
b) Don't wear uniform! I work for an airline, if I apply to another airline, I won't be wearing my current uniform in any pictures!

Hope the tips above help. I've only approached the subject on a very basic level and to give you a start.

Remember to weigh up the risk vs. gain on any advice you get.There are a lot of 'experts' in this field who don't necessarily realise how very important this is to you.

Best of luck,

I'm now in the process of applying online - a bit restricted as I'm low hours having just qualified, but wondered if anyone can add anything to the above? I completed an online application to Thomson in the last few days and interestingly enough, there was very little space allowed for any personal info or opportunity to 'sell' myself. Perhaps this also reflects the changing market?

Cheers.

Hello to all,
I have some questions abut the CV's... these days for low hours one is even hard to find where to send a CV... any way if is there any recruiter will be great.
-Template? Color or Black/white? Graphical simple or a more Photoshop template?
- Achievement? Are you able to quantify your experience in terms of providing key outcomes on deliverables? What did you bring to that role?
-Introduction Statement? Like a presentation phrase?
- References? Name and contact of the reference?
- Images or symbols? I've found online CV where people put on images and symbols for the hobbies or using loading bars for the language prophecy?
Thanks for the help.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....a461d41a3b.jpg

Bearcat F8F

Just a bank statement with sufficient funds works these days.

omarhs

I would offer an alternative thought to the above: Having been an interested observer of the airline hiring game a bit over the decades, I've seen that airlines (and can only assume other organizations that employ pilots) are quite interested in one's extracurricular activities and interests. The espoused concept is that a well-rounded person makes a better employee which is apparently demonstrated by a person with varied interests...even going so far as one's volunteer activities. I'd guess that non-US career destination airlines are at least similar.

For a young person crafting that first resume following flight training, this just might be very useful to differentiate himself from the herd. Of course, many airlines have their own dedicated application form which might obviate the need for a resume but you should certainly have one. Good luck in your career.

Others will set me straight if I'm wrong about this.

The template on the left is the better one. The order isn't right thought. Top secrion name and address. Second section is hours and licence/certs held. They wanna see you have the mins. They will look at your employment history once they know you have the prerequisites.

If they have to go searching for your PIC or total time it will get tossed pretty quick.

Contact Approach

Completely out of context and unprofessional. If you are not willing to add any value you should refrain from commenting. they are asking for useful tips and not for your meaningless negativity

Keep it simple and easy to read. Black on white, on one page. I don't even a picture on mine, I am too ugly:}

I have personal and contact details on top, followed by qualifications and hours side by side. As a third section I have work experiences, fourth section is education and training. Finally at the bottom I have three references, but you can also dispense with these on the CV.

BoeingLudo737

Your post is helpful to all.

I'm amazed to see the usual childish behaviour from the so called "experienced" members.

You guys jump from thread to thread dispensing your wisdom, always talking down, belittling and giving negative comments to the "newbies".

Must be a bitter and boring life if the highlight of your day is to come on here to hijack threads and start the same old arguments.

A fine example of CRM