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BA DEP Selection

Old 18th Mar 2005, 22:29
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Thumbs down BA DEP Selection

Have recently submitted my application and am waiting to hear. Since applying I have researched what I can on PPRUNE (there is an ace artcile in Wannabe) and have to say the prospect of a day or two at Cranebank does not fill me with joy. I have heard the current ratio for attendance to success (hold pool not even job) is about 12:2 at best sometimes even worse.

What is going on? It seems hardly worth the stress of attending if called forward, can BA's screening of applications really be that bad that they waste not only applicants' but their own time!!? Surely for every 12 they call forward there must be at least 100 applicants? Also, why do pilots with considerable experience have to be put through what appears to be largely b**lox? Maybe Wilbur Walsh will see the light and be rid of the psychowasters, it must cost a fortune in potential profit to run such an innefficient selection process.

Have also heard that as a new boy the chances of being home for a single weeekend/holiday for the first two years or more as a "blind liner" are virtually zero - great for family life if true.

The whole thing seems very painful and I am considering binning it, it's not as if they've even got that much to offer anymore over and above the "competition", Can someone out there maybe convince me otherwise, am I missing something here or will I be cast aside as a non believer?

Mundy
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Old 19th Mar 2005, 09:17
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Mundy,

It has to come down to your personal decision at the end of the day, if you truely feel what you are saying then don't bother. The simple fact of the matter is that B.A. can afford to have this long indepth process because of the number of applicants. The ratio of successful candidates may be low but B.A. obviously feel that they are only interested in getting the best pilots/people possible. Whether you agree with the process is really of not much importance, if you want to work for them then you will go through the process. If the thought of working weekends puts you off then don't apply!!

If the situation ever arises that B.A. don't have enough applications to fill the positions (highly unlikely) then they will have to look at the standards they have set and may reduce the requirements to pass the selection process. In the mean time put yourself forward and see how you go.
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Old 19th Mar 2005, 09:27
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Mundy,

You're well off the mark on the success ratio. On some days it is as high as 50%.

Everybody who gets an invite to The Rivers has the chance of a job. There are some excellent people who come to selection, unfortunately, there are also a few who think that BA owe them a job and come unprepared and sadly, there is a very small minority of people who shouldn't be allowed anywhere near an aircraft.

If you can't be bothered to prepare for selection, how much effort would you put into learning a new type and new SOPs? The job is there for you to lose!

PS. Each typo on your application will cost you a point!!!!
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Old 19th Mar 2005, 15:17
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Mundy

I believe the process is either no more or possibly even easier than to get into the like of Brittania or EZY and when you look at the 3-5 days for the likes of Cathay or Emirates then the BA process is a breeze.

It can be done but if you go in with the feelings that you have at the momment then you will be one of the 12 or what ever the ratio is.

Try looking at it in another way.

1) BA will be offering you a Job for Life (as good as)

2) Short haul or Long haul

3) A decent starting salary

4) Excellent training

5) No Bond

6) Excellent Concessions

ETC ETC ETC

Oh yes there will be detractors and im sure that they have a point.

A) Forever to comamnd

B) Working loads of weekends (until you move up the bid)

C) Reduced working conditions compared to the OLD days.

ETC ETC ETC

But wouldn't you rather find out for yourself

Go for it what have you got to lose..........You can always say no if offered a job.

Good luck and i hope you make the right decision for you.
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Old 19th Mar 2005, 16:04
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If you really dont care either way why not just go along? you will be the most relaxed candidate on the day. Personally I just strolled along to my assesments to have a look. After nearly saying goodbye during the interview because it wasnt for me they eventually offered me a position. Which got turned down.

its a couple days of your life.

Easy Peasy, so go for it.

MAX
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Old 20th Mar 2005, 05:19
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Mundy:

12:2 should be expressed as 6:1......

lowest common denominator and all that....
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Old 20th Mar 2005, 13:06
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Mundy

In answer to your query. You are right, a trip to Cranebank doesn't fill anyone with joy, however, you may find it of interest. A glimpse of BA if you will. The success ratio for any job is not good. Unfortunately this is the way of the world. The odds of winning the lottery are 14,000,000:1 but still people persist. Odds of 6:1 are pretty good in my book.

Having worked in HR (inc Recruitment) I can assure you that the selection procedures in most organistions are primarily their to ensure the continued success of the HR organisation itself.

BA's process is similar to many other airlines. If you wish to discuss selection procedures then the USAF have carried out many very interesting studies over the years.

If you want a job with BA then you will have to pass whatever "tests" they have dreamed up. Any existing pilot would be able to fly a BA plane successfully but they may not be able to deal with the unique BA corporate culture. If you can't handle the pointless exercises during recruitment then the pointless exercises needed to survive a day in BA will definitely drive you potty.

Profit is seldom an issue at BA for many departments so don't even try to discuss efficiency when dealing with BA.

AT LHR they operate bidline so as a junior "pilot type" you will have no life. At LGW they operate Carmen which is designed to be much fairer for all pilots (although some would argue that noone gets what they want).

Can I convince you to join BA. In my "opinion" it is better to try BA and then decide. Looking at it from afar will only give you delusions of grandeur or make you bitter and twisted.

So here is an update on Flaps to 60's points:

pros

1) Job for life (will last as long as most companies, average life expectancy for a company BA's size is 40 years!)

2) Choice of S/haul or L/haul

3) Starting salary OK, it depends on your current position, unemployed and you will think you have hit the jackpot.

4) Excellent training (same standard you would enjoy at any UK based airline)

5) No bond (just to repeat that point, NO BOND, come, get type rating, go....)

6) Excellent concessions (compared to some, Virgin even better)

7) Excellent final salary pension scheme (whoops, sorry!!)

8) Better than being unemployed

cons

a) Forever and a day to command (damn those demographics)

b) Working loads (of weekend, week days, holidays, christmas...)

c) You will be on a BScale doing the same job on inferior terms & conditions

d) May damage your health and sanity if you take it too seriously, you cannot change BA or anything that happens within it, just accept your fate.

As the man said, go take the chance, you can always say "no".

Harry
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Old 20th Mar 2005, 13:57
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Unhappy Are you having a laugh Mundy?

I have to say Mundy that, if I was still recruiting, I wouldn't touch you with a barge-pole! Whatever happened to the pursuit of excellence? Do you think that BA owes you a job? Did you think that you were guaranteed a job when you started training? What odds do you think are worthy of your valuable time? Is it the 1-11 sim ride that bothers you? The numeracy or literacy testing? Psychometric testing? BA is entitled (like every company) to select the very best personnel available.... not just the first who pass through their doors barely meeting their criteria. Sit in your armchair dear friend and wait for the airlines to beat a path to your door......... in the meantime maybe find an interim (but long term) source of income! I'll have 2 Big Macs and medium fries! bm (No..I am NOT ex BA!)

Last edited by BoeingMEL; 20th Mar 2005 at 14:18.
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Old 20th Mar 2005, 21:58
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Angry

Wasn't the vast majority of knowledge acquired for our ATPL exams largely b*****s as expressed in the opening thread? We still jumped through the hoop though.

We have all jumped many more seemingly pointless hurdles in pursuit of an airline career, yet when we finally get some commercial experience why do so many feel that the airlines owe them a job by virtue of the fact they have a bit of turbine and IFR time? I recently went through the BA process and was successful. I worked bloody hard in preparation for the day, as it is something I have wanted careerwise for many years. No-one in any industry deserves a worthwhile job without having to expend a bit of blood, sweat and tears. I agree that many of the tests seem a bit pointless, but they are designed to sort the wheat from the chaff, more in terms of your attitude and approach to a a given task than flying ability, as it is generally assumed that we can all fly or we wouldn't have the blue or green book in the first place. Even if the odds are as stated, why should they deter anyone? Because of what BA can offer and the money it is prepared to invest in training you (n.b. no bond) they have every right to be choosy. This a long term career proposition and the likelihood is that you will never look to move again. Just think, no more selection days for the rest of your career. If you want the job and feel it is for you then put your energy into preparing for the day.

When we all embarked on the long aviation road we had no guarantee of passing each exam or flight test, no guarantee of a job and no guarantee that the bank, building society or loved ones would turn round one day and say "enough is enough, pay back the money and stop this foolish pursuit".

If you found the drive, motivation and commitment to do it then, why can't you find it now? Years of scrimping, saving, instructing, air taxy work and multi sector turboprop days have paid off and I feel chuffed to have an offer from BA and 2 other carriers. To those who feel like Mundy, I hope you read this reply and decide it is worth having a go after all. To those trying to get a job with BA or a foot on the ladder, take heart, as I am just a bog standard pilot who keeps his head down, works hard, enjoys the job and at long last has found it pays off.

Rant over. Sorry if it seems a big negative. I rarely post replies but every so often some of the members really wind me up thinking the world owes them a living.
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Old 21st Mar 2005, 07:59
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matzpenetration

Good riposte! Look forward to flying with you soon........
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Old 21st Mar 2005, 08:40
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Matzpenetration,

Excellent answer, having done the time at Cranebank myself, I personally found the day in the HR department both interesting and fun. It was the first time I could get to play computer games without the wife on my back telling me to get something more important done!

It also, possibly as a side effect, causes a great deal of team spirit for those who wish to engender it. I won't forget the guys who were part of my little team and I certainly hope to see them again within the company in the future.

Those people there with Mundys attitude stood out a mile. This company has something to offer, job stability. Okay, for the first few years the going is tough, but hey look around there ain't that many if any rose garden companies out there.

Flying skills aside BA are looking for people who can live together in the cockpit on both shorthaul and longhaul routes. They assume that we have the flying skills hence the DEP selection. What they want to know is 'do you get frustrated or angry over the mundane?' Theres lots of that at 34,000' over the atlantic on an East coast trip. Can you hack it?

For those that can I can recommend the day. Go in without prejudice and attempt to enjoy it. If you want the job do some research and get an idea of what makes the company tick. Look the interviewer in the eye and sell yourself. Finally sit back with your other contestants in the bar at 18:00 and play 'whose phone now'

If you can't be arsed then leave the place for somebody who can. Frankly we'll all be better off without you!

Hehe

Edited due to having fat fingers and a small keyboard. Looking forward to crunching the CDU's!
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Old 23rd Mar 2005, 11:12
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Flying skills aside BA are looking for people who can live together in the cockpit on both shorthaul and longhaul routes. They assume that we have the flying skills hence the DEP selection. What they want to know is 'do you get frustrated or angry over the mundane?' Theres lots of that at 34,000' over the atlantic on an East coast trip. Can you hack it?
I find this whole thread very condescending and whilst nobody owes Mundy a living,I do get his point.Like...all non-BA pilots flying right now dont know about corporate culture or how to deal with the mundane during a long-haul flight.
For an entry-level job into ANY AIRLINE,whether it be BA or Air Wagadougou ,a simulator check and the interview is all that is needed.Anything else is human resources psychobabble...keep it simple...can you fly and are you Ted Bundy's younger cousin?
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Old 23rd Mar 2005, 11:34
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Well on Saturday I sat and listened to a pilot who very kindly gave his time to lecture wannabees on the selection process at BACX and he stressed that being able to sit in the cockpit for 8 hours with this person came very high up his list, and it applied to DEPs and those wanting a first job.
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Old 23rd Mar 2005, 11:48
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I have to say that I agree with you that the selection process does seem daunting! However, if you have drive and determination to get through then you will suceed.

I have gone through the whole process and I didn't think that I stood a chance when I submitted my application form. However, I had the phone call at the start of this week to say that I am in.

So Mundy, I suggest that you give it your best shot. If you do not get through, then as long as you gave it 100% effort you cannot complain.

FD
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Old 23rd Mar 2005, 14:45
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Caulfield,

Sorry old chum but there is a big point to be made here, and it's not psychobabble. It comes down to a simple equation for the company:

Applicants>job positions=entitlement to ask what we want and pick the best

Trust me the applicants in this case far outweigh the jobs. Why? Doesn't really interest me as to the individual motivation however, if you go to a job interview, be it with Wanadogo airline or BA you must do your homework. This is competition here and everyone has the same starting ground of a little CPL/ATPL book so its nothing special and in reality means nothing.

The HR people or even if its only the Chief Pilot assessing will be doing just that, assessing. They are bound to ask some of the stock questions like 'So, why do you want to join our company?' and an answer of 'coz its got big shiny airplanes and loads of money' won't really pull it in the face of other applicants who have researched.

During my interview nobody asked about my flying experience, they had my log book and knew what was in it. They wanted to know about me, who I was, how I ticked and was I really interested or just cruising the field. A little research, look smart and be positive is good advice for ALL INTERVIEWS. Go in with a negative outlook from the start and you start on the back foot.

Good luck to all who attend the interviews, it's a pain of a day but worth it if it gets you the job you want irrespective of which company/banana boat you work for.

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Old 23rd Mar 2005, 16:55
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I'm with Caulfield.

Applicants>job positions=entitlement to ask what we want and pick the best
PM - That relationship doesn't really mean its a good idea to 'ask what we want' because it doesn't automatically follow that the result will be 'the best'. Any selection process is a two way street - not only is the employer entitled to pick and choose - so is the employee. Posters so far are very big on the idea that the employee has to put the effort into showing the employer that he/she is worthy, whilst glossing over the reverse aspect of the relationship.

What BA should be asking is this : "How come a potential DEP like Mundy views his job prospects at BA as being so mediocre that it is borderline even turning up for the interview."

followed closely by:

Is it possible that we are putting off some of the better prospects for recruitment and therefore reducing the overall quality of our eventual recruits?"

But of course to express such a view is tantamount to heresy. After all, it would make the suggestion that maybe everything at BA is not perfect.

As far as I'm concerned, the demise of the final salary scheme removed the last unequivocal advantage of joining BA.

A further update on the list from previous posts:

1.) Job for life. (my take: - company under assault from competition. In a better condition than post 9/11, but basic corporate culture still present. Medium term prognosis? who knows.)

2.) Choice of L/haul or S/haul. (my take: - see other threads. You'll get what you're given. 5 years down the line when you are unfrozen, then a choice - but five years is a long time. Type changes are an obvious cost to be attacked.)

3.) Starting Salary OK (agreed.)

4) Excellent training (I'd go with Average. Discussion beyond the scope of this thread)

5) No bond (my take: - why are some people actively selling this as a good point? Afterall, if BA is so brilliant, why would you leave? And why would people in BA want to see you come, soak up cash, and then leave? Doesn't this suggest something about the corporate culture?)

6) Excellent concessions (my take: Concesssions? Lets be honest, who really cares? These days air travel is so cheap. Thats not to say a free first concession isn't a really nice perk, but its not at the core of the relationship between you and the company.)

7) Excellent final salary pension scheme (just to be clear - its gone.)

8) Better than being unemployed (well, any flying job would qualify on this count surely?)


There are many yardsticks by which a jobs desireability can be measured, and it is certainly true that a job at BA measures up quite reasonably against many of them. But for myself, I don't see a compelling case for giving up seniority at a different employer JUST to come to BA.

The 'we are the best, everyone must want to work for us' mindset is just the same as the 'we are the best, all passengers must want to fly with us' point of view which has the company reeling from the competition.
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Old 23rd Mar 2005, 17:35
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CPB ;
The 'we are the best, everyone must want to work for us' mindset is just the same as the 'we are the best, all passengers must want to fly with us' point of view which has the company reeling from the competition.

Beautifully put.
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Old 23rd Mar 2005, 17:42
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Question

Hope you are lucky enough to be one of the twelve.
I have been trying to get into BA for 6 years. Closest I got was an interview date ( in September 2001) which got cancelled. Said they would contact when they next recruited. Never heard a dickie bird.
All I get now is 'After further consideration, our decision is not to take your application further on this occasion. (despite being rated on a BA type).
Would love to just look out of the window for the next 15 years!!!
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Old 23rd Mar 2005, 22:24
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No sweat at BA

Believe it or not, a member of the BA DEP recruitment team said to me last week "We're scraping the bottom of the barrel now". And she was referring to the current applicants invited for interview.

Makes you think about the mindset of the BA HR department, doesn't it? (Not interested in the job myself, which was probably why I was made privy to this insight)
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Old 24th Mar 2005, 02:56
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Yes it does say it all...

scraping the bottom of the barrel cos I honestly think their hands are tied for other reasons!

BACX have put forward around 200 candidates, of which I believe only 12 have been deemed suitable. No sour grapes on my part, but do you really think that that would be an HONEST reflection on the ability of BACX crews, bearing in mind that BA mainline flight ops have been auditing BRAL/Brymon training standards for 7 years now? If our crews actually were so poor, why have we not lost our franchise... indeed why did BA buy us out?

political correctness or political reasoning?

Can't wait to hear passenger's response when they hear "you are being flown in BA coloured aircraft by pilots not deemed worthy of joining real BA"!!!

I keep coming back to one particular quote during BALPA discussions over merger... "Over my dead body" will BACX crews join BA. I'll let you fill in the blanks.

RM
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