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First Job Interview


Dedicated

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I finally did it. After years of dedication, and months of networking and NEVER giving up, I have finally heard the words...."We would like to set-up a phone interview" Its a big moral booster seeing as though this is 1 of 3 responses I have received from sending out countless resumes....of course the others being in the sorry but after consideration we chose someone else category.

 

So with all that being said, this is my first interview ever for a flying position. I want to be on top of my game in every category possible and was wondering if anyone has any tips (or would like to share their stories, mistakes, etc.)for a phone interview and hopefully a follow-up interview.

 

 

 

 

Thanks in advance

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I've never had the chance to prepare for a phone interview, since no one has ever told me they'd like to set one up. Instead they just called me out of the blue, one almost a month after applying!

 

On my first face to face my interviewer said he invited me in because he liked how I sounded on the phone? I wish I knew exactly what he meant?!

 

I'm sure this helps! :D

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Would help to know who you're interviewing with, but just some general thoughts on interviewing.

 

Phone interviews can run the gamut. If you're just talking with HR or a recruiter, it can be anticlimactic--what the job description is, who or where you'll be working, verifying your qualifications, and going over your work history. If you're dealing with a small company, and talking to the person who will be your direct supervisor, it could be a full-on interview where s/he is deciding whether or not to bring you in, and may ask you anything, or it could be a very informal discussion/get to know you/this is what you're getting yourself into type chat.

 

Find a quiet place for the call, and make sure you're not going to have any technology issues or distractions. Print a copy of your resume and cover letter, and keep it on-hand to refer to--if nothing else, use it to scratch down notes and questions.

 

In advance, think of a few things to ask about. I'm talking about the job or company (save the pay, vacation, and benefits questions for after an offer has been put out there). These should be questions that go beyond what you can find out about the company on your own.

 

Find out who will be doing the interview. If it's not HR, find out as much as you can about the person--what they do in the company, what their history is, w/e you can. This is where LinkedIn can be helpful.

 

Others can help with some of the questions you might expect, but I'll tell you one mistake I made on my first flying interview: if you get asked to describe a time you screwed up, did something bone-headed, had an incident, mishap, violation, or other "learning opportunity" (in or out of the cockpit), describe it, but don't wait for the "what did you learn from that" follow-up question. Ahead of time, know what you're going to say, and as part of your answer, add in how it changed your behavior or habits.

 

Congrats--it's a tough job market out there, and to get called for an interview is worth a pat on the back.

 

p.s. Do us all a favor and post after the interview to let us know what they asked and how it went.

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I meant to reply earlier to your post Kodoz, but I ended getting real busy at work till now.

 

So I had applied to a position doing pipeline and powerline patrols and was lucky enough to get a phone interview. Never having one I had no idea what to expect. I will try to remember all the details as I ended up having my phone interview today. I was very interesting to say the least. I was on a conference call with the owner, the general manager, and I believe the chief pilot.

 

The very first question they asked was for me to tell them about myself. I feel I failed that one due to me being nervous. I didn't talk about myself nearly enough and felt I really left a lot out. Then came a series of situational question. What would you do if you were pre-flighting and found one or all of the main components low on oil (transmission or gearboxes). What do you look for on the tail rotor blades, and how would you handle a customer that is asking you to perform maneuvers that you are uncomfortable with. After that if I remember right is was back to more personal questions like what kind of company do you want to work for and what are the 3 most important things you look for in a company. Then if I have any questions. I had a few and after that was informed that I would find out in 7-10 days if I would going in for an in-person interview and flight test.

 

Its hard to judge people over the phone and I hung up not having the slightest clue how I did. Every answer I gave them always got the same response. "Ok, now.....next question" Unless that means I did horrible on them all. I will say that regardless of the outcome I at least have the experience of a phone interview to prepare me for the next one down the road.

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Flying Pig is correct, I was a former military pilot, and what I have found the most interesting (and frustrating) is that even with all the training and ratings the military gives(I.E. flir, nvs, nvg, turbine, twin turbine) a pilot, they don't mean squat unless you have the hours to please the insurance companies.

 

I am really looking forward to flying again whether it be for this job or any other. I will post what the results were and see if I can get any feedback on the interview to maybe help someone else in the future.

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Doesn't hurt to follow-up with a short email at least thanking them for their time. In the business world, this used to be expected, and also gives you a chance to fill in or follow-up on anything you feel you didn't answer well, or left a doubt in their mind. (This should never be much more than a short paragraph tho.)

 

Good luck.

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Flying Pig is correct, I was a former military pilot, and what I have found the most interesting (and frustrating) is that even with all the training and ratings the military gives(I.E. flir, nvs, nvg, turbine, twin turbine) a pilot, they don't mean squat unless you have the hours to please the insurance companies.

 

I am really looking forward to flying again whether it be for this job or any other. I will post what the results were and see if I can get any feedback on the interview to maybe help someone else in the future.

Its is a bummer..... the good thing for you though is once you get your total time up, youll be set.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Well, I just found out that I was not offered the job. They had called and left a voicemail saying they appreciated the interview and of the 15 they interviewed, they chose the top 4 for the next round and unfortunately I was not one of them. I tried to call back and get some insight on how my interview actually went, but so far nothing. I am really impressed that they called to tell me instead of mail or email.

 

Well on the positive side I guess I don't have to pack up and move.........oh well continuing on with sending out resumes and networking.

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