If you are applying for a job in the aviation industry, you need to prepare for the interview as much as you would for the flight itself. Aviation interviews are not only about your technical skills and knowledge, but also about your personality, attitude, and fit with the company culture. Here are some tips on what research you should do before an aviation interview.
Before you walk into the interview room, you should have a clear idea of what the company does, what its mission and vision are, and what its values and culture are. You can find this information on the company website, social media, annual reports, and news articles. Knowing the company will help you tailor your answers to show how you can contribute to its goals and fit in with its team.
In the early years of easyJet I interviewed many candidates for both commercial and non-commercial roles. “Hire for attitude” was a mantra we often cited particularly for roles where aviation experience was not essential. A key area of assessment was adaptability to change and to understand how interviewees would react in unfamiliar environments and unforseen circumstances (of which there are plenty in #aviation. I’d also seek to understand how applicants would respond to setbacks and learn from mistakes. I suspect these types of qualities are just as important today as they were back then. As Darwin (sort of) said. It’s not the strongest creatures that survive but those most adaptable to change
Hiring the right people isn't just about experience and education. Their attitude and character matter a lot. I prefer positive and tolerant people who can work well with others, deal with problems, and are ready to accept new and implement changes. Most of the time, people with less experience can learn and outgrow experienced ones if they have a great attitude and strong character. So, when hiring, it's not just about what's on the resume; it's about who they are and how they fit into our team.
Before going to a job interview, I recommend to newcomers, to read the job description, learn about the company, understand its mission, research the job's nature, and prepare to be a valuable part of the company, not just an average employee. This can be a great way to enhance your career prospects.
In addition to researching the company and position, job seekers should practice their interview skills prior to an interview. It is very rare to find someone who enjoys interviewing. In fact, most people I've worked with dread interviews. The best way to combat interview stress, nervous tendencies, and self-doubt is to prepare yourself by practicing your interview skills with a trusted coach. When I work with interview prep clients I like to dissect answers into what went well, what should be left out in future answers, and any a missed opportunities. It is incredible to witness the progress in the quality of answers and self-confidence in just one interview prep session!
You definitely need to know the company you are applying for. The information is so easily available from the internet and one should see what the company have been involved in so as to know their goals for the present and future. Looking back into the company's history will also give one the culture of the company. It's core values, resilience, strengths and vulnerabilities. Get to know the 'who is who' there. Armed with the information, now ask yourself if you fit in.
You should also research the specific role you are applying for, and what skills and qualifications it requires. You can use the job description, the company website, and online forums to learn more about the role and the expectations. Knowing the role will help you highlight your relevant experience and achievements, and show how you can handle the challenges and responsibilities.
This is definitely an important area to research more. I have been involved in many initial ab-initio pilot interviews and one should have a fair bit of the understanding of the role of a pilot in the whole mission process from the lowest denominator to the highest. Ask yourself the roles of all players in the complex environment that you are involved in. This helps.
As a matter of fact I should say .... First of all must undrestand that working while teaching and teaching while working . this is really important for a maintenance to have to be updated every day by day about experiwnce and knowledge side by side to gether
The aviation industry is constantly changing and evolving, so you should keep yourself updated on the latest trends, developments, and issues. You can use reliable sources such as industry publications, associations, and blogs to learn more about the industry and its current and future outlook. Knowing the industry will help you demonstrate your passion and interest, and show how you can adapt to the changing environment.
Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and news in the aviation industry. Understand factors affecting the industry , such as fuel prices, competition and regulatory changes.
One again, the world of information is at your fingertips. Start looking into the industry, whichever role you are applying for. Get to know what is changing and affecting the airline and the industry. You will be ambassadors for the airline when you meet outsiders and your views on the goals of the company must be current.
One of the most important aspects of research is to know yourself, your strengths, weaknesses, goals, and motivations. You should review your resume, portfolio, and references, and prepare examples of your achievements, skills, and challenges. You should also anticipate common interview questions, such as why you want to work for the company, what are your career aspirations, and how do you handle stress and conflict. Knowing yourself will help you present yourself confidently and authentically, and show how you can add value to the company.
With out a doubt, you must know your strengths and weaknesses, capabilities and achievements. Your ability to put all these across to the interviewers will highlight your confidence level and abilities for the role you are applying for. Being able to think and solve problems is as asset as well lead a group and work with them.
If possible, you should also research the person or people who will be interviewing you. You can use LinkedIn, Google, or the company website to find out their name, position, background, and interests. Knowing the interviewer will help you establish rapport and trust, and show that you are respectful and professional.
Sometimes you may not know the interviewer but still you should not shy away from asking them questions to get to know them during the interview process. Be subtle about it. Sure, if you know the interviewer, go look them up.
Finally, you should research the format and style of the interview, and what to expect. You can ask the recruiter or the hiring manager for details, such as how long the interview will last, how many people will be involved, what types of questions will be asked, and whether there will be any tests or assessments. Knowing the format will help you prepare accordingly and avoid any surprises or confusion.
As some of our peers have highlighted, conducting research on the company is crucial. Platforms like LinkedIn provide valuable opportunities to connect with individuals employed at the company, and you may even have existing connections who can offer insights into the process. Ultimately, I would emphasize that during an interview, your attitude is the primary quality that airlines seek. It's often the most challenging aspect to alter or improve.
When people think about aviation, they first think about airlines! But remember aviation is much bigger than just airlines! There are so many other interesting sub-sectors! But coming to the question; - do your research on the company history (there is so much information available online) - check current news reports on the company - look if you have any connections linked to the company - and prepare for the interview questions as you would do for any industry! - and last but not the least, are you a fit for the job role being interviewed for? - over prepare! Always better than being under prepared!!! ??
Many resumé companies don’t understand the aviation industry and can do more harm than good. Make sure your resumè is reviewed by someone that truly understands the industry and the position you’re applying for. Jenny Showalter at SBAAC would be a great resource for this.