Listing 'soon to have' qualifications on a resume...?

maniac779 · Post by **maniac779** » Sat Jul 31, 2004 8:01 pm

I've got a question about submitting your first resume to employers.

Is it a good idea to send out resumes to companies with qualifications listed that you don't have at that moment but will have on or before the proposed date of hiring? I know what some of you are thinking... but take this for example:

I apply for a job that requires a Group 1 instrument rating in April, however, I won't have the rating complete until mid-May. Should I state in my cover letter the date that I am available, (let say June 1st) and the reason why (need to complete instrument rating), or should I just wait until I've got everything then apply to said company?

Thanks for the help.

DiscoDashSeven · Post by **DiscoDashSeven** » Sat Jul 31, 2004 8:08 pm

I'm not an employer but I can tell you this...

Saying you're going to have a group one probably won't get you a second look because there'll be 100 more people applying for the same job with valid IFRs.

Now, if you were going to have something specific like cross their minimum hour mark or be getting a PPC then I'd say it'd be a good idea. Also, if you knew the company was going to hire later in the year, you could just mention in a cover letter that by that time you'd have whatever they were looking for.

Schlem · Post by **Schlem** » Sat Jul 31, 2004 8:38 pm

If you want to have any chance at getting that first job then don't fax or mail a resume unless you are going to follow it up with a visit to the operator.

I can't stress this enough because your faxed/mailed resume will end up on a pile of 50 other resumes that were delivered that week!

corn-shoot · Post by **corn-shoot** » Sun Aug 01, 2004 12:36 am

maniac779 wrote: I apply for a job that requires a Group 1 instrument rating in April, however, I won't have the rating complete until mid-May. Should I state in my cover letter the date that I am available, (let say June 1st) and the reason why (need to complete instrument rating), or should I just wait until I've got everything then apply to said company?

Thanks for the help.

Wow, you mean you just don't lie and say you have it? I appreciate your code of ethics.

snoopy · Post by **snoopy** » Sun Aug 01, 2004 3:39 am

Another approach is to send a resume with a cover letter stating you are working on the item in question. Follow your resume up with a phone call or visit, to establish a "relationship". When your item is complete, this gives you an excuse to call said company and update them on your progress and further the "relatiionship". When you tell the prospective company the estimated time of completion, be sure that it is accurate and that you are able to phone them with the good news on or BEFORE the date, not 6 months after the date because you procrastinated and dragged your ass. Sometimes, even though you might be a low-timer; for whatever reason your resume, your phone call or your visit may have struck the interest of the person. They may have put your resume aside for an entry level consideration and in the back of their mind might even expect your call. Occasionally you will be surprised by a CP who does remember who you are and will come to expect your updates.

Never never put on your resume credentials/hours that think you might have at the time of interview/hire. Your resume is a snapshot in time, not a crystal ball, no matter how good your intentions. Employers know that your professional development is a work in progress.

Cheers,
Snoopy

Snow Monkey · Post by **Snow Monkey** » Sun Aug 01, 2004 5:19 pm

Get the rating then advertise. If you are talking to perspective employers tell them you are obtaining the rating. Remember there are 100 other folks lining up for that position with the endorsement or rating.

flynfiddle · Post by **flynfiddle** » Sun Aug 01, 2004 8:25 pm

This might be a bit off topic but it came to mind with this discussion of resumes ..

I've seen a few pilot resumes at a non-aviation company and under "Education" they've listed every flippin subject taken in ground school! I know, 99% of guys don't do it but it amazes me when I see the young guys fresh out of college with no real work experience who feel the need to fill a 2-3 page resume with junk. I think it's a pretty safe bet the chief pilot looking at your resume knows you took Met.

Any of you chief pilots or management types out there see it often?

Listing 'soon to have' qualifications on a resume...?

Listing 'soon to have' qualifications on a resume...?

Re: Listing 'soon to have' qualifications on a resume...?