Dressing properly when visiting CP for the first time

[duro195]

Hello guys,
I am about to go out on a road trip to visit CPs from different companys and I was just wandering what was the proper way to dress when visiting the CP for the first time and handing him out a resumé? Obviously I know I should not dress up in jeans and t-shirt, but I'm not sure if putting on clean shoes, black pants and a white pilot shirt&tie is too pompous? Would it be better to just put a regular shirt and tie (or just the shirt)? I want to look clean and professional, but I don't want to be looked at as if I was just showing off.

thanks in advance!

[jpilot77]

Depends on the type of flying they do, showing up at a float plane base overdressed is as bad as showing up at 704/705 operator in jeans and a t-shirt. But road trips tend to be for first jobs so general rule would be dress to work at the bush operators (carhartts or Dickie pants, work boots etc) and more dressed up for other types. Pants and a collared shirt would be a good start.

[duro195]

I'm talking right seat 703. It would be my first job as I'll finish my ME IFR in may with roughly 300tt

[jpilot77]

Also I would never show up at an operator with a pilots shirt and tie and epaulets etc... If the interview or drop in is more formal go with a suit.

[Doc]

I've been through all this before.
Now pay attention.

Very short tight leather mini skirt.
Painfully high stiletto heels.
Fishnet stockings.
Leather biker chick leather jacket.
Lots of tats.
BRIGHT red lipstick.

And, that's for the guys.

The girls should try to tone it down a touch. Maybe a pair of khakis, nice shirt and a light jacket?

Really??? "How should I dress......"

C'MON MAN!

[duro195]

Thanks Doc. I just wanted to know if the pilots shirt was too much that 's all

[Changes in Latitudes]

The pilot's shirt is for pilots. You'll get a shirt when you get a job. Would you walk into an interview at McDonald's wearing their uniform?

Good luck with the job hunt though, try to enjoy it and take plenty of pictures. You'll enjoy looking back at them in 10+ years

[Doc]

Thanks Doc. I just wanted to know if the pilots shirt was too much that 's all

Yah. The pilot's shirt is too much. Circumstances alter cases. Dress for the circumstances. Not the prom.

[Panama Jack]

I've been through all this before.
Now pay attention.

Very short tight leather mini skirt.
Painfully high stiletto heels.
Fishnet stockings.
Leather biker chick leather jacket.
Lots of tats.
BRIGHT red lipstick.

And, that's for the guys.
!

Doc, please forgive me if I am being too forward- I am sitting alone in a hotel room on a layover but, I really want to meet you some day. . . you sound so HOT!

[Doc]

Doc, please forgive me if I am being too forward- I am sitting alone in a hotel room on a layover but, I really want to meet you some day. . . you sound so HOT!

Well, I'm easy Jack. I'm not cheap though. I expected to be wined, dined and receive gifts of Porches.....

[767]

If i was a CP, i wouldnt care about how a person dresses up, as long as they agree to come in "proper uniform" when showing up for work.

[xlwing]

Can't go wrong with a good golf shirt and nice pants. Anything 704 and up I'd go shirt and tie. Don't wear a pilot shirt anywhere.

[atpilot]

Business casual works.

[Gear Jerker]

I'm talking right seat 703. It would be my first job as I'll finish my ME IFR in may with roughly 300tt

Be careful with that mindset, you might be in for a rude awakening. Maybe you'll get lucky, hope for the best, this is definitely a good time. But the truth is that 300tt is no different than 200tt, 250tt, etc. You're still a "200 hour wonder" in the eyes of potential employers, without operational flying experience. To some extent, you take what you can get for your first job. If it's a 206, or part time ramp part time F/O, etc. In my opinion a ramp job with a reputable, diverse operator is a win as well. Opinions vary on that one.
You will be employed for your attitude, and by making the right impression in the right place at the right time, not because you have 300 hours. No offence, it is what it is. Also, make sure you write the IATRA, and get a float rating. These will keep more doors open which otherwise would not be for a low timer.

Shirt and tie generally speaking. They know you're job hunting, you won't look like a douche most places. However, as said before, for bush operators, dress the part. Every operator in the country can be adequately researched beforehand, through pilotcareercentre.com, the company website, and right here on avcanada. Just search the name of whichever company you're looking at - you'd be surprised, many of us were in your shoes not too long ago so these questions have good answers.

Good luck!

[duro195]

Thanks everyone!

cspurr32, I am aware my TT probably won't get me a right seat job right away and I'm very interested in a ramp job or single engine anywhere in the country. I think any experience I can get in the field is good because obviously companies prefer to hire guys/girls with at least some experience.

The job hunt continues!