Morning all,

I'm looking for a bit of advice from people who have been in the industry a while. I'm an ex blue collar worker (23 years!), low hour recently qualified and looking to get my first opportunity.
I have been considering doing a road trip across Canada and stopping into various hubs to hand in my resume/cover letter and meet the people and see the company first hand if they have time to show me.
I'm not really sure on how or what I should be dressing. In the past I've always walked into companies and sites wearing my work clothes and that was generally acceptable but now i want to be presentable but not over the top.
I'm clean shaven and have a short sensible haircut but I'm wondering is a shirtless tie ok or a tidy polo shirt? I guess some tidy black/dark pants of some kind and not jeans with nice boots.
Is there such a thing as being too formal or not enough to walk in to say hello?

Many thanks

I did exactly what you're planning to do and it landed my my first job. It was at a bush operation at the end of the road in Manitoba where everyone wore jeans, work boots and whatever top dress was appropriate for the weather. I showed up in dress shoes, pants, shirt and tie. I think it's fair to say that you won't find anyone that thinks you'll be overdressed like that, at least not that they will use it against you. But you may find many that think you're underdressed if you show up in jeans and a polo.

As a side note, doing that road-trip over the next few weeks/month or two would be ideal. Lots hiring for spring start dates happens during winter and I would also recommend to be ready to get hired on the spot for an immediate start. You may find yourself at the right place at the right time where a base manager just lost a pilot.

Tbayer2021 wrote: ↑Mon Jan 27, 2025 11:21 am I did exactly what you're planning to do and it landed my my first job. It was at a bush operation at the end of the road in Manitoba where everyone wore jeans, work boots and whatever top dress was appropriate for the weather. I showed up in dress shoes, pants, shirt and tie.

As a bookkeeper? Congrats!

I wouldn't wear a tie when applying at bush operators. Even fancy shiny shoes might leave a wrong impression. Wear something that will allow you to help out on the ramp or jump in the plane. You never know what opportunities might arise.

Found memories from years gone by…

I’ve done this road trip and I remember mine as though it was (20years later) yesterday.

Unless your walking into a full blown IFR airline…

-Khakis
-Polo/or collared dress shirt
^tucked in preferably and with a nice belt.
-Steel toe dress boots. (Blunstone makes a couple that probably would pass at the 705 level)

Most importantly, a big smile, keen attitude and humility will set you apart from the others.

Good hunting!

TPC

Have a look through this thread… some of it is a bit dated, but some good ideas in there.
http://www.avcanada.ca/forums2/viewtop ... st+curious

Thankyou all for the advice, hope i can come back in the near future to say it worked and im starting at ....

Try to find out what they wear and wear that.