Ok, so another phone call to a company to get some contact info so I can find out who and where to send my resume. But I got some attitude from the guy I talked to. He said he wasn't a pilot, so I don't know his position. But in general, when I'm calling places, everyone, especially the CP always seem like they hate life and everyone else.

The one I called today, I just asked for an email and a fax number to send a resume to, and was given the info. But then I asked how business in general was for them, and the guy was like "what kind of question is that"?. I was kinda shocked, what kind of question is it not?!! I ask so I can have some sort of idea how companies are doing, and what my chances are of getting a job are. But this guy seemed kinda offended. So I told him that I was just curious because in these economic times there are a lot of companies struggling, and I was just curious. He then said that they just hired 2 pilots, and I responded by saying "ok good, that's what I like to hear"!(actually, what I really wanted to hear was that they NEEDED to hire 2 pilots, but ok, already hired 2 is still better than getting rid of 2). But then he played "there's my other line" and hung up.

I'm an honest person, and I believe that all information is good information because knowledge is power. But why do I seem to get attitude from people when all I want is some basic info? I'm polite and non intrusive with my questions.

I would assume anyone with half a brain would understand why someone applying would like to know how business is. Am I missing something?

Just a personal observation... if the people seem grumpy and pissy probably not a great place to be, although buddy might be having a bad day

I completely agree with you; I don't think it is improper to ask how things are going for them.

Looks like he was having a bad day, like Captain X said. Or maybe its in his nature, which sucks. I dislike when companies are not careful when placing a person with such an attitude at such an important position. It really reflects the company's image and gives the first impression to pilots or others looking for a job.

I've had some CP's with some pretty bad attitude when I've called, I assume due to the number of calls a day they must get.

Welcome to yet another downturn, I sent in my resume to perimeter a long time ago and the C.P at the time was a real ass. I called and told him that I sent my resume and was just making sure he received it and wondering if he had time, that I could come by and chat. He said we're not hiring and slammed the phone down in my ear. Not that it would make it better if it were a low timer, but I had 3500hrs even multi-turbine pic. I couldn't believe it, well thankfully I never had to fly the clapped out metros they're running around with.
You will find now that it's in the employers favor it will be pay back to the pilots for jumping ship when they had the chance.

Cold-calls piss off a lot of people, so you will have to deal with some who have an attitude, but just suck it up and move on. When I was younger, somebody told me I would have to call or send out about 100 resumes to get a job - gruesome thought, but you will get one, and you will get a good one if you keep at it!

Herm,

Ya, I agree probably an insane volume of calls... I'd get a little choked after a while..

This being said...I've noticed SOME not all are more grumpy than last year...Most seem pretty sympathetic to whats going on.. and wish me luck etc..

I ask how things are going as well and I think some Cp's start to open up.. and say ..ah good ..or OH GOD we're in the shit!! Then they ask me how things are in my hometown .. and I reply.. I make sure that I ask first.. eg. " Sir, do you mind if I ask how things are going in your neck of the woods" I also make sure that I've reached them at an okay time.

Some Cp's which I refer to by name are pretty upset with the downturn/ furlough and are pretty scared.. We're not the only one's who can't get work.. I think the employers and finding it hard to stay employed themselves ..particularly in the resource sector..!! Alot of em.. even friends who hire don't have the time because they are trying to line up some work to hire a few of us..

Hopefully this doesen't last too long.. and we can get back to business

Im trying to stay positive .. its pretty hard tho

HEHEHEHE Think happy thoughts or go to your happy place LOL!!

Maybe thats what I did wrong. Maybe I should ask if I can ask how things are rather than just saying "So how's business"?

The best thing you can do in a downturn is to show them your face... don't fax resumes... hit the road and hand deliver them. I spent 10,000km on the road doing just that in a downturn and got a great job. These companies are receiving faxed resumes all the time and don't be surprised if most of them end up in the garbage.

FICU wrote:The best thing you can do in a downturn is to show them your face....

Try a haircut before you take that advice there A2G. Oh - and you should probably leave your horn at home.

mbav8r wrote:Welcome to yet another downturn, I sent in my resume to perimeter a long time ago and the C.P at the time was a real ass. I called and told him that I sent my resume and was just making sure he received it and wondering if he had time, that I could come by and chat. He said we're not hiring and slammed the phone down in my ear. Not that it would make it better if it were a low timer, but I had 3500hrs even multi-turbine pic. I couldn't believe it, well thankfully I never had to fly the clapped out metros they're running around with.
You will find now that it's in the employers favor it will be pay back to the pilots for jumping ship when they had the chance.

sounds like it was mark k?

Ask yourself if this is someone you really want to be working for. Do you want this person to have some control over your life? Are you now realizing why he needed to hire two new pilots?
Getting such a reaction when asking about his business indicates that it is a sensitive subject and things aren't going that well.
Your better off without this place.

If a chief pilot treats you like crap over a simple question just imagine what it would be like working for him/her.

Being polite to people is not all that difficult a task.

Cat Driver wrote:If a chief pilot treats you like crap over a simple question just imagine what it would be like working for him/her.

Being polite to people is not all that difficult a task.

Some people sure make a chore out of it!

l can certainly understand why some folks can be a bit rude when aspiring pilots are calling for info on a job, or simply calling for the sake of touching base. lf you think about it, these people are working and may be busy at the time. l know that's no reason to be rude but some people are simply dicks when it comes to phone calls period.

What l found to be somewhat effective, is possibly calling just after business hours and leaving a detailed message indicating what you are looking for and your quals. This way, you're not catching anyone off guard and the cp's can effectively come up with answers to your questions instead of putting them right on the spot. Furthermore, if you don't receive a reply then you know the company may not be looking for you at that particular time. Plus you can cover more ground this way instead of doing the random drop in to the company headquarters.

The Cold calling technique is really hit or miss and is all based on timing, so don't be surprised or discouraged if you don't get as many replies as you'd like.

Good luck,

Tango-

save money on stamps, envelopes, paper, ink and long distance and hand deliver as many resumes as you can. do your research ahead of time and only visit the companies that:

a) you want to work for and/or
b) you think may hire someone with your experience

How much do you like telemarketers cold calling you? How much paitience do you have when they call while you are in the middle of doing something? How would you take it they asked how you're doing financially? How many telemarketing pilots are currently calling your average CP each day?

mattedfred wrote:save money on stamps, envelopes, paper, ink and long distance and hand deliver as many resumes as you can. do your research ahead of time and only visit the companies that:

a) you want to work for and/or
b) you think may hire someone with your experience

Yeah save money on ink, stamps, envelopes and long distance calling, but spend EVEN more on gas money. LOL.

I know what you're getting at, I just had to poke fun at that

Tango Romeo wrote:What l found to be somewhat effective, is possibly calling just after business hours and leaving a detailed message indicating what you are looking for and your quals. This way, you're not catching anyone off guard and the cp's can effectively come up with answers to your questions instead of putting them right on the spot. Furthermore, if you don't receive a reply then you know the company may not be looking for you at that particular time. Plus you can cover more ground this way instead of doing the random drop in to the company headquarters.

Sounds like a really good idea.

flying4dollars wrote:

mattedfred wrote:save money on stamps, envelopes, paper, ink and long distance and hand deliver as many resumes as you can. do your research ahead of time and only visit the companies that:

a) you want to work for and/or
b) you think may hire someone with your experience

Yeah save money on ink, stamps, envelopes and long distance calling, but spend EVEN more on gas money. LOL.

I know what you're getting at, I just had to poke fun at that

i guess i could have worded that better eh? LOL

how about: don't spend money on stamps etc. spend it on visiting the companies.

I try to avoid being rude or sarcastic, but it is hilarious when a pilot calls and the convo goes like this:

Him - "Hi, can I speak to Mr. XXXXXXXX (the CP)"

Me - "Sorry, he's out flying, is there something I can help you with?" (I can already tell that it is a pilot looking for a job calling)

Him - "Well, I'd really like to speak to him if possible about a job."

Me - "Oh, yeah, the position has been filled, sorry."

Him - "Oh... well do you need anyone else?"

Me - "Umm... well we advertised one position, and we've already filled that position... so no."

Him - "Can I ask how much experience the guy who got hired has?"

Me - (Its a slow day and I have nothing better to do, so I play this out) "Sure, he's got about 300 hours and a multi-IFR."

Him - "Oh yah. I have about 400 hours and a multi-IFR as well."

Me - "Oh, I see...."

Him - "So, do you think that I could do the job as well?"

Me - "Umm.... well the job is already filled...."

Him - "Can I ask how much the guy you hired is getting paid?"

(The FNK happens to be sitting in the office, him and the other pilot laughing at my side of the convo, and I cover the phone and ask him if he minds if I indulge the caller. He doesn't mind."

Me - "Yeah, he is starting at $XXXX a month."

Him - "Hmm.... so do you think, maybe If I came up and paid half of his wage, I could do half of the flying he will do?"

Me - (Trying not to laugh out loud) "Well I don't think it quite works like that... plus you know there is the cost of training and everything which the company has to bear..."

Him - "How much is that?"

Me - "Oh I think around $5-10,000."

Him - "Oh, I don't have a problem paying that."

Me - "Yeah, you see, we only advertised for one position and there is only really enough work for one position...."

Him - "Hmm well can you mention this to Mr. XXXX? My name is XXXXX and my number is XXXXX."

Me - "Yeah, sure, let me just write all of that down...." (I think I was drawing a kitty on the notepad)

Him - "Ok, thanks!"

Me- "Yup, bye."

Then me and the other guys have a really good laugh for the next week over this.

Dissapointing, to say the least.

I answer phones more than I fly right now and the sheer volume of 'junk' calls pisses me off. So when I see another number pop up from Ontario or Quebec with no name, I am milliseconds from slamming the phone down.

But I like talking to pilots. It's better than talking to maintenance customers (how much this time?, what are you going to replace?, when is my plane going to be ready?) and all the other garble that seems to envelope a small business phone line. Unfortunately, since I'm not the CP or the owner, I don't have all the answers regarding hiring.

Sometimes I have time to chat. Sometimes I've got to get ready to go flying or do something else. Some pilots will take my being friendly and informative as a sign that we are hiring, so I usually have to be blunt if they say they are going to make a trip out that there won't be a position for them.

And then there are the ones who will offer to pay or work for free to get ahead. I would love to tear a strip off of these jokers but I will say politely that we don't have a position and hang up.


Cold calls are awkward, but they are necessary IMHO. A resume is just a piece of paper with no flesh and blood. But just showing up unexpectedly can leave a poor impression--especially if it is at a bad time.

Best of luck to you guys out there! Wish I could help but right now I am just glad I have my own job.

Thanks anyway

Had one guy who was a 'volunteer' tow pilot for the local soaring club. He wasn't getting as many tows as he would like and wanted to see if he could get more hours (don't know why, he had a gazillion doing top-dressing in NZ). We told him we didn't have a position open. He said, 'don't worry, you don't have to pay me!'



(He was a nice guy otherwise, but JEEEZ!)