Landing that first job

[PoE]

Hello to all,

I've been following avcanada for quite some time now. However, I am almost done with flight school and am considering more and more what's to come after I finish my classes and flight lessons. I have thought about going around Canada, even applying for Africa. I am considering instructing as well, however I don't want to start a debate on whether instructing is the way to go or not. I know the main keyword here is: connections. However, there must be something else. I have 0 family members in aviation, 0 connections and a plane-load of ambition and devotion. I always imagined my first job as either working the ramp, working as a dispatch, however, I am sure that there are a lucky few out there who happened to be at the right place at the right time. I am open to any word of advice or sharing of experiences and hoping to hear as much as possible because one way or another, this is a step that we have to get past and make the best of it.

[SuperchargedRS]

You know if you always wanted to work the dock or dispatch, you didnt need to go to flightschool for that, right??

[peakbagger]

Beer Beer Beer!
I suggest moving to a place, with a lot of aviation, that kinda sucks and not many people want to be. Get a job pumping gas at the airport or do what ever. Knock on some doors, make it known you are in town and willing to stick it out until something comes up (as something always will). Last but not least, go out and have a good time. I got all my jobs from chugging brew at bonfires and sketchy bars.
Cheers
Good Luck

[Matterhorn]

I'm pretty new to the industry (working in dispatch now), so I don't have much to offer, but definitely drop your resumes off in person. I began my search for work by emailing and faxing resumes, and it didn't get me anywhere.

[niwre]

Don't be afraid to move. That is one of my biggest pet peeves. If you are 100% unwilling (unable if different) to move then dont even bother applying to those out of town positions. People willing to move in this industry tend to go farther in this industry (pun intended). There are always exceptions but don't be afraid to move... even if its down the hiway. You did indicate you are willing to travel around and resume bomb however, if they call you back for an interview will you really be willing to move? If so great you are miles ahead of others in this industry unwilling to leave home.

[iflyforpie]

Everybody starts skill-wise at pretty much exactly the same place. A guy who's skills reads: CPL 212.6 TT 105.3 PIC 23.7 MULTI isn't too terribly different than the guy who has: CPL 351 TT 266.8 PIC 42.1 MULTI. You both have the basic skills for an entry level job.

What you have to do is differentiate yourself in some way from the zillions of resumes that carpet bomb inboxes weekly from hopefuls such as yourself.

So how do you set yourself apart?

First, if you have connections, use them. If you don't, make them. Connections are everything in this industry and they can make or break an individual in a heartbeat. If you didn't get the job, see if you can gain a connection out of it for next time.

Do you have any other skills that might be applicable to your intended job? Experience operating a forklift will be great for a ramp job. If you like to hunt or fish you will do great at an outfitter's camp. A background in academia will lend itself to flight instruction.

Personality traits are the next thing. It is pretty hard to set yourself apart like this on a resume. Even things like being on student council or volunteer work get pretty shallow representation on a piece of paper. This means either a phone call (not the best, but better than a simple resume if you call the right person at the right time), or showing up in person which usually means a road trip. Generally if somebody goes hundreds or thousands of kilometers to meet a potential employer you will at least get an audience with who is doing the hiring. Put on your best face and try to make yourself look the most presentable to your future boss; substance over style.

The next is trying to make sure you are in the right place at the right time--because this is 90% of what it is all about. Pay attention to the job boards, pay attention to posters here with inside info. The PM button is your friend and this is where not being a dick on these boards can pay dividends. If you phone a company and don't get the CP, maybe try and dig up some information if the person at the other end has some time. Know the seasonal hiring times if you are going out into the bush, pay attention to the economy and know what affects the sector of aviation you are looking into.

I am absolutely certain that 90% of the pilots now employed (myself included) did not get their start by being somebody particularly special, gifted, or connected. They got the job through luck maximized by knowledge and determination.

[joeshmo]

Best advice I've seen in countless threads.

Kinda sucks having to roadtrip even for a chance, but all it takes is one employer to get you started!

[loopa]

Actually it doesn't suck to go on a road trip. When I did it I made some very countable connections for almost every stage of my career. Be it from the first job to the second job to the third and to the fourth.

Try to look at it as an experience networking and scoring opportunities to meet people that most other's firing away resume's behind a computer won't. This by itself will put you ahead.

Go out there, have fun, and show them what you got boy!


Cheers

[PoE]

Thank you to everyone for answering my query. I read your reponses thoroughly and I have decided that I will road trip. As I do currently live in the Province of Quebec, I'm planning to road trip to the east and to the west, it all depends when. I was thinking of heading out to New Foundland and the Maritimes before Christmas and attacking the western part of Canada during spring break. I am eager to make connections of course but what I'm most eager about is meeting great passionate aviators along the way. I hope to cross many of you along the way when I plan for my trip!

[wotai139]

Road trips are good, but if you can't make it to some areas and want to have a similar effect...

I suggest video resumes. Send them a video about yourself and your training, and it allows them to
see you on a more personal level and stands you out from the crowd of other applicants.