1-800 #'s

slowflight · Post by **slowflight** » Thu May 19, 2005 4:15 pm

If you are researching a company for first time work and are going to give the CP a call would YOU call their 1-800 phone number or a regular area code phone number?

The reason I ask is that people call us all the time looking for work and if YOU pay the bill on the phone call then you will definately stand out compared to the MANY people who wants us (the employer) to pay the 1-800 # bill.

This is just a tip to pilots looking for their first job. Other employers may think differently so don't take this as an industry standard. Its simply one way to stand out from the rest.

Yoyoma · Post by **Yoyoma** » Thu May 19, 2005 5:04 pm

So is paying for your PPC...

Tree · Post by **Tree** » Thu May 19, 2005 5:29 pm

Many employers may not know who is paying for the call...I know many places where it is the same phone that rings for the 1 800 and the regular number...so how are they to know who paid for the call; at least until they got their phone bill....and with many businesses the phone bill will only list area codes that called...not specific numbers.

Hawker · Post by **Hawker** » Thu May 19, 2005 8:10 pm

What if you're unsure on how to pernounce the guys last name? Would you ask him by his first name? or take a stab at Mr.you couldn't have sounded more wrong?

200hr Wonder · Post by **200hr Wonder** » Thu May 19, 2005 9:54 pm

Hawker, I find if you say something along the lines of "I am sure I am going to butcher this but mind if I speak to Mr. Fred Sdfkhslkgj?"

The person answering the phone is prolly use to it and you will at worst get a good laugh and at best get the proper pronunciation... just listen carefully and remember so that when you do introduce your self to the CP you can do it correctly.

Oh and never use the 1-800 number. Most operators hate that. Least the one I work the desk for does.

ei ei owe · Post by **ei ei owe** » Mon May 23, 2005 11:25 am

I've used 800 numbers in the past to find out details about the company and how to pronounce key people's names and then might use the regular line or not. Depends how broke I was at that point and if it was a longshot or not.

I have a hard believing that one's chances are lower because of an 800 call.

4hrstovegas · Post by **4hrstovegas** » Mon May 23, 2005 11:55 am

I seriously hope our industry hasn't gone from separating those with experience and those without experience to separating those who use toll free numbers and those who don't. If an employer won't let prospective employees inquire about a job using a toll free line, you can imagine how highly they think of their workforce.

Doc · Post by **Doc** » Mon May 23, 2005 12:26 pm

"Hello.....yes, I'm the CHIEF PILOT.....Why yes, we are looking for a bright young pilot like yourself.........Oh, you called on the 1-800 line?.....
we're looking for pilots willing to call on the regular line......with a PPC.....why yes, we'd be happy to sell you a PPC, or take between 4 and 6K up front.......that helps us pay for your training when you leave us because our company is really cheap....but you DID call on the 1-800 lind, and I'm sorry, the position is filled"....CLICK!
Get a grip folks....call on the 1-800 line......HAS IT REALLY COME TO THIS??? If a company has a problem with you calling on the toll free line, you dont want to work for them anyway!!!

slowflight · Post by **slowflight** » Mon May 23, 2005 6:13 pm

I was not trying to piss in anyones cornflakes. I would like to try to be a bit clearer about where i was going with this topic. I was simply making a suggestion for the 250 hour pilots whose resumes we receive by the dozen/day. I personally have seen only 1 person walk through our door in the past 3 years to make a personal appearance. This must mean that we are too far away to make a road trip for most people. We don't need any pilots right now but when we do it is awfully tough to pick 1 person through thousands of resumes. I know of many companies which use 2 phone lines, 1-800 & regular, the 1-800 line is usually a RESERVATION line which gets many many calls each day in a lodge operation. This said, I personally have no conflict with people using the toll-free line but the owner sees this half hour phone call as a loss of potential business for the lodge.

Obviously if someone is qualified for the position then we would definately not turn this person down. Unfortunately, many businesses can not afford to take 20 phone calls per day on a RESERVATION line for the lodge, especially when we have not advertised a position. If we have advertised a position then we would say feel free to call us toll-free.

Just my 2 cents for the 250 hour guys looking for first time work. Doesn't mean other companies feel the same way, but i personally know of MANY lodges that do.

Cheers

Doc · Post by **Doc** » Mon May 23, 2005 7:38 pm

If your boss doesn't want all the 250 hour wonders calling him on a toll free line, disconnect the silly thing....if like most lodges, your business is repeat with American fishermen, they can afford a long distance call. Failing that, make your 1-800 number good only in the U.S. of A!!

slowflight · Post by **slowflight** » Mon May 23, 2005 8:55 pm

Opinions Opinions. Honestly,about my original post, Costs really have nothing to do with the point tht i was trying to make. I am sorry if i came across the worng way. I figured that It was just the easiest way to make my point. But if you didn't understand my last post then your opinion obviosly stands strong. The reason that i started this thread was because a lot of our business comes in March/April. This is the time that many 250 hour guys/gals are graduating. In April we had more phone calls then ever from pilots looking for work. I think this is because of a new website, which in turn also brought MANY new calls from potentil clients (NOT repeat clients). This DOES cause a conflict. If a company has 2 phone lines which one do you think lodge clients will call??? especially if one is free. Anyway, no arguing here, just thought id shed light on an idea.

I just hope more people understand that this is a fact with SOME small companies and it doesn't mean that they are CHEAP, just trying to do everything possible to attract business uninterupted.

By the way i have no problem with 250 hour pilots contacting us as i was once in that position too and i know how tough it was to get the first job. We do hire one per year (only one because we have a small fleet but does give float and IFR opportunities). But as most either instruct or head for the bush i personally was OPEN to every tip possible to stand out from the rest. Hopefully someone out there finds this useful but i will think twice before i post a small tidbit of information again. Thanks DOC

Doc · Post by **Doc** » Tue May 24, 2005 6:13 am

DOS...sorry if I sounded a little strong there. And "cheap" is just a word. But, I did think the 1-800 number that only works in the States was a good idea? Otherwise, I think your boss is stuck with pilot calls. Pilots are pretty "cheap" too, and will always use your free "to them" line.
Cheers

DashMan · Post by **DashMan** » Tue May 24, 2005 8:52 am

Do you think Microsoft will mind if I use their 1-800 number?

4hrstovegas · Post by **4hrstovegas** » Tue May 24, 2005 12:28 pm

DOS... just curious. Did the only guy in 3 years who walked through your door ever get the job? If not, you probably see the point... Not trying to be rude, just making a point.

slowflight · Post by **slowflight** » Tue May 24, 2005 5:45 pm

I had started by simply giving a suggestion for some pilots who WANT to know as much info as possible for job research especially with small outfits such as fishing lodges. I was open for all other opinions but when people decide to change the subject and attack a person for trying to help i find that a bit ridiculous!!

As for your last curiosity statement YES the guy did get a job. He had to wait a year but he was happy to do that and we were happy to give him the opportunity. The reason we do not get people driving to us is due to the distance. It seems too far for a long shot.

As for the 1-800 number that only works in the states: I looked into that today and our Phone company only offers the one connection with our satellite system, but thanks for the idea.

Other than that i hope other small lodge owners (not microsoft or big charter companies) will come forward and post, as i would like to hear real opinions on this topic.

cheers

wingandaprayer · Post by **wingandaprayer** » Wed May 25, 2005 8:35 am

hey, DOS, just out of curiosity, what company is it that you work for?