Preparing A Professional Pilot Resume

It is true many major carriers do not request a resume, and during the interview process, the interviewer will refer primarily to you company application. However, a concise, error-free resume will add a professional, organized touch to your "paperwork" presentation. A resume also comes in handy if there is special information you want the interviewer to know but can find no appropriate place on the company application to list these important facts. Writing your own resume and completing company applications can be relatively "pain free" if you spend the time to collect all the information you need BEFORE beginning the writing process. This information has been provided to help you in composing both your resume and specific company applications. Sections Include: Points To Remember, Resume & Application Information/Resume Writing Examples, Resume Layout Example.

Points to remember

Resume

• It is best if your resume is one page
• Have your resume professionally printed
• Use white or light ivory colored paper, 25lb., 100% cotton weight. Use the same paper for your resume, cover letter and reference sheet
• Do not put the word "resume" on your resume.
• Do not include references on your resume. References should be on a separate sheet
• Do not leave employment gaps of more than 2 months
• Basically list only your "adult work history." If you worked during high school or college, list your descriptions under EDUCATION and place it after the listing of your degrees and/or course work title

Example

• B.S. in Aviation Management from Metropolitan State College. To assist with college and flight training expenses worked all four years as a fueler/airplane scheduler/ground instructor for local FBO
• You may title your separate sections whatever you please (i.e., Work History could be Experience, Employment History, etc.). No matter what titles you choose every resume should include:
• Flight Time/Certifications/Ratings, Employment History, Education

Individualized sections may include:

• Specialized Training, Community Involvement, Interests, Honors/Awards
• You may list your PERSONAL INFORMATION (birthdate, height/weight, etc.) but it is not necessary

Applications

• It is important that your application is presented as professionally as possible. Remember, this information is YOU on paper
• Unless it specifically states to "PRINT" or unless you have incredibly fine penmanship it is much easier to read if it is typed
• Leave no blank spaces. If a question is not applicable to you write "N/A"
• As stated earlier, the company application will be the primary information source for the interviewer. For this reason it is important to use all available space on the application to point out any special traits or experiences you may possess. Many applications ask questions such as "Is there any other information you would like us to take into consideration?" Use this space to sell yourself! For example: if there has been no place on the application to list you community involvement, or no opportunity to discuss your college scholarships or military flying awards… this type of question would be the place to briefly list these facts

Resume and application information collecting
&
Resume writing examples

Compile this information before filling out any applications or writing your resume. Check off each item after completion.

FLIGHT TIME	__ List specific flight time/certifications/ratings __ List types of aircraft flown
WORK HISTORY	__ List ALL your work history beginning with the most recent. Include military service, company names, dates employed, job title, job duties (list in order of importance) __ List reasons for leaving (return to school, advancement, company furlough, etc.) __ List any awards of achievements through you employment __ List names, addresses and phone numbers of possible references RESUME EXAMPLE Your job description may need only be as simple as this: ABC Airlines - January 1984 to December 1990 Los Angeles, California First Officer: B-737-300 Or you may need, or want, to be a bit more specific: XYZ Flight Center (FAR Part 141 Flight School) - June 1984 to July 1987 Denver, Colorado CFI-I: Conducted private, commercial, flight and instrument instruction United States Air Force - January 1970 to December 1987 Los Angeles, California (final assignment) Primary positions included Aircraft Commander, Instructor Pilot and scheduling Officer. Entered the service as a Second Lieutenant, retired as Lt. Colonel Top Graduate of Squadron Officers School. 1986 USAF Flying Safety Award
EDUCATION AND SPECIALIZED TRAINING	__ List all your formal education beginning with the most recent. Include Degree received and/or area of study. Name of school, city, state __ List any awards or achievements, outstanding grade point average (GPA), scholarships or information concerning how you funded your education. Include any offices help or sports played __ List any specialized training you have taken on your own RESUME EXAMPLE - Formal Education B.A. in Aviation Management. Metropolitan State College, Denver, Colorado Graduated with GPA of 3.5/4.0 scale. Funded entire college education and flight training through part-time employment and scholastic scholarships. Four years Ellis Scholarship Award. Two years Achievement Scholarship (If you did not graduate) Studies in Aviation Management at Metropolitan State College - 2 years RESUME EXAMPLE - Specialized Training Graduate of Mountain Flying Program and Advanced Aerobatics from ABC Aviation College, Denver, Colorado
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT	__ List any current or continuing volunteer experience. Volunteer title, name of volunteer organization, basic duties, awards or achievements received RESUME EXAMPLE Committee Member for local Red Cross Emergency Housing. During family emergencies or natural disasters secure housing, food and clothing for those needing assistance. Volunteer of the Month - June 1988
INTERESTS/HONORS OR AWARDS	__ List any hobbies or interests. Be specific if you have unusually in-depth interests or interests which are applicable to flying. This section is for honors or awards which do not fit under the headings of EDUCATION, WORK HISTORY OR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT RESUME EXAMPLE Ranked #4 in the state in both singles and doubles tennis 1989 and 1990 Restore antique airplanes. Restore and sell an average of 2 airplanes per year
MISCELLANEOUS	Accidents/Incidents/Violations __ Although this information will NOT be on your resume, you will need specific information in order to complete company applications. Begin immediately to collect all the necessary paperwork Now is the time to start collecting all your documentation __ Update your logbooks. (No matter what your experience level major carriers want specific, clear descriptions of your flight time.) __ Write away for your driving record, FAA records and educational transcripts __ Your passport should be up-to-date __ Gather all the originals of your licenses and make clear copies __ Have your past employers and personal contacts write their letters of reference. Keep a file of all these letters __ Make sure you are fully aware of any medical situation which could cause problems during your company physical. Have your cholesterol, blood pressure, weight, eyes and hearing checked

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John Smith
1122 Anyplace Avenue
Denver, Colorado 80000
Primary Number 303/555-1212, Messages Taken at 303/555-1313 or 719/555-1414

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Objective
Flight Officer

EXPERIENCE

ABC Airways, Inc. - August 1987 to present
Boston, Massachusetts. FAR Part 121 scheduled air carrier

• First Officer: CV-580

DEF Airlines, Inc. - August 1983 to June 1987 (periodic employment as needed)
Westerly, Rhode Island. FAR Part 135 scheduled commuter and charter

• Captain: PA-32-300, PA-28-235

GHI Airlines, Inc. - April 1986 to October 1987
Los Angeles, California. FAR Part 135 scheduled commuter

• First Officer: SA 226/227

JKL Flight, Inc. - July 1984 to March 1986
Manchester, New Hampshire. FAR Part 121/135 scheduled commuter

• First Officer: SD3-60, DHC-6

MNO Aviation, Inc. - September 1981 to June 1984
Greeley, Colorado. FAR Part 141 flight school

• CFI-I: Conducted commercial, flight instructor and instrument instruction

PQR Flight Center - February 1980 to September 1981
Watkins, Colorado

• CFI-I: Conducted private, commercial and instrument instruction

EDUCATION

Studies in Education at The University of New Hampshire - 2 years
Graduate of the Fixed Wing Professional Pilot Program. ABC Aviation College, Los Angeles, California

REFERENCES: Available upon request. AVAILABILITY: Immediate, two weeks notice preferred.

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