Research & Networking

Research & Networking
As many as 8 out of 10 new jobs are obtained through some type of personal contact. Learning how to use personal contacts effectively, therefore, is crucial in your aviation job search. Networking is the process of contacting individuals who can help you in your job search either by suggesting job leads and/or giving you referrals to other people who know of job openings. The Avjobs System and the Ultimate Job Seeker Subscription are the foundation of this process.

Today, finding a job is a full-time job. Just like everything in life, you get out of it what you put into it. If you work part-time, it will take you longer to reach your goals. Just sending the same resume for each opportunity will not get you the interview, let alone the job.

Research

Good research on aviation employers will not only give you the competitive edge, but also help you decide which employers you want to reach and which strategies you will use to contact them. For help with locating aviation employers in your area, or around the world, log into the Avjobs Applicant System and use the Aviation Directory.

Why do Research?

• To spend your time wisely.
• To find out about job openings.
• To learn about benefits.
• To show interest and initiative.
• To learn about the company.
• To prepare for the interview.

• Determine which job openings sound interesting.
• Conduct your research using the tips (mentioned above)
• Complete am information sheet for the job and the company for each job opening that interests you.
• Compare this information with your interests, knowledge, skills, abilities, salary/fringe requirements and other needs.
• Decide whether it is worth you time to apply for this job.
• If the answer is "no", don't waste your time.
• If the answer is "yes", go for it!

Networking

Over 80% of jobs are never advertised in the newspaper or listed on any service.  Most jobs are filled before they need to be advertised or listed on any employment agency.  These never advertised job openings are referred to as the "Hidden" job market.  The Avjobs System, the Ultimate Job Seeker Subscription, and Networking is the only way you will gain information about these openings.

Through networking you will:

• Find out about more job openings
• Obtain Names and phone numbers of other industry employers and other people to contact
• Inform many employers and other people that you are looking for work
• Have a "foot-in-the-door" for job openings
• Discover job openings before they are advertised
• Face less competition for jobs
• Be more familiar to the hiring authority
• Let employers and other people know what your skills and interests are

• Avjobs Applicant System (Job Search Detail)
• Avjobs Aviation Directory
• Libraries
• Company Annual Reports
• Company Visits
• Informational Interviews
• Observation of employees leaving work
• Current/former employees
• Newspapers
• Business organizations (Chamber of Commerce, etc.)
• Industry directories
• Internet (company home pages)