We recently reviewed an article titled "AOL Email Address Brands You As Technologically Obsolete." The article said that having an outdated email address from a company like AOL brands a person as being someone who is not willing to move forward with technology. The article specifically discussed people looking for a job and how an employer might question a candidate’s suitability for the job simply because of the email address he or she uses.

We were intrigued by how many applicants are using various “old” email addresses as their primary means of contact. We have a rather large database of applicant email addresses due to our weekly aviation jobs newsletter (AvjobsWeekly) that we send. So we did a simple search for some common email domains with the following results.

• AOL: 2464
• Yahoo: 13,056
• Hotmail: 7,511
• Earthlink: 143
• Roadrunner: 191
• Comcast: 634
• .edu: 492
• Gmail: 5359

Each of these email addresses are free. But in this case, "free" may be costing you a lot.

When we receive business email that is using one of these free services we (and every other recruiter and hiring manager) - correctly or not - make some basic assumptions. Our first assumption is this person is not really serious about building or marketing themselves as a serious applicant—at least not in the aviation sector. Second, while they may be serious, they just don’t understand how to keep up with today’s technology changes and improvements, or what that email address is really saying about them.

Every communication leaves an impression. Your email address is your online front door. Emails you send to employers and hiring managers invite them to come to your “office” (your online presence) to read your resume and learn more about what you have to offer as an employee.

You may question our inclusion of Gmail on this list. We have several Gmail addresses. But we don’t use them for business purposes or as our primary email address. Gmail works well as an email client to manage your incoming email. It works very well for lots of people. Just don’t send employers a message from your Gmail account if you want them to really pay attention to it.

Setting up an Avjobs hosted email account with your own name is easy and included with every applicant account.

There is simply no reason not to have a unique email address that reminds people about your interaction and commitment to the aviation industry. And every time you send an email from your myavjobs.com email account, you’re encouraging people to view your resume, accomplishments and value in the aviation industry.

If you are using an outdated email address for your job search, we encourage you to spend the small amount of money required to get a professional email address.

What do you think? Does an email address make an impression?

Job posting dates

There is always a lot of talk about the date an employer first posted a job opening and the time it takes to fill openings.

• It is a common misconception that all jobs are filled in 30-45 days. The fact is, most jobs go unfilled for more than 180 days due to the lack of qualified candidates. Recruiting qualified candidates is a much more complex problem then most candidates think. Job Seekers stop applying, because they ASSUME the position is filled, and the position goes unfilled for an even longer period of time. In most cases, the older a posting is, the fewer candidates will apply for it.
• If the posting is still visible in the system, it is there for a reason. You should apply for every position that you are qualified for and interested in.
• Before developing our Applicant System, we sent a questionnaire to over 7000 participating Avjobs Employers. The request to remove the "Date Posted" field from job postings was unanimous. The average time to fill a vacant position among responders was 204 days. Some even reported that they had the same position open for up to 2 years.

We strongly recommend that you apply, apply, and apply.

Avjobs applicants have easy access to company specifics and are able to link directly to participating employer web sites. The Aviation Directory contains over 50,000 + listings, and is an online aviation employer directory.

While many aviation job seekers place great importance on perfecting their resumes or honing their interview skills (and, yes, these are crucial), one component is often neglected from the job search process:
Company Research and Networking!

You can use the Aviation Directory to find aviation companies by location or company name and utilize the contact information to get in touch with potential employers, even allowing you to send invitations to view your resume via e-mail, print and fax your pertinent information and even map the location of the company.

Not only does the directory provide you with ways to get in touch with industry professionals, the Aviation Directory streamlines the process of making contact with these companies.

	Provides you with a contact number.
	Provides you with the individual’s cell phone number.
	Clicking this icon will automatically print a fax cover page, a cover letter and your resume. All you have to do is fax the information to the company.
	Clicking on this icon will send a notification to the provided e-mail address, inviting them to view your online resume.
	This icon will take you to the company website. You can also click on the thumbnail of their website or click on the company name above the contact information.
	This icon will automatically print a cover letter and resume to send to the company you are interested in. The cover letter is formatted so that, when folded properly, it will fit into a #10 window envelope with the address aligned in the window. This gives your letter a professional look and saves time, omitting the need to hand address each envelope you send. #10 window Envelopes can be purchased at any office supply store.
	Clicking this icon will print a cover letter to be sent to the company. This is a good way to inquire about opportunities with the company. The compatibility with #10 window envelopes from above applies to this as well.
	Clicking on this icon allows you to map the company’s location.

What's the best way to find out what it's like to work at a company? Ask the people who work there! In other words, ya gotta network.

When conducting research on a particular company, networking can benefit you in two ways:

1. It will give you an "insider's perspective" on what it's like to work at the company; and

2. It will give you a chance to make allies with people that can help you land a job. Many companies have employee referral programs, so getting to know current employees may be one way to get in the door.

When you find someone, send him/her a friendly e-mail naming the friend that you have in common and mentioning that you are considering applying to the company in question. Ask if they would mind answering some questions about what it's like to work at the company.

If the person doesn't respond to your e-mail or says "no," don't take it personally. Instead, look for someone else who might be able to offer insight.

If the person agrees, consider asking questions such as:

• What's the company culture like?
• Are employees generally happy there?
• What can they tell you about _________ department?
• Could they direct you to anyone else who might provide useful information?

Remember to be professional and polite. Spell-check and grammar-check your e-mail before you send it. Keep it brief and make sure that it won't take an inordinate amount of time to answer.

Most companies are looking for individuals that will improve their bottom line. If you display knowledge not only about a company but also their competition, you will likely give the impression that you are conscientious, up-to-date, driven and knowledgeable -- qualities that most employers highly value.

1. Follow Directions

• If they ask for five copies and an original - do it
• Put the paperwork in order that it is listed
• Staple if that is directed - don't put in folder or binder
• Do not send attachments - i.e. videotapes, CD's

2. Letters of Recommendation

• Should be current - not several years old
• One letter from person in aviation - knows your skills and experience, abilities, on the job performance, etc.
• One letter from person who has known you for a long time - neighbor, church leader, scout leader, teacher - can address your moral character, how you have worked to get where you are today
• One letter from someone who knows your work ethic - could be aviation person or good friend - address history of your achievements, how and where you are expecting to go from here
• Make sure letter is signed by person who writes it - include name, address, phone number, and e-mail address

3. Appropriateness

• Make sure you are eligible for what you are applying for
• Must meet minimum requirements - i.e. apply for type rating but do not have private certificate; AT for management

4. Neatness Counts

• Make clear copies!
• Copy both sides of logbook to one 8 ½ x 11" page
• Sign each page and total time for every page
• Make sure others can read your handwriting

5. Are you current?

• Current and appropriate medical
• Copy of drivers license and driving record - plan ahead (airline requirement)
• Copies of all your certificates - not just latest one

6. Fill in the Blanks

• On application - fill in the blanks legibly!
• One application per company or scholarship

7. Writing the Essay

• Address the guidelines and questions given for the essay
• Be original - let reference letters state "you always wanted to fly," your struggle, your accomplishments (refer to item 2)
• Try introduction, "My attraction to the industry began with…" "I always wanted to receive training from…"
• Don't reiterate what resume and letters of recommendation have already addressed
• Three main points
• Introduction, Body, Conclusion
• Look up website for possible guidelines or additional instructions

8. Assembling the Final Product

• Put the papers in the order given - there is a reason for the order
• All pages are exactly the same size
• Originals all in one set, clear copies in others
• One package per scholarship
• Don't send letters of recommendation separately - sealed letters sent separately not good - find different person

9. Ship On Time

• You are responsible for obtaining all required items in ample time for collating and shipping
• Place each complete scholarship package in separate envelop and seal well with return and shipping addresses clearly visible
• If multiple scholarships to one organization - place all singular envelopes in one large envelop and make certain the outer container/envelope is sufficient for that journey!

10. Follow Up

• Do not call and ask if package arrived
• Send via UPS, FedEx or certified mail - check tracking number
• Remember - your odds are thousands of times better than the lottery!
• Do a good job and think positive thoughts

Remember - "If you don't ask, You don't get."  There are thousands of scholarship opportunities available at any given time.  If you don't apply for them you'll never get one.  Do your homework, research, and look diligently for scholarship opportunities available to you.  There are too many for us to list them all, but we have provided a short list of places you can visit to get started.  Short list of  URLs for Scholarship Applications and Information:

• NBAA Scholarship Update
• UAA
• WAI
• 99's
• NBAA