It seems that aviation selections always go extreme, it’s running or standing still. Airlines sometimes don’t hire anyone for months, or in times of crisis, even years. When the selections then finally start again, it sometimes seems as if the airlines want new pilots yesterday. So selections are very unpredictable and erratic.
That often makes selection processes as a pilot difficult. First you spend months searching daily for vacancies that just don’t come up, and then suddenly you find yourself in the situation that you have two selections at the same time in 1 week! How do you deal with this the best?
It is of course impossible to give an unequivocal answer to this, because every situation is different. But it is clear that this unpredictability is part of aviation selection. So you can make sure you deal with it as smartly as possible.
Tip 1: Always be ready for a selection
It often happens that you receive an invitation and the selection is rather soon, sometimes you even have to show up that same week! That is guaranteed to cause stress, let alone if you still have to start preparing. Since aviation selections are often running or standing still, it means that you have to start preparing before selections even start, even if that feels illogical. Some skills take time to build, and that doesn’t just apply to the flying itself.
Tip 2: Make sure you prepare all selection elements well
Selections vary per airline and one is more extensive than the other. Everyone always remembers to prepare well for a selection interview and the simulator check. But don’t underestimate the other parts either! ATPL theory questions, an assessment assignment or cognitive tests can also be a difficult part of the selection. You can fail the selection on every element, so you will have to make sure that you prepare all elements well.
Tip 3: Try to be smart with multiple selections at the same time
Ideally you want to avoid simultaneous selections, but of course you have to get a job as soon as possible and therefore use every opportunity. We certainly agree with that! But we often see that pilots do several selections in a very short time. The result is that things start running simultaneously, which can cause extra stress and sometimes this can have the annoying consequence that none of the selections are passed successfully.
Therefore, try to have as much focus as possible per selection. Do you know that you will be doing several selections at the same time? Then make sure you have the preparation done as well as possible so that you save time during the process. That will allow you to really dot the i’s during the selection. And when the selection process starts, try to take into account the specific preparation time per selection in your personal planning!
Tip 4: The whole process is a selection!
As a final tip, realize that the whole process is a selection. The selection process has started from the moment you send in a motivation letter or work through the application forms. It is by no means always purely the flight hours that determine the first selection. (If you meet the minimum requirements). So don’t think, I’m already sending everything in and then I’m going to prepare. No, what you enter in a form can also lead to a rejection, but also to an invitation!
We hope these tips were helpful! Do you want us to help you with your preparation for a selection? Look at the website for more information or contact us.