The average time spent reading a resume is 20 seconds; therefore, a one-page resume is best. If a two-page format is used, the pilot's address and phone number should be on every page since multiple pages may get separated.
The pilot's resume should:
- Be easy to read. The eye should be able to focus on the major topics at a glance.
- Not be repetitive; most important, it should be specific and consistent.
- Be well organized. Major topics should be listed in order of importance.
- Follow a when, where and what format similar to that of employment applications.
The resume is used by airlines as a preliminary screening device prior to distributing applications. It will be scored: A high score can produce an interview opportunity, and some companies grant interviews from resumes only.
You should bring a current resume to the interview since you may be asked for one at that time. You should have extra copies of your resume to help you complete or update applications during the interview.
You should use your resume as a calling card when visiting employment offices without a formal interview appointment and take extra copies of the resume with you to distribute whenever you make airline contacts.
Resumes given to friends and acquaintances make it easier for those who know you to recommend you.
How to Write an Effective Resume
To compose an effective resume, you should:
- Organize your materials before beginning. You should outline your personal biography, writing down every detail. At this stage, you should not be constrained by what you judge to be important.
- Use the when, where, what format of employment applications. This is the format with which most recruiters are familiar. It is easy to read because it is well organized.
The heading should include your full name (first, middle, last), a current mailing address, and a permanent or alternate address (that of a relative or friend). There should be two phone contacts, and the phone must be answered 24 hours a day. You may wish to invest in an answering machine, answering service or a beeper in order to give a potential employer every opportunity to make contact.
Objective
A short, specific statement is recommended. Saying "career pilot employment" is all that is needed.
Certificates and Ratings
All ratings and certificates should be listed, including the medical certificate; you should refer to your certificates and licenses for the proper wording. You also should indicate any written exams you have completed without obtaining a full rating. Military pilots must have civilian licenses and ratings.
Work Experience
Work history is one of the most important sections of the resume. It will generate the most points on most airline numerical scoring systems.
As stated, you should use a when (date), where (name of employer/address), what (job description) format similar to that of employment applications. You will be required to show employment history since college graduation. If you do not have a degree, you should show your employment history since the last date you attended school.
Employment history should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with the current or most recent employment. The pilot should show three employers if possible. The work history should be continuous, with no gaps to reflect instability. Military personnel can effectively give employment history in terms of base assignments or tours of duty (usually two years in duration). They should combine any tours in which their duties were the same, or combine base assignments they may have had more than once but at different times.
When listing employers who are no longer in business, you still should show the employment period, using the former company's name and address.
If your employment history is lengthy, you should use a summary paragraph (two to three lines maximum) to account for positions held prior to the last employment shown on the resume.
Formal Education
Formal education should be listed in reverse chronological order, using the when, where, what format (the same as in the work experience section).
The education description should begin with the highest degree obtained or the highest level of school completed. If you have a two-year degree or higher, you should not list your high school experience. If you do not have a degree, you should list any college time completed in terms of years or credit hours earned. If you have more than one degree, you ought to show only that which is related to aviation or is technical in nature. You should include performance and participation in extracurricular activities while in school since these matters will give insight into career and personal interests.
