Business Aviation Networking Notes

The process of finding out about a job, getting interviewed, and eventually receiving an offer for employment starts with networking. By networking I don't mean sending hundreds of copies of your resume unsolicited to H.R. managers throughout the country, but by establishing contacts with people who may be in a position to hire you or refer you to someone who does the hiring. Let's take a look at some ways to help you break in to business aviation by following certain tips.

In corporate aviation, there are several key players in the field that you probably have heard of. Jet Aviation, TAG, and Netjets are some of the larger players and they all have a staff of qualified flight attendants or cabin service representatives on hand. In addition, smaller players including Jet Alliance, Clay Lacy Aviation, and Trans Exec are part of the charter market. Finally, you have a whole host of independent flight departments with one, two or more aircraft. Some of these operators utilize larger cabin aircraft and are in need of flight attendants.

You could send out a copy of your resume to every single company that flies a Falcon, Gulfstream, Challenger, or any of the other larger cabin jets. You may get an interview, but you'll also spend an excessive amount of time researching names, addresses, paying for postage, paper and more. Instead, the best way to land a job according to Richard Bolles, author of the acclaimed job hunters and career builders guide, "What Color is Your Parachute?" is through networking.

Networking involves plenty of people contact. Some of best ways of having contact with others is at a convention [in our case, the NBAA Flight Attendant Conference]; over the internet via message boards [such as this one]; while flying a trip as a contractor; working for a company in another role [e.g., as a dispatcher, flight manager, etc.]; or through a friend already in the business.

Successful people establish a list of contacts from the smallest lead [e.g., a receptionist or switchboard operator at a charter operator] to doing voluntary work on an association's newsletter or with a steering committee for the same type of organization. Each person you come into contact with is a potential person who may know of someone in the business or know of a job opening. Conversely, unsuccessful people rely too much on waiting for a phone call, for an answer to an unsolicited letter, or by not going out to meet people face to face. Quite simply it takes a lot of phone calling, pavement pounding, and other forms of action to land the job that you want. Plus, it takes someone with dedication, professionalism, zeal, enthusiasm, confidence, and a caring attitude to help make things work. If you are not confident of your abilities, you will have a much more difficult time landing a job.

Very important when looking for a position is to have a top notch resume. Make sure that there are no spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, that it is formatted professionally, printed on bond paper and that you include correct contact information including your name, address, phone numbers, and e-mail address. You can be the most talented person in the world, but your resume could look awful. Busy employers look at resumes and toss the unprofessional looking ones away [or they file it for a predetermined amount of time].

You also need: three top notch references [don't list them on your resume, but be able to furnish them upon request]. Alteon, FACTs, or FlightSafety training are very important - agencies such as Jet Professionals insist on it; most of the larger operators require it as well. Additional training including galley services, a wine class, emergency training, can all help you out.

Finally, when you do receive a call -- even if unexpected - be prepared to interview on the spot. Most interviewers will screen you on the first call and you will need to sound sharp as well as be focused. Be prepared to give a concise background on who you are and what you can offer the company. Do not focus on your needs, but focus on the company's needs and how you will benefit them. Do not expect them to be thrilled by your focusing on yourself. This business isn't about you -- it is about the customers and the company. Successful candidates know this and they are the ones who will be hired, trained, paid well, and otherwise be perceived as being an asset and not a detriment to the company.

Matt manages the Corporate Flight Attendant Community at http://www.corporateflyer.net and http://www.cabinmanagers.com