What Recruiters Look For in Future Pilots
There are many steps along your path to becoming a commercial airline pilot. One of the most important steps is also one of the first: your interview at the LIFT Academy® flight training program. What you say and do in that interview will have a huge impact on your future, so it’s essential to make the most of that moment. To help you prepare for your interview, we talked with Charlotte Litke, Recruiter at Republic Airways, to get the inside scoop on what she looks for when talking with candidates.
What They’re Looking For
The LIFT Academy program has a direct career pathway to Republic Airways, which is why recruiters like Charlotte and the recruiters here often look for similar things in their interviews — starting with preparedness.
LIFT graduates do not need to interview at Republic Airways, as their time, training and experience here actually serve as their interview. That’s why it’s critical to come prepared for your interview at the LIFT Academy program — and believe us, recruiters can tell whether or not you’ve come ready.
“Simply showing up is not enough,” said Charlotte. “You need to show us that you’re the right fit.”
That includes showing why you’re a match for our culture and program. There are many different qualities that can speak to that, but here are a few that stand out above the rest:
- Discipline. As an accelerated flight training program, it takes dedication, attention to detail and a strong work ethic to earn your ratings.
- A passion for flying. Working as a commercial pilot is both fulfilling and exciting, but only if it’s what you truly want to do.
- Professionalism. Respect, integrity and ambition will help you succeed not only here, but throughout your career.
“We’re looking to see if this is someone who is aligned with our values and will be engaged in our culture,” said Charlotte.
Another key quality recruiters will be looking for is the ability to be a team player.
“This is a highly collaborative field,” said Charlotte. “We need to know that you can effectively communicate with your crew and take feedback well.”
The Interview
At the end of the day, an interview should feel like a regular conversation. It’ll flow between a range of topics, from your experience and career goals to the aviation industry at large.
“The ideal candidate will be thoughtful, earnest and organized,” said Charlotte. “Those are the candidates who project confidence, and confidence always makes my ears perk up.”
For those with prior flight experience, there may be questions about your past mistakes. It’s not a trap, but rather an opportunity to show your growth.
“Practice talking about any check ride or training failures,” said Charlotte. “Don’t make excuses. Take accountability and be able to talk about it candidly.”
At the end of the interview, there’ll be time for questions and to cover anything that you didn’t get a chance to talk about during the conversation. It’s also the perfect opportunity to ask additional questions and thank your interviewer for their time.
Interview Tips From a Recruiter
Finally, some helpful tips. Keep in mind that there’s no one secret to nailing an interview, but these pieces of advice can go a long way:
Tip #1: Answer the question thoroughly yet concisely. Stick to one answer and one example to keep from rambling on. “Many people tend to talk a lot when they’re nervous,” said Charlotte. “It’s natural, but it’s always more effective when you can be straight to the point.”
Tip #2: Talk to someone who has trained or is training at the LIFT Academy program. The best advice comes from someone who’s been through it themselves.
Tip #3: Prepare, but don’t overprepare. Recruiters can tell when you’re unprepared, but they can also tell when it feels like you’re reading off a script.
Tip #4: Ask questions. It shows that you care and helps ensure that we are the right fit for you. Remember, interviews are for you as much as they are for us.
Tip #5: Show up with a good and enthusiastic attitude.
“One of the best ways to stand out is how you present yourself,” said Charlotte. “Do you speak with conviction? Do you seem excited? We want people who want to be here.”
If you want to be there, start your path toward Republic Airways by learning more or applying today at flywithlift.com.
