The process of finding out about a job, getting interviewed, and eventually receiving an offer for employment starts with networking. By networking I dont mean sending out hundreds of copies of your rsum 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 is in the position of hiring... you!
In my area of expertise, corporate aviation, there are several key players as well as smaller, less known operators. Jet Aviation, TAG Aviation, and Netjets are some of the larger companies and they all have a staff of qualified flight attendants or cabin service representatives on hand. In addition, smaller players including Pacific Jet, Clay Lacy Aviation, and New World Aviation are part of the charter market. Finally, you have a whole host of independent flight departments with one or 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 rsum to every single company that flies a Falcon, Gulfstream, Bombardier, BBJ, or any of the other larger cabin jets. You may get an interview, but youll 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 making plenty of people contact. Some of the best ways of having contact with others is at a convention [in our case, the NBAA Flight Attendant Conference or NBAA general 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 associations 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.
Before you establish contact with anyone it is extremely important to have a top notch rsum. 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 such as your name, address, phone numbers, and e-mail address. You can be the most talented person in the world, but your rsum could look awful. Busy employers look at rsums and toss the unprofessional looking ones away [or they file it away for a predetermined amount of time]. You also need: three top notch references [dont list them on your rsum, but be able to furnish them upon request]. Emergency training is very important to have 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 companys needs and how you will benefit them. Do not expect them to be thrilled by your focusing on yourself. This business isnt 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 possible detriment to the company.
Matt runs the Corporate Flight Attendant Community, the top resource center on the internet for business flight attendants. Matt assists potential candidates with resume and cover letter writing, marketing, job leads and tips, relevant articles, and a dynamic message board community. You can view his site at http://www.corporateflyer.net.
Business Networking - Choosing the Best Local Chapter
Most people can choose from a number of different structured networking groups. There are independent groups, chamber-sponsored groups, small groups, large groups, single chapter organizations and multi-chapter organizations. Some of the groups are free and others charge money. How can you decide which is the structured networking group that woul...
Networking for Prospects: Building Relationships One at a Time
A drink in one hand and a stack of business cards in the other. Yippee, youre on your way to networking success.Is that really all it takes? If you listen to some of the so-called experts, yes. They think handing out your business card to everyone you meet is your most important networking tool. What a shame. And pity the poor fools who believe tha...
You Need to Be Willing For Networking to Effectively Work For You
The positive effects of networking such as building a new relationship or finding a partner dont just happen by themselves. You need to be proactive and willing to put the time and energy into networking. You have probably met people who dont see the benefits of networking. For the benefits to start to appear, you need to be motivated, you need t...
Improve Your Networking Skills By Learning From Other Professionals
Without effective and proper networking techniques, you may not be maximizing your time while attending events or when reaching out to other professionals. While people have their own networking style that works for them, it may not work for others.You need to do what works best for you and your personality. At the same time, it never hurts to lear...
Top 5 Benefits of Online Networking
Networking is becoming increasingly popular among entrepreneurs in this day and age. It is an amazing means of allowing professionals to build relationships, grow their businesses, tap into resources, develop business skills and brand themselves within their industry or profession. Entrepreneurs can network in their jobs, clubs, organizations, as...
Soft Goods Networking
Soft goods are those items that help with the convenience of everyday life. There are different categories of soft goods out of which some are medical soft goods including lab coats, braces etc.
Soft goods networking is amongst the very difficult tasks to carry out.One mandatory thing is for the sender and the receiver to both have a friendly env...
Local Networking Events
Have you ever been invited to a networking breakfast? Or a networking lunch? These may should sort of strange to the person who has never been to one before, but these types of situations are key to moving yourself to talk with others about what you do, how you do it, and what you provide in the form of services and products.Many areas have their o...
