Applications are legal documents, and all information contained in them is considered to be true. Any false information discovered after you are hired, depending on the situation, can lead to immediate dismissal. The application will include a set of instructions, either on the front page, a separate page, or before each major section. You should follow the instructions carefully.
Never attach a resume in lieu of completing the employment application; send both.
Read the entire application before you begin drafting. The instructions will specify whether you must type or may print the application.
Typing the Application
A typed application is easier to read. The overall appearance is more professional.
Typing applications requires practice and good typing skills; a professional typing service is recommended.
Make at least two copies of the original. Use one for the original draft and one or more to practice typing in the given spaces. The original application should be kept in a safe place.
Make additional copies of pages with difficult sections and practice until you feel confident before typing the original. With experience, you may be able to avoid draft-typing the entire application and may just zero in on the difficult sections.
Keep your entries brief and edit accordingly.
Handwritten Applications
Follow the same guidelines as when typing an application. Handwritten applications should be neatly printed in ink.
Completing the Original
Once you have transferred the text to the original, you should:
- Proofread the application carefully.
- Let someone else read it as well. Another eye may pick up an error that you have missed.
- Check for typos, spelling mistakes and areas not completed. If an error is found, do your best to correct it.
- Be sure to sign the application.
- Before mailing the application, make a photocopy for your files.
- Mail applications with a copy of your resume and licenses.
Applications vary in their complexity. Following are sections of the application that require special attention.
- Prior conviction of a felony or misdemeanor. Being convicted of a felony is hard to hide. Avoid a lengthy explanation until the interview.
- Traffic violations. Before listing any minor traffic violations, you should find out if you have any on record.
- Minimum salary. Most companies pay pilots based on a contractual rate. Simply state: "current contract."
- Nepotism. Some corporations have strict rules prohibiting relatives from working in the same company or division. If you are not sure if this applies to you, simply call the company and ask.
- Desired location. You should list one or a few of the bases you prefer, or say "no preference."
- Work experience. The full name, address and phone number of current and previous employers will be required. To verify employment from 20 years ago or from a business that has folded, use old pay stubs, tax records, company correspondence, etc. When required to list previous supervisors, use the supervisor's name if this person can be contacted. If not, you may use the name and phone number of a person who can verify your employment, e.g., a former co-worker or perhaps even a high executive who will be sure to remember you (and, of course, will speak well of you).
- Length of employment. This is important; the longer the employment, the better.
- The employment sequence should be continuous, with no gaps. If your employment history is lengthy, you might make copies of this section of the employment application and use the copies to complete this section. Then attach the extra pages to the application.
- Reason for leaving current employer. When asked for a reason for leaving your current employment, never be negative. The answer could be career advancement, pursuit of a technical career, departmental transfer, furlough, bankruptcy, moving away, a personal matter, or "To be discussed."
- Asked to resign. Be discreet and avoid being negative. It is always better to discuss such matters face-to-face with the interviewer. You should find out if an incident is on record before disclosing any information.
- Medical problems. To determine if you have a problem, you should be aware of the company requirements. If you do have medical problems (such as high blood pressure, color blindness, back injury, arthritis, etc.), state on the application, "To be discussed." You also should bring to the interview any medical documentation that will show how this problem has been corrected or controlled.
- Essay questions. These questions require time and thought. Do not be concerned about right or wrong answers. Most companies are looking for the ability to communicate, in the service of which correct spelling, neat penmanship, and good grammar and punctuation are useful; however, these niceties are insufficient in themselves if your thinking is muddy.
- Special interests and hobbies. You can use this section to note any volunteer work experience and any special achievements and awards. Avoid mentioning political, religious or controversial groups by name or identifying features.
- Photographs. If a photograph is required, a good snapshot (Polaroid) will do. Dress for the picture as if going to an interview. Submit a picture only if required; however, if you are in a minority group (woman, black, Hispanic, etc.), sending a picture with all applications and resumes may be to your advantage.
- Certificates and ratings. You should list all of your current certificates. Where appropriate, specify the class and category of each certificate, e.g, Airplane, MEL. If you are uncertain how to word entries, refer to your certificates for the proper wording.
- Flight time break-out. Flight times should be listed as total times using the flight times documented in your logbook. It is important that the flight times on the application correspond to those in your logbook/military flight records. If necessary, you should attach your own supplement sheet. If you have used a conversion factor from military flight time, you should note this on the application.
- Addresses. Use a three-line address, including zip code, for employment history listings. Some applications will require phone numbers with area codes. You can refer to the post office and the phone book to find this information. Be brief and to the point when giving a job description. Your resume can help in completing this section.
Use any valid reason to update. You should update immediately when you have moved, changed telephone numbers, obtained additional education or received additional ratings.
