Your Future Begins at ExpressJet
More Pilots Hired By The Majors
ExpressJet Even Better Today
ExpressJet operates more than 1,500 flights each day, serving nearly 200 airports in the
U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. With our diverse network structure, ExpressJet pilots gain experience in a variety of environments with each flight. This real-world training is one of the many reasons that the majors prefer ExpressJet pilots. Make the smart choice for your future and fly with the best at ExpressJet.
Website – ExpressJet.com & FlySmartChoice.com
Facebook – FaceBook.com/ExpressJetPilotRecruiting
Twitter – Twitter.com/ExpressJet
Instagram – Instagram.com/ExpressJetPilots
Email – [email protected]
Phone – 404-856-1000
Interview with Courtney Dennis Manager of Pilot Hiring and Recruitment, ExpressJet Airlines
Pre Interview:
Craig: How do you select applicants to be brought in for an interview?
Courtney: We use two sources for applications. AirlineApps.com has been a long-standing source, and now applicants can apply through ExpressJet.com/apply. Applicants only need to apply through one of these sources to trigger an application review.
C: What can an applicant do to increase their chances of being called for an interview?
CD: Make sure your application is complete and honest. If the applicant has anything that requires explanation or background information, find a way to include it in the application. The more information the better, especially if you have any negative marks in your history.
C: How critical is it to attend a job fair to get an interview?
CD: Job fairs are a great opportunity for applicants to meet with recruiters and line pilots to learn about ExpressJet. We recommend trying to attend one for the applicant’s own education, but it’s not necessary to get a call.
C: What is the best way to prepare for an interview with your company?
CD: Study instrument procedures, regulations, and have enough currency to be comfortable in the interview. Testing is based off the new ATM Written question bank, though having the written complete isn’t a requirement because we provide all new hires with the ATP CTP course and the written fees for free – no strings attached. We recently partnered with Boldmethod to help you prepare for the interview, offering another resource to ensure you feel ready.
Interview:
C: Do you recommend that applicants get to your headquarters city the day before and get a hotel room for the night?
CD: We do. We provide transportation and a hotel for the applicants the day for the interview. Our goal is to set the applicant up for success, so we make sure logistics don’t distract from performance.
C: Can you walk me through a typical day of interviews?
CD: After a good night’s rest, applicants can take the hotel shuttle to our headquarters in Atlanta or our training center in Houston for their interview. We start with the opportunity to learn about and discuss ExpressJet with a company overview. Applicants then complete a computerized Job Knowledge Test with questions based on the ATM Written. After a break, the applicant completes a panel interview – comprising of technical and human factors questions. We aren’t looking for perfection, but we do look for honesty, integrity and an ability to learn. If necessary, the candidate will complete a simulator evaluation consisting of BAI and instrument procedures. The applicant is done by early afternoon, in time to catch a pre-booked flight back home. We also offer local interviews anytime at our Chicago, Dallas, Detroit and Newark crew bases, and at pre-planned on-site events in cities across the country.
C: What are some of the biggest mistakes that applicants make during the interview process?
CD: Trying to hide information or be dishonest. Failures aren’t a deal-breaker, but lying about the failures means you have an integrity issue. We can’t look past those kinds of concerns. Additionally, some applicants come in without fully preparing their paperwork, or they come in underdressed. These are all simple expectations, so a lack of compliance doesn’t reflect well on the applicant.
Written test:
C: Is there a written or computer test?
CD: Yes – a job knowledge test based on the questions from the ATM Written.
C: What can you recommend applicants study for that test? At what point is this test taken?
CD: Use a prep book or e-learning course to familiarize yourself with the questions and answers in advance. Students in our Airline Pilot Pathway Program (AP3) are provided a study guide on our AP3 site.
Simulator Evaluation:
C: Do you have a simulator ride?
CD: If an applicant fails to meet certain experience standards, we have them complete a simulator evaluation.
C: What type of aircraft is used for the simulator evaluation?
CD: Our simulator evaluations take place in our Houston training center and are all done in an EMB-145.
C: What types of scenarios should you expect in the simulator evaluation?
CD: Our simulator profile consists of basic attitude-instrument flying and instrument procedures. Candidates can expect to complete holding and an ILS.
Post Interview:
C: Do you tell applicants they are hired in person that day?
CD: Most applicants who are successful in the interview are provided a Conditional Job Offer, pending successful background checks, on the day of the interview.
C: If not, how long do applicants have to wait to know if they are hired?
CD: In some cases, an applicant’s interview results must be reviewed before a Conditional Job Offer is granted. If this is the case, the applicant is informed within a week of the outcome.
C: How soon can an applicant expect a class date after being hired?
CD: We run two classes per equipment type per month. Typically applicants can expect an available class date 2 – 4 weeks from their interview.
General:
C: How many pilots does your airline expect to hire this year?
CD: Our current expectations are to hire over 500 this year, with potential to increase that number.
C: Can you explain the ATP-CQP class that your company offers?
CD: We provide ATP-CTP to any applicants who don’t already have an ATP Written or an ATP-MEL rating. The applicant arrives about two weeks prior to his new hire class date to complete the training in-house at ExpressJet. We do not payroll deduct the ATP-CTP course, and pilots are being paid and gaining company seniority while they complete the course. There is no agreement or financial commitment from the pilot.
C: Do you have a hiring bonus? Is there any specific criterion to qualify for the bonus?
CD: We offer a $7500 qualification bonus for pilots with a PIC type-rating in either an Embraer jet or a CL-65.
C: Does ExpressJet have a pilot referral program?
CD: We offer $1,000 post-tax referral bonuses to any current ExpressJet team member who helps to bring a new pilot on board. There is no limit on the number of referrals a pilot can make per year.
C: Can you describe the career path program that ExpressJet has with United?
CD: The United Career Path Program is very exciting, and we’re proud to be able to offer a path to United for our current pilots and new hires. This isn’t a flow – there’s no “flow back” and candidates must meet United’s defined standards. Pilots who serve United Express will take the Hogan Personality Inventory after they are assigned a class date at ExpressJet. Sometime during their first year at ExpressJet, they will complete an HR-only interview with United – the ExpressJet experience serves as the technical interview. Then it’s simply a matter of performing well at ExpressJet and waiting for your seniority number to be called up. United has committed to hiring a substantial portion of their new pilots through this Career Path Program.
C: Can you describe the gateway program that ExpressJet has with JetBlue?
CD: The JetBlue University/Advanced Gateway Programs allow pilots who attended an AABI-accredited university for an aviation degree to have a guaranteed interview with JetBlue after meeting certain requirements. Pilots who come through this program can expect a JetBlue interview after 36 – 48 months at ExpressJet. This program requires a minimum level of performance, as well as regular reviews.
If you’re ready to start your career in aviation, make the smart choice for your future and choose ExpressJet. We encourage pilots to apply when they’re within six months of earning their ATP requirements. Apply today at expressjet.com/apply.
