My First Impressions at RTAG: What An Aviation Recruiter Is Really Looking For

I’m at RTAG and the convention floor is buzzing. Everywhere I turn, people are handing out resumes, shaking hands, and trying to make their best first impression. As an aviation recruiter at the Rotary to Airline Group (RTAG) convention, I’ve seen it all—from the polished pros to the nervous wrecks. And let me tell you, those first five minutes can make or break a candidate’s chances.

It might sound like I’m exaggerating, but no. Those first few moments—before the handshake sweat has even dried—are crucial. And I’m not just talking about what you say. Your posture, your tone, your ability to answer a simple “How are you?” with something more than just “Good” all tell me a lot about you.

Starting Strong: The Power of a Simple Introduction

Picture this: I approach a candidate, extend my hand (yes, I’m a handshake person), and say, “Hello! Where are you coming from?” It’s a simple question, almost disarming. I use it to break the ice and see how quickly the candidate can relax and engage. Believe it or not, some candidates freeze, giving me a panicked look as if they’ve just been asked to explain quantum physics.

The key to nailing this moment? Confidence, but not arrogance. Be prepared to introduce yourself smoothly, mentioning where you’re from and adding a little about your aviation background. Keep it light, but give me a glimpse of who you are beyond the resume.

Pro Tip: Research the companies you’re interested in. When I ask, “What do you know about our company?” this is your chance to shine. A well-informed answer shows me you’re not just wandering the convention floor collecting brochures—you actually care about working with us.

Why the First Five Minutes Matter So Much

As a recruiter, I’ve got a limited window to form an impression. Let’s be real—at these conventions, there are hundreds of people and only a handful of positions. So, when I’m speaking to someone for the first time, I’m quickly assessing two things:

1. Can you communicate effectively?
2. Do you seem like someone I’d want on my team?

Effective communication is key. Aviation is an industry where clear communication is literally life and death. So, if you struggle to explain your flight hours, licenses, or experience, I’m going to have concerns about how you’ll communicate with colleagues or passengers.

And remember, I’m not just listening to your words. I’m watching your body language. Are you fidgeting? Crossing your arms? Making eye contact? All of these non-verbal cues paint a picture of how you’ll handle stress or interact with clients.

The Resume Rundown: Keep It Simple, People!

Let’s talk about resumes. Please, for the love of all things aviation, put your flight times and certifications at the top. Don’t make me hunt through paragraphs to find your key qualifications. If I have to dig too deep, I might just give up. The aviation industry thrives on details, but not the kind you bury at the bottom of your resume.

Here’s what I’m looking for in a resume:

• Flight hours and certifications at the very top.
• Clear, easy-to-read fonts. I’m recruiting pilots, not deciphering hieroglyphs.
• Contact information that I can actually read. No tiny fonts, please.
• A clean, professional layout that isn’t overloaded with graphics or unnecessary fluff.

Also, here’s a big one: have someone outside the industry look at your resume. You’d be surprised how much jargon or military acronyms you might be using that make no sense. The more straightforward your resume is, the easier it is for me to understand how you’d fit into the company.

Pro Tip: Tailor your resume for the job you want. If you’re at RTAG looking for a transition from military to commercial aviation, highlight your transferable skills. Don’t assume I know what every military acronym stands for—spell it out!

The Importance of Being Personable

Here’s something candidates often forget: aviation companies aren’t just hiring employees; they’re building long-term relationships. At conventions like RTAG, the meet-and-greet format is designed to get a feel for who you are as a person, not just as a pilot.

Your resume tells me your qualifications. You tell me about yourself.

Can you work well under pressure? Are you someone who’ll get along with a diverse group of colleagues? Do you have a passion for aviation, or is this just a job to you? These are things I’m quietly assessing as we chat.

Think of it this way: if you’re going to be flying with someone for hours on end, wouldn’t you want to know they’re someone you can communicate with easily and enjoyably? The same principle applies here.

Bonus Tips for Standing Out at Aviation Conventions

I get it—aviation conventions like RTAG can be overwhelming. But here’s a quick list of do’s and don’ts to help you navigate the chaos like a pro:

Do:

• Dress professionally, but be comfortable. You’re going to be walking a lot.
• Bring multiple copies of your resume. You never know how many recruiters you’ll meet.
• Stay hydrated. This one sounds silly, but trust me, dehydration leads to headaches and crankiness.
• Have an elevator pitch ready. Be able to summarize your experience in 30 seconds.

Don’t:

• Oversell yourself. Confidence is good, but cockiness will hurt your chances.
• Forget to smile. Seriously, it makes a difference.
• Use too much technical jargon. Keep it simple, especially with recruiters who aren’t pilots themselves.

Our aviation industry is a roller coaster, sometimes you just need to hold on for the ride. It can be a long line of waiting, but don’t give up. Good luck to all our candidates!

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