Out of Work? Tips to get that next job.

Despite great industry movement this year, we still hear from some new flight instructors who are having trouble finding work. A saturation of the job market stagnated many good pilots in years past. But the good news is that things are looking up; many instructors are preparing to continue in their careers, and those new class 4s who have been without work since their initial rating will get a chance to start.

People often ask at our flight instructor courses about how they can get their next (or first) job. Here are some ideas to help you do your best when it comes time. Keep in mind, most of these ideas apply just as much to Part 7 operations, as they do instructing.

1. Keep current. It may go without saying that a CFI, like everyone else, wants their job to be as easy as possible. If you apply for a job and haven’t flown in a year, the CFI will have to invest significant time to make sure you meet the required standard. Rent a plane every few months and ensure you are at CPL standards on a regular basis.

2. Keep active. You need to instruct to keep your skills sharp (both technical and technique). Consider volunteering with a local air cadet squadron, high school, university/college, or club to keep sharp. Again, the CFI will know you’re ready to hit the ground running. (Be sure to select an opportunity that does NOT turn what should be paid work into volunteering - doing so won't help your cause!)

3. Do some type of professional development so that the CFI interviewing you knows you’re serious about instructing. Complete an instructor refresher course, CRM/PDM course, or self study a new topic such as Threat and Error Management so that you have something to talk about during your interview.

4. Like it or not, instructing at most schools is just as much about sales as it is teaching. Try to line up some future students for yourself; then let the CFI know you have some leads who want to start training. The Savvy Flight Instructor by Gregory Brown has some good ideas.

5. A positive attitude is very important for your interview. Don’t focus on why you haven’t been working – focus on what you’ve done to keep active during your time off and how it’s made you even better.

These tips will show the CFI conducting the interview that you are a professional and ready to get right to work. Every CFI appreciates having self motivated instructors that will provide high quality training. After all, it makes the CFI’s job easier.