Story ID: 
Job hunting: the power of networking
By: Chad Trautvetter
Caption: Want to learn how to land your dream flying job? Then 
Job Hunting for Pilots
 by Gregory Brown (Iowa State University Press; www.isupress.com; $21.
Word Count: 295
Want to learn how to land your dream flying job? Then Job Hunting for Pilots by Gregory Brown (Iowa State University Press; www.isupress.com; $21.95; ISBN 0-8138-1042-6) will help put you on the right glidepath. Whether your goal is jet captain, first officer or any other pilot position, this book provides the key to successful networking in aviation, which Brown says is what it really takes to get a good flying position.Emphasizing “it’s who you know, not what you know,” the author–an ATP-rated pilot who has held jobs as a pilot for corporate and scheduled operations–notes that those doing the hiring would rather employ acquaintances than someone unknown. Fortunately, Brown writes, “The good news is that it is easier (and lots more fun) getting out there and meeting people than sending out resumes with no response.” While Job Hunting for Pilots also explains the basics of job hunting–including how to structure your resume, write cover letters and prepare for interviews–it spends many a page explaining the ins and outs, and importance, of networking in aviation. The truth is that corporate flying opportunities rarely become public knowledge in any formal manner. Flight departments are rather close-knit, and when there’s an opening there is seldom need to advertise since pilots within the department have friends and acquaintances who are likely to be contacted first. And even if none of these contacts pan out, word of any openings usually spreads through the pilot ranks like wildfire.But the fact remains that virtually all business aviation pilot opportunities arise through knowing someone in the department. And Job Hunting for Pilots will teach you how to be a networking pro, smoothing the way for you to land your dream flying job.