As an aviation professional, your resume may be the first point of contact with a potential employer. A well-crafted pilot resume is essential to stand out in a competitive job market and secure your next pilot job. Your pilot resume should showcase your skills, experience, and accomplishments in an easy-to-read format.

This article is a guide for aviation professionals on what to include in a pilot resume and how to structure it to make a positive impression. The article will cover the following contents:

Pilot Resume Template: What to Include?

Before you start creating your pilot resume, it’s essential to know what to include. This section of the article will go through each section of a pilot resume, including personal information, objective statement, flight experience, education, and certifications.

Piloting Style

Flying style is an essential aspect of your piloting career. This section will cover some tips to help you choose a style that matches your personality and career goals.

Pilot Resume Examples

Visual representation is always helpful. In this section, we will showcase some pilot resume examples to give you an idea of what a well-crafted pilot resume should look like and how to customize it to your needs.

Pilot Resume FAQ

In this final section, we will go over some frequently asked questions about pilot resumes. We will address some general concerns that most aviation professionals have about their pilot resumes and provide some tips.

This article aims to be a comprehensive guide for aviation professionals who want to create a winning pilot resume. By the end of this guide, you will be equipped with the necessary knowledge to put together a pilot resume that will set you apart from the competition.

Resume Format

When it comes to creating a pilot resume, the first thing you need to consider is the format. Choosing a clear and concise format will help make your resume easy to read and ensure that important information stands out to potential employers.

There are a few different formats you can choose from when creating your pilot resume. Some popular options include the chronological format, functional format, and combination format. Each has its own unique benefits, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits your experience and career goals.

No matter which format you choose, there are some standard sections that should be included in every pilot resume. These include:

1. Contact Information

Your contact information should be located at the top of your resume and include your full name, phone number, email address, and mailing address. This information should be easy to find and clearly visible.

2. Objective/Summary

The objective or summary section of your resume provides a brief overview of your experience and career goals. This section should be written in a clear and concise manner, highlighting your top skills and accomplishments.

3. Flight Experience

This section should provide a detailed overview of your flight experience, including the types of aircraft you’ve piloted, the total number of flight hours you’ve logged, and any relevant certifications or licenses you hold.

4. Education and Training

Your education and training section should highlight any relevant degrees, certifications, or training courses you’ve completed. This section should also include the name of the institution where you earned your degree or completed your training.

5. Relevant Work Experience

This section should detail your work experience, specifically highlighting any experience relevant to the aviation industry. This could include positions like aviation maintenance technician, air traffic controller, or airport operations manager.

6. Technical Skills

This section should highlight any technical skills or proficiencies you have that would be relevant to a career in aviation. This could include knowledge of specific software programs, advanced communication skills, or experience with navigation systems.

By following these standard sections and choosing a clear and concise format, you’ll be well on your way to creating a professional and effective pilot resume.

Pilot Resume Template

As an aviation professional, having a well-crafted resume that highlights your qualifications and experience can be the key to landing your dream job in the industry. One way to achieve this is by using a pilot resume template. Here, we will discuss the benefits of using a template and how you can customize it to fit your unique qualifications and experience.

Benefits of using a pilot resume template

Saves time: One major benefit of using a pilot resume template is that it saves you time. Instead of spending hours thinking about the format, design, and layout of your resume, you can simply choose from one of the many available templates, and focus your energy on filling in the necessary information.
Consistency: Using a template ensures consistency in your resume. This is especially important in the aviation industry where attention to detail is crucial. A well-designed and consistent format will make it easier for recruiters to read and understand your qualifications and experience.
Professional look: A professionally designed template gives your resume a polished look that makes a strong impression on potential employers. This can help to set you apart from other applicants and make you more marketable.

How to customize a template to fit your experience and qualifications

While using a pilot resume template is a great way to save time and achieve a professional look, it is important to customize it to fit your qualifications and experience. Here are some tips for doing so:

Select the right template: Choose a template that aligns with your industry, qualifications, and experience. There are many different types of pilot resume templates available online, so take the time to browse and find one that suits you best.
Highlight your strengths: Use the template to highlight your core competencies and strengths. For example, if you have strong leadership skills or experience in a specific type of aircraft, make sure those are featured prominently in your resume.
Be specific: Provide specific details about your experience and qualifications. For example, instead of simply stating that you have experience with a particular aircraft, provide details such as the number of hours you have flown it, any special training or certifications you have, and any notable achievements while operating it.
Keep it concise: While it is important to provide details, be mindful of keeping your resume concise and to the point. Recruiters and potential employers are likely to skim through your resume, so make sure that your key qualifications and experience stand out.

Using a pilot resume template can be a great way to save time, achieve consistency, and create a professional look. However, it is important to customize the template to fit your unique qualifications and experience. By following the tips outlined above, you can create a compelling resume that helps you stand out from other applicants in the aviation industry.

Personal Information

Personal information is a critical part of any pilot’s resume. It provides the hiring manager with an introduction to your professional profile and helps to establish your credibility as a candidate. However, it is essential to know what personal information to include and exclude.

What personal information to include

Your Full Name: Start with your full name and make sure it’s bold and visible at the top of the page.
Contact Information: Include your email address, phone number, and mailing address.
Pilot Certificate: Highlight your pilot certificate and the type of license you hold.
Flight Hours: Provide the total number of logged flight hours and the types of aircraft flown.
Education: Share information about your education, including college degrees or specialized training received.
Professional Experience: Highlight your job history, with a focus on your relevant pilot experience.

What personal information to exclude

Political Views: Avoid including information about your political views or affiliations.
Religious Affiliations: Similarly, avoid discussing your religion or religious affiliations.
Marital Status or Family Information: Your family background and marital status are not necessary to include in your resume.
Hobbies and Interests: While it may be tempting to showcase your hobbies and interests, stay focused on the essential elements of your professional profile.

Formatting and organization tips

When it comes to formatting and organization, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Be consistent: Use consistent formatting throughout your resume. This includes font, font size, headings, and bullet points.
Keep it simple: Avoid excessively complex formats or designs that could detract from the content or confuse the reader.
Use bullet points: Use bullet points to organize the information in your resume. This format makes it easy for the hiring manager to scan and quickly identify important information.
Prioritize information: Highlight the most relevant information, such as flight hours, certificates, and experience, first. This information should be prominently displayed at the top of the page.
Keep it concise: Limit your resume to one or two pages. Use concise language and avoid wordy explanations.
Proofread: Finally, make sure to proofread and edit your resume to ensure accuracy and clarity. Avoid typos, grammatical errors, and formatting mistakes.

By following these guidelines, you can create a strong personal profile that showcases your professional experience and expertise. Remember to review your resume regularly and make updates as needed to keep it current and relevant.

Professional Summary

A professional summary is a brief statement that appears at the top of your resume, highlighting your most relevant skills and experiences. It is the first thing that employers see and can greatly impact whether or not they choose to continue reading your resume.

But how do you write an effective professional summary? Here are some tips:

1. Tailor it to the job you’re applying for

Before writing your professional summary, carefully read the job description and identify the key skills and experiences the employer is looking for. Then, make sure that your professional summary highlights those same skills and experiences. This will help show the employer that you’re a good match for the job.

2. Keep it concise

Your professional summary should be no more than a few sentences long. This means you need to be selective about what you include. Focus on your most impressive and relevant achievements and avoid any unnecessary details.

3. Use strong, action-oriented language

Your professional summary should be written in a way that showcases your achievements and abilities. This means using strong, action-oriented language that highlights what you’ve accomplished rather than simply listing your duties.

4. Show, don’t tell

Rather than telling employers that you’re a hard worker or a quick learner, show them by citing specific achievements or experiences that demonstrate those qualities.

5. Make it impactful

Your professional summary is your chance to make a strong first impression. Be sure to emphasize your unique strengths and experiences that set you apart from other candidates.

By following these tips, you can craft an effective professional summary that will capture the attention of potential employers and help you secure your next aviation job.

Flight Experience

As an aviation professional, your flight experience and licenses are critical components of your pilot resume. It’s essential to provide potential employers with detailed information regarding your flight hours and certifications, emphasizing the most relevant skills and knowledge for the position.

Flight Experience

Include all of your flight experience meticulously, including your most recent experience. Potential employers will want complete disclosure of your flight hours, including flight time by aircraft type, pilot in command (PIC), and second in command (SIC). If you have flight experience in both military and civilian aviation, be sure to include this information as well.

When detailing your flight experience, focus on the most relevant duties and responsibilities that align with the position you are applying for. For instance, if you are applying for a cargo pilot position, note the total hours of cargo operations that you have flown, as well as any specialized training in cargo handling.

Licenses and Certificates

The most important license types to include on your pilot resume are Airline Transport Pilot (ATP), Commercial Pilot, and Private Pilot licenses. Be sure to include the issue and expiration dates of your licenses to demonstrate their current status to potential employers.

Additional certificates are equally as important, including multi-engine and instrument ratings, certified flight instructor (CFI), and ground instructor certifications. A type rating certificate is also widely recognized within the aviation industry, particularly if you hold a specific type of aircraft’s rating.

Relevant Flight Hours

Finally, ensure to highlight the most relevant flight hours that relate to the position you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a position as a corporate pilot, highlight your previous VIP transportation experience, including hours flown in specific business jets.

Similarly, if applying for a regional airline position, include your experience flying turboprop or regional jets. Ensure to emphasize proficiency in related tasks such as landing in adverse weather conditions or experience with various routes.

Detailing your flight hours and licenses are critical to building a strong pilot resume. Providing detailed information on relevant certifications, flight experience, licenses, and ratings demonstrates your competency and expertise in the aviation industry.

Education and Training

In the aviation industry, education and training are essential components to becoming a successful pilot. Your education and training achievements showcase your proficiency and competence as a pilot, making it critical to include them in your pilot resume.

Academic Achievements

When discussing your academic achievements, you want to emphasize your degree(s), the institution(s) you attended, and any relevant coursework. You want to focus on demonstrating how your academic achievements have prepared you to become a successful pilot.

For example, suppose you have a degree in aeronautical engineering. In that case, you may want to highlight how your knowledge of aerodynamics and aircraft design will help you make sound decisions while flying. It is essential to highlight the relevance of your academic achievements to the aviation industry.

Training Achievements

Training achievements are equally as important as academic achievements. Prospective employers want to know what specific training you have received and how it applies to the aviation industry. For example, if you have undergone training in safety management systems, this showcases your commitment to safety, making you a desirable candidate for the job.

When discussing your training achievements, you want to provide a comprehensive list of the training programs you have completed. Be sure to include the date of completion and the organization that provided the training.

Organizing Educational Information Effectively

When it comes to organizing your educational information effectively, you want to prioritize your most recent and highest level of education. This helps your potential employer quickly identify your qualifications.

Additionally, it is crucial to tailor your educational information to the job you are applying for. Suppose you are applying for a role that requires experience with specific aircraft. In that case, you may want to highlight any coursework or training you have undergone that pertains to that aircraft model.

Lastly, keep your educational information concise and to the point. Avoid going into too much detail, but also make sure you provide enough information to demonstrate your proficiency as a pilot.

Your education and training achievements are critical components of your pilot resume. Showcase your academic and training accomplishments, emphasize their relevance to the aviation industry, and organize the information in a way that highlights your qualifications. By following these guidelines, you will likely have a winning pilot resume that demonstrates your proficiency and competence as a pilot.

Skills and Qualifications

When it comes to showcasing your skills and qualifications on your pilot resume, it’s important to highlight both technical and non-technical abilities. Many skills that are required for flying, such as communication, problem-solving, and decision-making, are transferrable to other industries.

Transferrable Skills

Here are some examples of transferrable pilot skills that can be applied to other professions:

Communication: Pilots are trained to communicate effectively with colleagues, air traffic control, and passengers. This skill can be useful in any role that involves interaction with people, such as customer service or sales.
Problem-solving: Pilots must make quick decisions when unexpected situations arise. This skill can be useful in any job that requires critical thinking and decision-making.
Attention to detail: Pilots must pay close attention to details such as weather conditions and instrument readings. This skill can be useful in any job that requires accuracy and precision.
Leadership: Pilots are responsible for the safety of their passengers and crew, often leading a team of flight attendants and other staff. This skill can be useful in any role that involves managing people.

Technical Skills

In addition to the transferrable skills you possess, it’s important to highlight any technical skills that are relevant to the aviation industry. Here are some examples:

Flight planning: This involves calculating the fuel needed for a flight, selecting a route, and determining the altitude and speed of the aircraft.
Navigation: Pilots must be able to navigate using instruments and maps, as well as understand the principles of aviation meteorology.
Aircraft systems: Pilots must be familiar with the operation of the aircraft’s electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
Emergency procedures: Pilots must be able to handle emergency situations, such as engine failure or cabin depressurization.

Non-Technical Skills

While technical skills are important, non-technical skills are just as crucial for a successful pilot. Here are some examples of non-technical skills you may want to highlight on your resume:

Interpersonal skills: Pilots must work closely with colleagues and air traffic control, often in high-stress situations.
Adaptability: Pilots must be able to adapt to changing situations, such as weather or runway conditions.
Stress management: Pilots must be able to manage stress and maintain a calm demeanor in challenging situations.
Customer service: Pilots must be able to interact with passengers and provide a positive flying experience.

By showcasing your transferrable skills and relevant technical and non-technical abilities, you can create a compelling pilot resume that highlights your qualifications and sets you apart from other candidates in the aviation industry.

Awards and Recognitions

One of the most effective ways to make your pilot resume stand out is by including awards and recognition. These accomplishments demonstrate your skills, expertise, and dedication to the aviation industry. Moreover, they can help you catch the attention of recruiters and hiring managers, and give you a competitive edge over other candidates.

Here are some benefits of including awards and recognition in your resume:

Highlight your achievements: Awards and recognition are tangible evidence of your accomplishments in the field of aviation. By showcasing these accolades, you can prove that you have the necessary skills and experience to excel in your job.
Demonstrate your commitment: Winning awards and recognition are not easy tasks. It takes a lot of dedication, hard work, and passion to achieve them. Therefore, including these accomplishments in your resume can show that you are committed to your profession and have a genuine interest in your line of work.
Differentiate yourself from other candidates: As a pilot, you are likely to compete with many other applicants for the same position. Having awards and recognition on your resume can help you stand out in a crowded field of applicants and increase your chances of getting hired.

Now that you understand the importance of including awards and recognition in your resume, here are some strategies for showcasing your achievements and accomplishments:

Create a separate section for awards and recognition: One of the best ways to highlight your awards and recognition is by creating a separate section for them in your pilot resume template. This section will draw attention to your accomplishments and make it easier for recruiters and hiring managers to evaluate your credentials.
Tailor your awards and recognition to the job you’re applying for: Make sure that the awards and recognition you include in your resume are relevant to the job you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for a position as a commercial pilot, include accolades that show your experience in that specific area.
Quantify your achievements: Whenever possible, try to quantify your achievements by including specific numbers, statistics, or percentages. This will help recruiters and hiring managers understand the scope and impact of your accomplishments.
Be concise and specific: When describing your awards and recognition, be concise and specific. Use bullet points to break up the information and make it easy to read. Also, avoid using vague language and focus on clear, direct statements.

Including awards and recognition in your pilot resume template can help you showcase your achievements and accomplishments, demonstrate your commitment to your profession, and differentiate yourself from other candidates. By following these strategies, you can create a compelling resume that captures the attention of recruiters and hiring managers and lands you your dream job in aviation.

References

As an aviation professional, including references in your pilot resume can be a valuable asset in landing your dream job. References not only serve as a testament to your skills and characteristics, but they also provide potential employers with a glimpse into your work history and professionalism. However, it’s important to know the best practices for formatting and presenting your references in a clear and professional manner.

When it comes to including references in your pilot resume, it’s common to place them at the end of your document under the “References” section. In this section, you will provide a list of individuals who can attest to your skills and work ethic. These should ideally be people who have worked closely with you in the past, such as former supervisors, mentors, or colleagues.

In terms of formatting, there are a few key best practices to keep in mind:

Choose credible, reliable references. It’s important to only include references who you have a strong professional relationship with and who can speak positively about your skills and qualifications. Avoid including family members or friends as references.
Include their full name, title, company, and contact information. Your potential employer will use this information to verify your references, so be sure to provide accurate and up-to-date contact information.
Let your references know in advance. Contact your references before listing them on your pilot resume and ask for their permission to use them as references. This way, they can be prepared for potential phone calls or emails from your potential employer.
Organize your references in a consistent format. Use a consistent format when listing your references to make it easy for your potential employer to read and understand. For example, you could list each reference in the following format:

Name: John Smith Title: Chief Pilot Company: XYZ Airlines Phone: 555-555-5555 Email: [email protected]

By following these best practices for including references in your pilot resume, you can demonstrate your professionalism and increase your chances of landing your dream aviation job.

Example Pilot Resume

In this section, we provide a step-by-step walkthrough of a sample pilot resume. We will also explain the design choices and strategies used in creating this resume.

Step-by-step walkthrough

Header: The first section of the resume includes the name of the applicant, his/her contact details, and a professional title. In this example, the header includes the applicant’s name, email address, and phone number, as well as a clear and concise title, stating that the applicant is a commercial pilot.
Summary/Objective: This section provides a brief summary of the applicant’s skills, experience, and career goals. In this example, the summary highlights the applicant’s experience as a commercial pilot and his/her passion for aviation.
Skills: Next, the applicant lists his/her skills relevant to the job. In this example, the skills section includes technical skills like flight navigation, communication, and aircraft maintenance, as well as interpersonal skills like leadership, teamwork, and customer service.
Experience: The experience section details the applicant’s work history and achievements. In this example, the applicant has listed his/her experience chronologically, beginning with the most recent job. For each job, the applicant has provided a brief description of the role, the name of the employer, and the dates of employment. The applicant has also highlighted his/her achievements by providing specific examples of successful flights and customer satisfaction ratings.
Education: The education section lists the applicant’s educational qualifications, degrees, and certifications. In this example, the applicant has listed his/her Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics, as well as certifications like Airline Transport Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor.
Hobbies/Interests: This final section is optional and should only be included if it adds value to the application. In this example, the applicant has listed hobbies like hiking and scuba diving, which reflect his/her adventurous nature and willingness to take risks.

Design choices and strategies used

Clear and concise language: The language used in the resume is clear, concise, and avoids unnecessary jargon or technical terms. This approach ensures that the resume is easy to read and understand.
Relevant information only: The applicant has included only relevant information in the resume, focusing on his/her aviation-related skills, experience, and qualifications. This strategy ensures that the applicant’s strengths are highlighted, and the reader can quickly understand his/her suitability for the job.
Chronological order: The applicant has listed his/her experience and education in chronological order, which makes it easy for the reader to understand the applicant’s career progression and achievements.
Bullet points: The resume uses bullet points to list the applicant’s skills, experience, and achievements. This strategy helps to break up large blocks of text, making the resume easier to read and scan.

Pilot Resume Template: Guide for Aviation Professionals