Earning an FAA A&P certificate is by no means an easy accomplishment, but for many people, landing their first job as a professional aviation maintenance technician (AMT) is a challenge that may feel exceptionally daunting.
The first step in an AMT job search usually involves choosing an aviation sector to focus on. Options include the airlines and the military. But, for those looking for opportunities to leverage their creativity and technical skills to the fullest, experts say it’s hard to beat business aviation.
“The NBAA’s Maintenance Committee focuses on educating people that business aviation is a great career option. We offer guidance to those young AMTs who are just getting started,” said Bryan Maloney, founder and managing partner of Maloney Group Services LLC. As a member of the NBAA Maintenance Committee, Maloney chairs the Workforce Development Subcommittee. “We visit a lot of colleges with AMT programs, and the first thing we ask is what students want to do. Where do they want to work – both from a business and location standpoint?
“While wanting to start in a corporate flight department is a great goal, a better move for most new AMTs is to start at an MRO [maintenance, repair and overhaul] shop or aircraft manufacturer [OEM],” Maloney said. “That’s a much more practical direction because there are more jobs open, and it will give you experience with more types of aircraft and tasks.”
In an AMT Job Search, Networking Is Key
A successful job search includes equal parts of accreditation and professional networking. “A great place to start is with a good LinkedIn profile to highlight your training and work experience,” said Lynze Norris, an aircraft program manager for a Fortune 100 flight department who chairs Education for Workforce Development for the NBAA Maintenance Committee. “It’s a great way to stay connected with others in the industry after engaging at events.”
A proven network-building practice is to attend as many business aviation trade events as possible. Searchers should take copies of their resume – yes, people still use paper copies – and introduce themselves to representatives of companies they’re interested in. Don’t leave without getting their business card. They’re invaluable tools for building professional networks.
The NBAA Maintenance Committee’s educational branch sends out quarterly emails to AMT instructors listing opportunities and company contacts, Norris said. She strongly suggests that students ask their instructors to share this information.
AMT Scholarships Can Unlock Doors
For Norris, earning an NBAA AMT Scholarship for Gulfstream G650 Maintenance Initial Training set her resume apart during her job search.
“These types of scholarships can really help you get your foot in the door with any business aviation company,” Norris said. “Build your resume as much as possible through internships and these hands-on type scholarships.”
Hiring a professional resume writer who understands aviation (and the key words that hiring managers will be looking for) will also help an AMT’s resume stand out. Also, avoid the misconception that resumes should only list aviation experiences.
“I had a part time job as a welder when I was in high school,” Norris said. “I had that on my resume. It was a talking point during interviews because it showed I had hands-on practical experience.”
Set Yourself Apart as an AMT Prospect
Once a resume makes it through the first cut, candidates can focus on interviewing with prospective employers. “The industry has moved from in-person to more online/video interviews today,” said Maloney. “Even if a candidate is local, the initial screening is done remotely.”
The critical point here – and one that, if missed, will doom any interview – is to not take a video interview lightly. Unlike a Facetime chat with friends, candidates need to look, sound and act like the professionals. Chances are the interviewer is doing three or four of these interviews per day. Successful candidates need to stand out – in a good way.
“I recommend any job seeker work with a trained placement professional,” Maloney said. “If they’re working with me, we will do a couple of practice interviews to prepare them. We will look at the setting where they will be. Make sure there is nothing offensive in the background. And never do any interview from a coffee shop.”
Ask Questions During AMT Interviews
Maloney also urged candidates to make sure they look professional, be conversational and ask questions. “That can be a difference maker,” Maloney said. “So many applicants don’t ask any questions about the company, culture or whatever. Act like you’re interested in them. It will give you great insights into what your future job may hold.”
Obviously, every opportunity isn’t going to pan out. However, with unsuccessful job searches, there are potential upsides for personal improvement.
“There’s a reason you didn’t get that job. It’s OK to go back and ask for some feedback,” Norris said. “Don’t ever make assumptions on yourself. Just remain patient and continue on your path. All you can do is your best and learn from every experience.”
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.