Starting in 2023, the business aviation job market changed from being easy for mid-career aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) to find new jobs, to taking much more time and effort, according to Jenny Showalter, founder and chief motivational officer for Showalter Business Aviation Career Coaching.
“It’s just so much more competitive today,” she said.
With the market so tight, Showalter and Bryan Maloney, founder and managing partner of Maloney Group Services LLC, offered key tips for AMTs looking to make mid-career changes.
“Having a strong, active network with your peers is extremely important today,” said Maloney, who is also a member of the NBAA Maintenance Committee and chairs its Workforce Development Subcommittee.
“Keep your LinkedIn profile up to date and attend any aviation-related business events in your area. We all tend not to get out and meet people as our jobs and lives get busier.”
Good networking helps you hear about jobs before they get posted. Your contacts are more likely to send your information directly to human resources.
Know Why You Need a Change
“Maybe you’ve gone as far as you can in your job or maybe you don’t like the weather or your co-workers,” Maloney said. “You need to have a clear understanding of why you want to change jobs, so you can have a clear picture of what you want.” It also helps to have specific conversations with your family to make sure they’re on board with your plans.
Also, you may need a four-year degree, additional training or certification like the Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) program to get your dream job, Maloney said. “If you know your career goal, you can prepare now for when those opportunities present themselves,” he said.
Help Your Resume Make the Cut
“Crafting an effective resume is very important – maybe more important than ever,” said Showalter. “Chances are an applicant tracking system (ATS) or AI bot will screen your resume, so you need to have all the right phrases and keywords in the right places to make the cut.”
And if possible, don’t go it alone. “Job hunting is not a DIY project,” she said. “In today’s tight job market, professional career support is a great investment.”
Beware of Procrastination
Sometimes, “it can take mid-career AMTs too long to make a job-change decision,” said Showalter. “By the time they’re forced into action, a lot of time and too many opportunities may have passed them by.”
Above all, no matter how great your relationship is, never tell your current employer that you are active in the job market, the experts said.
Also, “unless you’re out of work and seeking help from your network, you should be cautious about posting on LinkedIn and social media about your job search,” Showalter said. “And when you do land that new job, resist the temptation to post your success until your new job has officially started.”
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.