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Pilot Resume Template: Guide for Aviation Professionals

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.

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.

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:

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.

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Pilot Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

• Resume Examples
• Resume Text Examples

How To Write a Pilot Resume

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

Pilot Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

April Lin (123) 456-7890 [email protected] 123 Your Street, San Diego, CA 12345

An airline pilot with 1.5K+ hours of flight time, specializing in commercial flights, navigation, aviation, and flight safety. Adept at communicating and coordinating with flight teams in high-pressure situations to ensure the safety of passengers and flight crews.

Flight Hours

• Flight Time: 1,500 hours
• Pilot in Command (PiC): 700 hours
• Second in Command (SiC) : 800 hours
• Night: 480 hours
• X-Country: 420 hours

Professional Experience

Airline Pilot, Southwest Airlines, San Diego, CA July 2020 – Present

• Serve as pilot in command (PiC) for commercial airline flights, create flight plans, and operate Boeing 747-400 aircrafts
• Coordinate with first officer and flight crews to ensure the safety of passengers and compliance with state and federal regulations
• Conduct pre-flight inspections on commercial airplanes, identify defects and issues, and create reports on required maintenance
• Evaluate weather conditions prior to flights and alter flight plans accordingly

Second in Command, Air Charter Services, San Diego, CA May 2018– July 2020

• Provided flight and navigation support to the pilot in command (PiC) as the second officer, which included adjusting flight plans based on weather conditions and turbulence
• Performed safety inspections, interfaced with maintenance teams, and ensured adherence to federal aviation laws and regulations

Flight Training Program California Aeronautical University, Bakersfield, CA May 2016 – May 2018

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Aeronautical Science California Aeronautical University, Bakersfield, CA September 2012 – May 2016

• Commercial Aviation
• Flight Plans
• Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs)
• Flight Safety

Certifications

• Airline Transport Pilot License (ATP), 2018
• First Class FAA Medical Certificate, 2016
• Commercial Pilot License (CPL), 2016

Cody Jackson (123) 456-7890 [email protected] 123 Your Street, Philadelphia, PA 12345

An airline pilot and flight instructor with 3K+ hours of flight time, specializing in aviation management, aircraft technology, team leadership, and flight plans. A proven track record of successfully navigating hundreds of cross-country and international flights. Adept at developing student pilots and providing federal aviation regulations (FARs) and flight safety training.

• Flight Time: 3,000 hours
• Pilot in Command (PiC): 1,800 hours
• Second in Command (SiC) : 1,200 hours
• Night: 1,000 hours
• X-Country: 1,200 hours

Airline Pilot, American Airlines, Philadelphia, PA May 2018 – Present

• Lead the transport of passengers and freight for cross-country flights to and from the Philadelphia area and operate Airbus A-321T and Boeing 77-300ER aircrafts
• Manage pre-flight preparation, ensure regulatory compliance across the crew, and develop flight plans according to weather conditions, distance, and aircraft weight
• Analyze maintenance reports for aircraft, identify potential issues with systems or equipment, and provide recommendations to maintenance teams
• Provide appropriate accommodations for passengers with disabilities and special needs

Flight Instructor, Philadelphia Flight Academy, Philadelphia, PA May 2016 – May 2018

• Delivered flight and ground instruction to 80+ student pilots on navigation, equipment, and systems for Cessna 172 aircrafts
• Taught curriculum in-classroom settings and flight simulators, recorded flight training, and monitored student performance to authorize solo flights

Flight Training Program Legacy Aviation, Philadelphia, PA  May 2014 – May 2016

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Aeronautical Science Legacy Aviation, Philadelphia, PA  September 2010 – May 2014

• Flight Training
• Flight Planning
• Aircraft Maintenance
• Team Leadership
• Airline Transport Pilot License (ATP), 2016
• FAA First Class Medical, 2014
• Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) 2014
• Commercial Pilot License (CPL), 2014

Luis Marquez (123) 456-7890 [email protected] 123 Your Street, Boston, MA 12345

An airline pilot with over 5K+ hours of flight time specializing in flight planning, ATP, flight operations, and FAA regulations. A strong history of planning and executing long-distance commercial flights under a wide range of weather conditions. Expertise in the operation and maintenance of Boeing 747-400 and Airbus A350 aircraft.

• Flight Time: 5,000 hours
• Pilot in Command (PiC): 2,900 hours
• Second in Command (SiC) : 2,100 hours
• Night: 1,900 hours
• X-Country: 1,600 hours

Pilot in Command (PIC) Delta Airlines, Boston, MA August 2016 – Present

• Execute 400+ successful cross-country flights as the pilot in command (PIC), determine cancellations and flight delays based on aircraft condition and weather, and identify optimal changes to flight plans to ensure the safety of crews and passengers
• Manage the second in command (SIC), air hostesses, and crews, ensure compliance with FARs and company policies, evaluate performance, and provide coaching and mentorship
• Communicate with passengers to deliver briefings on expected flight times, delays, scheduling changes, and weather conditions

Second in Command (SIC), Delta Airlines, Boston, MA May 2013 – August 2016

• Provided support to the pilot in command (PIC), ensured safe piloting of Airbus A220 and Boeing 757 aircrafts, and conducted inspections with maintenance personnel to identify potential defects and evaluate airworthiness
• Coordinated with the captain to plan flights, analyze weather information, and ensure the safety of crews and passengers in accordance with FAA regulations

Flight Training Program Beverly Flight Center Inc, Danvers, MA May 2011 – May 2013

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Aeronautical Science Beverly Flight Center Inc, Danvers, MA  September 2007 – May 2011

• Multi-Engine Experience
• FAA Regulations
• Flight Operations
• Airline Transport Pilot License (ATP), 2013
• FAA First Class Medical, 2013
• Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) 2013
• Commercial Pilot License (CPL), 2011

If you want to take the next step in your pilot career, the right resume can help you obtain a better position and continue to do what you love . Learn how to write a pilot resume and showcase your skills from flight planning and passenger communication to following Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations with these tips. You’ll also find examples and templates to help you get started.

1. Create a profile by summarizing your pilot qualifications

On a pilot resume, the profile summary should let a hiring manager know how much experience you have and what you’re trained to fly. It’s important to include the number of hours of flight time you’ve accumulated, which planes you’ve flown, and any other details relevant to the job, such as whether you prefer short- or long-distance flights. Look for opportunities to include keywords from the job description in this section, such as collaborating with the flight crews or handling changing weather conditions.

Senior-Level Profile Example

An airline pilot with over 5,000 hours of flight time specializing in flight planning, Airline Transport Pilot (ATP), flight operations, and FAA regulations. A strong history of planning and executing long-distance commercial flights under a wide range of weather conditions. Expertise in the operation and maintenance of Boeing 747-400 and Airbus A350 aircraft.

Entry-Level Profile Example

An airline pilot with over 1,500 hours of flight time, specializing in commercial flights, navigation, aviation, and flight safety. Adept at communicating and coordinating with flight teams in high-pressure situations to ensure the safety of passengers and flight crews.

2. Create a powerful list of your pilot experiences

It’s important that your resume reflects your experience and skills as a pilot, and the bulk of this will happen in the professional work history section. This is where you list your previous (and current) job and what you accomplished in each role. While the basic duties may be the same, focus your bullets on numbers, such as how many flights you piloted and what was unique about that position. This helps hiring managers understand your background and whether you may be a good fit with their companies.

Senior-Level Professional Experience Example

Pilot in Command (PIC) Delta Airlines, Boston, MA | August 2016-present

• Execute over 400 successful cross-country flights as the PIC, determine cancellations and flight delays based on aircraft condition and weather, and identify optimal changes to flight plans to ensure the safety of crews and passengers
• Manage the second in command (SIC), air hostesses, and crews, ensure compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) and company policies, evaluate performance, and provide coaching and mentorship

Entry-Level Professional Experience Example

Second in Command Air Charter Services, San Diego, CA | May 2018– July 2020

• Provided flight and navigation support to the PIC as the second officer, which included adjusting flight plans based on weather conditions and turbulence

3. List any education and certifications relevant to pilots

Showing you have the proper education and training to fly safely is an important part of creating a pilot resume. List any formal degrees you have and where you completed your flight training. Additional certifications, such as Certified FAA Airline Transport Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor, should also be included in this section to show a hiring manager you have additional skills and qualifications that make you a stronger candidate.

• [Degree Name]
• [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] – [Graduation Month and Year]
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Aeronautical Science
• Legacy Aviation, Philadelphia, PA – May 2014
• [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]

4. List key skills and proficiencies for pilots

As a pilot, you have a high degree of technical skills when it comes to flying, but also have to utilize other professional skills. It’s important to include a key skills list in your resume that lets you highlight your qualifications and abilities outside of the actual flying of the plane.

For example, pilots must be clear-headed and work well under pressure when there is inclement weather, an equipment failure, or a passenger causing a disturbance. Pilots also need strong leadership skills to manage the crew. If you’re having trouble coming up with things to list in this section, check out these examples.

How To Pick the Best Pilot Resume Template

Pilot resumes are slightly different from other resumes because you’ll list your hours of flight experience in addition to the normal experience, education, and skills sections. Using a pilot resume template set up for this can make it easier to plug in your information and hit the submit application button. Your resume is a reflection of you, so make sure any template you choose has a simple design that’s easy to skim and looks professional.

Frequently Asked Questions: Pilot Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for pilot resumes -.

Action verbs are strong verbs that help convey your qualifications and experience in a more impactful way. But it can be challenging to come up with a unique word every time you start another bullet, especially if you’re an experienced pilot with a long work history. Use our list of common action verbs for pilot resumes below to spark your creativity and ensure every word on your resume is positioning you in a positive light.

How do you align your resume with a job description? -

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the piloting industry to continue to grow at an average rate through 2031. And while that’s good news, pilot jobs are already very competitive, which means this will likely continue to be the case. Ensure your resume gets noticed and is aligned with the job description by including skills, keywords, education, and even specific phrases from the job description. This helps your resume get in front of human eyes and gives you a better chance of a hiring manager identifying you as a good fit.

What is the best pilot resume format? -

Pilots have unique careers, which often require an impressive resume format. They need to focus on their technical skills and amount of experience but also show work history and soft skills. A combination resume that you can customize by adding sections for your flight hours is a good option that lets you take the best parts of the reverse chronological and functional designs and put them together.

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The final piece of your application packet should be a targeted cover letter that goes along with your resume. Your cover letter should explain why you’re a good fit for the job and how you can provide value to the company. Remember the focus of your cover letter should be on how you can fill a need for the company — not what the job may mean for your career or development.

Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

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• Airline Pilot

Airline Pilot resume examples & templates

Airline pilot job market and outlook

A resume that flies high is the engine boost for an airline pilot’s career. Set a course toward your dream destination (we mean that perfect job!) with a resume that soars.

Airline pilots are in demand, so the quicker you get your resume out there, the higher you can climb. But don’t rush your application, take you time and create a document that represents you at your highest level.

Resume.io offers a host of resources to ease your job hunt including resume guides and resume examples for 300+ professions. When you’re ready to get started, our resume builder will help you keep your job hunt flying smoothly.

This resume guide along with the corresponding resume example will cover the following topics:

What does an airline pilot do?

• How to write an airline pilot resume (tips and tricks)
• The best format for an airline pilot resume
• Advice on each section of your resume (summary, work history, education, skills)
• Professional resume layout and design hints.

What does an airline pilot do? That’s a silly question, right? Airline pilots fly planes! But the job entails more than sitting in the cockpit. 

Pilots are the crew leaders on the plane whether they be flying passenger or cargo aircraft. They ensure that the plane is ready for takeoff, coordinate routes, make sure weather conditions are favorable for flying, communicate with air traffic control and monitor all systems while the plane is in flight. In case of emergency, the pilot takes the helm to keep passengers and the crew safe.

On the ground, they are charged with keep up with company and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and must attend training and testing sessions regularly.

Getting off the ground

Becoming a pilot requires training and dedication. According to ATP Flight School , here are the certificates to earn.

• Private pilot, which can take anywhere from two months to two years
• Instrument rating, which takes about six weeks
• Commercial pilot, which requires 250 hours in flight and testing; this can be completed in five months
• Multi-engine rating, which has no flight time requirement, but need the endorsement of an authorized instructor
• The Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, which requires a minimum of 1,500 flight hours
• Finally, you are eligible for a commercial pilot job.

Ready to take your resume to new heights? Have a look at our related transportation resume samples, so you can write your own.

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• Pilot resume sample
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• Train Operator resume sample

This is a great time to look skyward! A post-COVID airline pilot shortage is on the way, predicts business analysts Oliver Wyman . Pilots must retire at 65 and the U.S. pilot population is heading that way quickly. Instability of demand for travel and diminished financial backing for pilot training are among the many reasons for the predicted shortage. 

The study goes on to predict a global shortage of more than 400,000 pilots by 2029; the shortfall in the United States is predicted to be more than 20,000.

Airline pilots, copilots and engineers earned a median salary of $160,970 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics . The lowest earners took home less than $47,570, while the top 10% had annual salaries of more than $208,000.

How to write an airline pilot resume

Before you begin writing your airline pilot resume, you need to understand what goes into it. Your CV should contain the following elements:

• The resume header
• The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
• The employment history section
• The resume skills section
• The education section

Your resume is a sales mechanism whose goal is to get you an interview with the airline of your choice. To do that, you need to explain why you are the right pilot for the job. Each airline has a personality of its own and you should reflect that personality by using the appropriate tone and style in your messaging.

Research the airline, its culture and philosophy so you understand what hiring managers look for in their pilots and integrate those attributes into your airline pilot resume. Try to find out who will be reviewing your resume, if possible. Address your communication directly to that person.

A resume sample that will help you get upwardly mobile will follow this winning formula:

• Tweak your style and messaging to fit into the culture of each airline to which you apply.
• Make a professional image by choosing a resume template that’s memorable without being too busy
• When submitting online, optimize your resume with appropriate keywords so it won’t be filtered out by ATS screening software.

Getting past the ATS

Applicant Tracking System programs scan and rank resumes to save the time of hiring managers. You need to get past this first step to get your airline pilot resume seen by a recruiter. These steps will greatly improve your chances:

• Analyze the job listing and compare it to your resume.
• Make sure you use the exact wording that you find in the listing
• Add any skills you have that are mentioned
• List both abbreviations and full words
• Use standard section headings.

Choosing the best resume format for an airline pilot

As a pilot, you know that barring special circumstances, the tried-and-true route is the best. The same is the case with your airline pilot resume sample. In most instances, reverse chronological format makes the most sense. Start with your current position and work your way back (no more than 10 years). This format makes it easy for hiring managers to see the progression of your career.

However, if you have taken a more circuitous path to your current position, you may consider the functional resume format or hybrids. These alternatives are also useful if you are just entering the job market or are a mature job seeker.

Unless you are a scientist or work in a highly technical field, the functional resume format should not be your first choice. It offers a means to emphasize niche or highly complex skills by expanding the skills section and reducing the employment history section in exchange. 

For most airline pilots, a reverse chronological resume is the way to go.

Resume summary example: personality matters

Personality plays a role in the career of a pilot. In fact, SAFE (The Society of Aviation and Flight Educators) describes a “pilot personality.”  Your resume summary is the spot to show that off. Whether you fit the mold or not, you need to convey who you are as well as your successful career in flight so far.

Your summary, also called a profile, sits at the top of your resume and acts as an overview. It may not be the first section recruiters look at, but if they are interested in you, they will read carefully. Develop two or three well-crafted sentences that describe how you will help take the airline to new heights. Infuse your descriptions of your greatest one or two achievements with words that illustrate your personality and work style. Remember to mesh this with the culture of your prospective employer.

 See resume sample text below. 

Dedicated and experienced Pilot bringing forth the ability to fly air-crafts and perform all technical duties associated with flying at an expert level. Adept at monitoring the performance of safety systems and communicating with air traffic controllers. Able to effectively manage flight deck crews and multi-task to achieve flight success. Wholly committed to the safety and satisfaction of passengers.

Employment history CV sample: your career flight path 

The employment history section of your airline pilot CV details your experience, but a successful airline pilot resume does more than that. It tells recruiters that you have learned, grown and calmly dealt with any situation that came your way.

Use succinct, bulleted items and dynamic language. Details rule here. Whenever possible, use data to describe your successes. 

Think in terms of achievements instead of job responsibilities. What have you done to improve safety practices? How did you solve a problem among crew members? Did you catch an error that might have caused problems? Do you have a stellar flight record and the statistics to match? These are all worthy of your resume.

Try these action verbs

Helmed, piloted, navigated, steered, catapulted, commanded, directed. 

Don’t be afraid to use a thesaurus, but make sure your language sounds natural. If you wouldn’t say the word, don’t use it.

If you are looking for your first airline pilot job, you may want to consider swapping this section with your education details since you have trained hard to earn your certification.

See the resume example text below.

• Worked tirelessly with flight crew to manage the safe and systematic operation of air-crafts.
• Calmly worked through any in-flight emergencies to support the safety and satisfaction of passengers.
• Assigned crew members with tasks appropriately.
• Communicated with dispatch to determine best flight routes.
• Remained committed and focused on safe and efficient flight operations.

Resume skills sample: on the nose

Airline pilots need a very specific skill set. But since you can’t list everything you need to know to be an expert pilot here, how do you decide which 4-7 skills to choose? This is one place the ATS comes into play. We referenced it early, but the skills section of your airline pilot resume is a perfect spot to get some of those all-important keywords and phrases in.

Airline pilots need technical knowledge and skills, but they also need great communication skills. Use a blend of skills you trained hard to master and the interpersonal skills that make you a great leader.

See the resume example content for a skills section below.

• Aircraft Technology
• Spatial Awareness
• Strong Communication Skills
• Leadership Skills
• Time Management

Airline pilot resume education example

The education section of your airline pilot resume is a compilation of your academic credentials. No need to put in your GPA or any classes you took unless they elevate your candidacy.

Because of your specialty certifications, you should add a separate section to call attention to them. Place it above your education section, or even above your employment history if you are just starting out.

Keep your education section simple, with just your academic listings. If you don’t have space for a separate certification section, you can call this section “Education and Certification” and include all the relevant information here.

See resume example content below for a formatting suggestion. 

• 2005-2007  Aviator College, Professional Pilot Program Columbus OH
• 2001-2005  Syracuse University, Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering Syracuse, NY

Resume layout and design: aerodynamic design

The first visual impression anyone will get of you is the design of your resume. What image do you want to project? Professional, clean, efficient. Think of the sleek, aerodynamics of a jet plane. You want a recruiter’s eye to flow through your resume and land on all the important details you carefully crafted.

While you want your application to be memorable, your first goal is for it to be readable. Here are some tips to that end:

• Proofread carefully to avoid an spelling, grammatical, or punctuation errors or choose an online resume builder such as our that includes a spellcheck function
• Create white space by varying your line lengths
• If you spill over to a second page, try not to break up sections

Try choosing a sans serif type such as Arial or Calibri for display text and a serif type such as Garamond or Constantia for your descriptions. Or try the opposite.

Key takeaways for an airline pilot resume

• Becoming an airline pilot requires training, dedication and time.
• Your certifications play a key role in your career, so highlight them in a separate section.
• Consider the culture and style of the airlines you apply to and personalize your resume for each -- and for the ATS.
• The demand for airline pilots is expected to soar in the next decade, so get your resume ready with help from the online resume maker!

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5 Pilot Resume Examples Ready for Takeoff in 2024

Pilot Resume

• Pilot Resume by Experience
• Pilot Resumes by Role
• Write Your Pilot Resume
• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

Adam smiled as he looked at his old resume that still had his last job—thinking about how it would feel once it became his second most recent job! It was time to switch jobs so he could continue to develop his professional trajectory. But his resume would need a few updates first!

With hefty names like Allegiant Air and Southwest Airlines to bolster his skills and relevant certifications, Adam was confident that he could take his next steps in the workforce—but where should he begin? What measures could he take to ensure his resume layout and personal info sections looked current?

Fortunately, he did some digging and soon found our pilot resume examples, which gave him a push in just the right direction. Check out our library of templates to blaze the trail to your next dream job like Adam!

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• Kick off your bullet points with punchy action verbs — think along the lines of “Maintained” and “Implemented”). After all, why settle for blending in the crowd when you could paint a picture of someone leading the pack? Besides this kind of action-oriented lingo wraps your resume in a cloak of professionalism that’s hard to overlook.
• Next up: technical skills . Flaunting your know-how of relevant software (cue Traxxall, FlyQ EFB, and Garmin GTS Traffic Advisory Systems) in your work history is genius. You see, recruiters need to know you’ve got the technical chops to navigate this gig smoothly, and here, you’re laying all that out right in front of them.
• Don’t you dare skimp on numbers. By backing up your claims with genuine metrics like “achieve an 11% reduction in fuel consumption” and “decrease planning time by 31%,” you’re not just stating past duties but also more importantly, showcasing real-world impact.
• Top off your work history with phrases tailored to what the job or hiring company is screaming for. It’s your chance to show you’re not just a fit but the perfect addition to the hiring company’s team. “Obtain optimal flight paths” and “streamline flight-related tasks” make for great examples in Adam’s piece.

Student Pilot Resume

• Including hobbies is a powerful way to demonstrate your potential at a personal and professional level. For instance, traveling and travel vlogging demonstrate your enthusiasm for the industry.

Flight Instructor  Resume

• Even much better, look for instances in your career where you avoided departure delays due to bad weather or improved team efficiency. All these play to your advantage of getting noticed.

Airline Pilot Resume

• Talk about your flight hours, especially those on commercial aircraft, to exhibit your proficiency.
• You can also highlight experiences managing emergencies or unexpected events to show your problem-solving skills under pressure. Or, offer metrics that show you’ve mitigated problems successfully.

Drone Pilot  Resume

• When putting together your drone pilot resume, document specific drone operations you’ve undertaken, particularly in difficult conditions or requiring precise maneuvers.
• And be sure to mention how your drone work was used, whether for data analysis, photography, monitoring radar, or something else.

Related resume examples

• Flight Attendant
• Maintenance Worker
• Mechanical Engineer

Tailor Your Pilot Resume to Match the Job Description

You’re an expert in aerodynamics, a keen troubleshooter, and the perfect route planner. Regardless of your niche, be it piloting massive commercial aircraft or a small surveillance drone, you have a unique skill set that takes thousands of hours to develop to perfection.

Your resume needs to accurately reflect the breadth of your expertise without dipping into generic territory. Let your imagination soar and think of job-specific terms. Throw out “teamwork” and the like—you’ve got limited space, but a lot of ground to cover in terms of your technical skills .

Dive into your knowledge of specific aircraft, the ability to analyze weather reports, and—very importantly—proficiency in various aviation software in order to make an impression.

Need some ideas?

15 best pilot skills

• Emergency Procedures
• FAA Regulations
• Route Planning
• Garmin Pilot
• Crisis Management
• System Troubleshooting
• Fuel Efficiency
• Aerodynamics
• Flight Reports
• Aircraft Maintenance
• Instrument Navigation

Your pilot work experience bullet points

When you’re a pilot, nearly every single one of your achievements sounds impressive to most people. You’ve spent over 2,000 hours in the air? Amazing! You know how to conduct thorough pre-flight inspections and catch errors before anything ever goes wrong? That’s such an essential skill !

With such a long list of accomplishments that really jump out at the reader, you’ll have an easy time filling out this section of your resume. Simply focus on the things you’re proud of, like being able to navigate through congested airspace or executing safe landings during bad weather conditions.

Don’t forget to add some numbers to make these bullet points seem more tangible—that’s a surefire way to stand out. 

Here are some examples of how to use metrics in your resume:

• Talk about the number of hours you’ve spent in the air, be it in small aircraft, piloting for commercial airlines, or operating a drone. 
• Highlight the fact that you know all about safety regulations. This includes reductions in unscheduled maintenance or reducing mid-air collision incidents.
• Efficiency is crucial in your line of work, so talk about times when superb route planning or decreasing fuel burn helped you improve operational costs and cut down on flight time.
• Show that you’re a pro at weather analysis by talking about achieving a reduction in weather-related flight cancellations or delays.

See what we mean?

• Collaborated with air traffic control to obtain optimal flight paths, resulting in a 23% reduction in delays
• Improved flight efficiency by 17% by effectively utilizing FlyQ EFB to streamline flight-related tasks
• Used APDB (Automatic Performance Database) to decrease fuel burn and improve operational costs by 19%
• Leveraged expertise in DJI GO 4, Pix4Dmapper, and Mission Planner to capture aerial imagery that resulted in a 21% reduction in project timelines

9 active verbs to start your pilot work experience bullet points

3 tips for writing a pilot resume if you’re new to aviation.

• Depending on your exact role in the aviation industry, you may have many boxes to tick before you’re ready to be hired. Show that you’re good to go by including the legal necessities in your resume, such as a commercial pilot’s license, an ATP certificate, a current First-Class Medical Certificate, or a Part 107 certification from the FAA.
• Nothing is quite as important as a safe landing when it comes to aviation, so make safety an important part of your resume. Discuss your knowledge of regulations and local laws and your proactive approach to pre-flight checks and regular equipment maintenance.
• The list of tools you need to feel comfortable with is seemingly never-ending, so make sure to namedrop some to express your training. Include software like FMS, ADS-B, Avidyne IFD, Jeppesen Mobile FliteDeck, DJI GO 4, Airmap, or DroneDeploy.

3 Tips for Writing a Pilot Resume if You’re a Seasoned Aircraft Operator

• If you’ve served as a captain or acted as a senior pilot, talk about the specialized experience it gave you. Use your work experience bullet points to describe instances of putting your leadership skills to good use, such as by training new pilots, coordinating flight plans, or making emergency calls.
• Have you flown different types of aircraft or drones? Or maybe you’ve worked in different sectors of aviation, such as commercial, military, or corporate? Mention this and highlight the impact of your work.
• As a seasoned pilot, you’ve accumulated thousands of flight hours—add this to your resume in your career summary at the very top. This is especially important if you’ve exceeded the number of hours that are required. Include the type of aircraft you’ve flown when you talk about this in your pilot cover letter .

Yes, you absolutely can—especially if you’re a new pilot. If you fly planes or helicopters, mention hobbyist flights and the hours you spent in the air as part of your training. If you operate drones, talk about your experience of doing this outside of work.

Discuss the difficulties of your job and how you overcame various challenges to show that you’re a pro at adapting. This includes rapidly changing weather conditions or adjusting flight routes to navigate air traffic.

We highly recommend it. You can use a cover letter builder to elaborate on your experience as a pilot. Make sure that it’s tailored to the job—for example, if you’re applying to a commercial airline, mention your experience in flying an Airbus.

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Pilot CV Examples

Start creating your CV in minutes by using our 21 customizable templates or view one of our handpicked Pilot examples.

Join over 260,000 professionals using our Pilot examples with VisualCV. Sign up to choose your template, import example content, and customize your content to stand out in your next job search.

Pilot CV summary and profile

Ready to start with your Pilot Curriculum Vitae? See the tips below to craft the perfect Pilot CV. Then use our database of over 8000 CV Examples to build and view on our free CV builder .

Pilot CV Objective

A pilot is a general term for anyone who navigates a vessel, aircraft or land vehicle to a desired point or location.

When looking at a pilot in terms of a cv this could be an aircraft pilot, maritime pilot, helicopter pilot or military pilot. There are also more specific categories of a pilot. For example, a commercial jet pilot who may be experienced in only one type of vehicle and engine class.

For most pilots, your cv objective should be independent of vessel type and should focus on career experience, necessary licensing, safety record and work history.

As the vessel types are quite different, we’ll dive into some specific cv formats below with tips and ideas from our professionals to help you get the job you really want.

Pilot CV Formats and Tips

• How to Write an Airline Pilot CV (Aviation Pilot CV)

An aircraft pilot or aviator is a person who controls the flight of an aircraft by operating its directional flight controls. Airline pilot positions generally require an aircraft license and the associated hours to operate an aircraft without supervision. It’s important to submit details of your license and hours logged when applying for airline or aviation positions as this will be the first requirement before a recruiter has even looked at your cv. For commercial positions you will most likely also need a degree or equivalent in aircraft operations, aviation, aeronautical engineering or a related field.

When completing an aviation CV, you’ll want to make sure you put a large focus on safety and any health checks you may perform regularly over what is required and any training you may have had in this area. If you have had incidents in the past you will want to fully elaborate on what happened and make sure your explanation matches up with the actual incident as recruiters will check this information.

The second area you will want to include will be flight statistics such as hours logged, longest flight, etc. A lot of recruiters will not ask for in-depth details on this information but it may make the difference between you and another candidate. If you can show you have good record keeping skills and/or have controlled a vessel for a longer period of time or distance, this will be seen as highly beneficial.

• How to Write a Commercial Pilot CV

As with above most cv requirements for commercial pilots will be similar to what's needed for aviation/airline pilots. The exception to this is that commercial pilots will generally need more flight hours, different licensing and may need a degree for the specific position. The key to submitting the best cv possible here is to again concentrate on safety and your experience. Any extra safety or advanced flight training from your previous jobs should also be included on your cv.

• How to Write a Cadet Pilot CV

A cadet pilot position is someone who is in training to become a pilot. As with the other pilot cvs, your hours logged, current licensing information and safety record are all considered mandatory for this position.

As with most jobs where your job experience is minimal, it’s always a good idea to put more in-depth information about your training, education and any real-life experiences that may be beneficial to the position. For example, time spent in the cockpit with a friend or instructor when not teaching can be added as extra experience that does not count towards hours logged but could help in showing greater experience when compared to another candidate.

• How to Write a Helicopter Pilot CV

Again, this type of cv closely follows what’s needed for aviation/ airline cvs in that hours logged, licensing information and experience are all considered mandatory. Your primary focus for this cv should be your safety record and training. Especially any extra safety systems checks or training you may have undertaken during your career. A good working knowledge of the technical aspects of helicopter engines and/or mechanical training and experience will also be considered extremely beneficial for these positions.

• How to Write an International Pilot CV

International pilots differ in one unique way, they normally require experience with long-distance flying and require different licensing for flying large aircraft. The same tips apply to international pilots as to other airline and aviation cvs and that is a focus on hours logged, safety record and current licensing.

• How to Write a Marine Pilot CV

A maritime pilot, also known as a marine pilot or harbor pilot and sometimes simply called a pilot, is a sailor who maneuvers ships through dangerous or congested waters, such as harbors or river mouths. Marine pilot cvs should focus squarely on experience and safety.

Something we notice is that marine pilots normally forget to put the size of the boat on their past work experience. We believe this is a mistake, as normally when recruiters decide between two candidates, the candidate with experience in larger vessels is chosen. If you leave out the size of the vessels you’ve piloted it can be hard for a recruiter to make this decision.

• How to Write a Military Pilot CV

The same tips apply to military pilots as do the other positions noted above. However, military pilots need to also add field experience and active duty on their cv. If this time is short, aid or volunteer experience can be added as a substitute, which should help with the cv application.

Please find our Pilot CV Examples below. If you are after more examples we have a directory of over 8,000 live Resumes sorted by position and title here .

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CV personal statement examples

If you want to secure job interview, you need a strong personal statement at the top of your CV.

Your CV personal statement is a short paragraph which sits at the very top of your CV – and it’s aim is to summarise the benefits of hiring you and encourage employers to read your CV in full.

In this guide I have included 17 CV personal statement examples from a range of professions and experience levels, plus a detailed guide of how to write your own personal statement that will get you noticed by employers

CV templates 

17 CV personal statement examples

To start this guide, I have included 10 examples of good personal statements, to give you an idea of how a personal statement should look , and what should be included.

Note: personal statements are generally used by junior candidates – if you are experienced, check out our CV profile examples instead.

Graduate CV personal statement (no experience)

Although this  graduate has no paid work experience, they compensate for it by showcasing all of the skills and knowledge the have gained during their studies, and demonstrating how they apply their knowledge in academic and personal projects.

When you have little or no experience, it’s important to draw out transferable workplace skills from your studies and extracurricular work, to showcase them to employers.

Graduate CV personal statement (part time freelance experience)

This candidate has graduated with a degree in biochemistry but actually wants to start a career in digital marketing after providing some digital freelance services to fund their studies.

In this case, they haven’t made much mention of their studies because they aren’t relevant to the digital marketing agencies they are applying to. Instead they have focused their personal statement around their freelance work and passion for the digital field – although they still mention the fact they are degree educated to prove their academic success.

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School leaver CV personal statement (no experience)

This candidate is 16 years old and has no work experience whatsoever, but they compensate for this by detailing their academic achievements that relate to the roles they are applying for (maths and literacy are important requirements in finance and accountancy roles).

They also add some info on their extracurricular activities and school work-placements, to strengthen this student CV further.

    Top tips for writing a CV personal statement

• Thoroughly research the jobs and companies you are planning to apply for to identify the type of candidate they are looking for – try to reflect that in your personal statement
• Don’t be afraid to brag a little – include some of your most impressive achievements from education, work or personal life
• Focus on describing the benefits an employer will get from hiring you. Will you help them to get more customers? Improve their workplace? Save them time and money?
• If you have no work experience, demonstrate transferable workplace skills from your education, projects, or even hobbies

School leaver CV personal statement (part time experience)

Although this person has only just left school, they have also undertaken some part-time work in a call centre alongside their studies.

To make the most of this experience, they have combined their academic achievements with their workplace exposure in this personal statement.

By highlighting their GCSE results, summer programme involvement, work experience and expressing their ambitions to progress within sales, this candidate really makes an appealing case for hiring them.

College leaver CV personal statement (no experience)

This candidate has left college with good grades, but does not yet have any work experience.

To compensate for the lack of workplace exposure, they have made their A level results prominent and highlighted skills and experience which would benefit the employers they are targeting.

Any recruiter reading this profile can quickly understand that this candidate has great academic achievements, a passion for IT and finance and the ability to transfer their skills into an office environment.

College student CV personal statement (freelance experience)

As this student has picked up a small amount of freelance writing work during their studies, they have made sure to brag about it in their personal statement.

They give details on their relevant A level studies to show the skills they are learning, and boost this further by highlighting the fact that they have been applying these skills in a real-life work setting by providing freelance services.

They also include key action verbs that recruiters will be looking for , such as creative writing, working to deadlines, and producing copy.

Academic CV personal statement

Aside from junior candidates, the only other people who might use a personal statement, are academic professionals; as their CV’s tend to be more longer and detailed than other professions.

This candidate provides a high level overview of their field of study, length of experience, and the roles they have held within universities.

School leaver CV personal statement with and sports experience

Although this person has no work experience, they are still able to show employers the value of hiring them by selling their other achievements and explaining how they could benefit an organisation.

They expand on their sports club involvement to demonstrate their teamwork, leadership skills, communication and motivation, which are all important traits in the workplace, and will be looked upon favourably by recruiters and hiring managers.

They also draw upon their future plans to study business studies and take a part time job, to further prove their ambition and dedication.

History graduate CV personal statement

This history graduate proves their aptitude for both academic achievement and workplace aptitude by showcasing valuable skills from their degree and voluntary work.

They do this by breaking down the key requirements for each and showing how their skills could be beneficial for future employers, such as listening, communication, and crisis management.

They also describe how their ability to balance studies alongside voluntary work has not only boosted their knowledge and skills, but also given excellent time management and organisational skills – which are vital assets to any employer.

Law graduate CV personal statement

This legal graduate makes the most from their work university work placements by using it to bulk out the contents of their CV personal statement.

They include their degree to show they have the necessary qualifications for legal roles, which is crucial, but more importantly, they showcase how they applied their legal skills within a real-life work setting.

They give a brief overview of the types of legal professionals they have been working alongside and the type of work they have been carrying out – this is all it takes to get the attention of recruiters and show employers they have what it takes to fulfil roles in the legal sector.

Medical student CV personal statement

This medical student proves their fit for the role by showcasing the key skills they have gained from their studies and their work experience placements.

In just these few sentences, they are able to highlight the vast amount of experience they have across different disciplines in the industry, something which is particularly important in the medical sector.

As they have not graduated yet and are still studying, they have provided proof of their most recent grades. This can give the recruiter some indication as to the type of grade they could be graduating with in the near future.

Masters student CV personal statement

This masters student has started by specifying their area of study, in this case, accounting, and given details about the specific areas of finance they are most interested in. This can hint towards their career goals and passions.

They have then carefully listed some of the key areas of accounting and finance that they are proficient in. For example, business finance, advanced corporate finance and statistics.

They have also outlined some of the transferable skills needed for accounting roles that employers will be looking out for, such as communication, attention to detail and analytical skills.

Finance student CV personal statement

As this finance student has recently undertaken some relevant work experience, they’ve made sure to shout about this in their personal profile.

But more than this, they have included a list of some of the important finance skills they gained as a result of this work experience – for example, financial reporting, processing invoices and month-end reconciliations.

Plus, through power words and phrases such as ‘prevent loss’ and ‘ improve upon accuracy and efficiency’, they have also showcased how they can apply these skills in a workplace setting to benefit the potential employer.

Internship  CV personal statement

This digital marketing professional has started their personal profile by outlining their most relevant qualifications and work experience, most notably their freelance role as a content manager.

They have also provided examples of some of the key marketing skills that potential employers might be looking for, including very detailed examples of the platforms and tools they are proficient in – for example, LinkedIn, Twitter and Pinterest.

They have then closed their statement by giving a detailed description of the type of role or opportunity they are looking for. In this case, an in-house position in a marketing company.

Graduate career changer personal statement

Switching careers as a graduate can be tough. Especially when it comes to writing a personal statement that will attract employers in your new chosen field.

This candidate is looking to move from history teaching into journalism, so they have created a statement which briefly mentions their current workplace, but mainly focuses on highlighting transferable skills which are relevant to journalism. They achieve this by discussing the writing skills they use in their current role, and mentioning their hobby of writing – including some publications they have been featured in for extra brownie points.

Business management graduate personal statement

This business management proves their ability to work within a junior business management position by swiftly highlighting their impressive degree (to ensure it is not missed) and summarising some of the real-life experience they have gained in management during their university placements and volunteering. They do not let their lack of paid work experience, stop them demonstrating their valuable skills.

PhD graduate

PhD graduate roles attract a lot of competition, so it’s important that your CV contains a personal statement that will quickly impress and attract recruiters.

This candidate provides a short-but-comprehensive overview of their academic achievements, whilst demonstrating their exceptional level of knowledge in research, languages and publication writing.

By highlighting a number of skills and abilities that are in high-demand in the academic workplace, this CV is very likely to get noticed and land interviews.

How to write a personal statement for your CV

Now that you’ve seen what a personal statement should look like and the type of content it should contain, follow this detailed guide to one for your own CV – and start racking those interviews up.

Guide contents

What is a CV personal statement?

Cv personal statement or cv profile, personal statement format, what to include in a cv personal statement.

• Personal statement mistakes

How to write persuasively

A personal statement is a short paragraph at the top of your CV which gives employers an overview of your education, skills and experience

It’s purpose is to capture the attention of busy recruiters and hiring managers when your CV is first opened – encouraging them to read the rest of it.

You achieve this by writing a tailored summary of yourself that explains your suitability for the roles you are applying for at a very high level, and matches your target job descriptions .

One question candidates often ask me is , “what is the difference between a personal statement and a CV profile?”

To be honest, they are almost the same – they are both introductory paragraphs that sit at the top of your CV… but there are 2 main differences

A personal statement tends to be used more by junior candidates (graduates, school leavers etc.) and is relatively long and detailed.

A CV profile tends to be favoured by more experienced candidates , and is shorter in length than a personal statement.

Note: If you are an experienced candidate, you may want to switch over to my CV profile writing guide , or example CV profiles page.

To ensure you grab recruiters’ attention with your personal statement, lay it out in the following way.

Positioning

You need to ensure that your personal statement sits at the very top of your CV, and all of it should be totally visible to readers, without the need to scroll down the page.

Do this by reducing the top page margin and minimising the space taken up by your contact details.

This will ensure that your whole personal statement can be seen, as soon as your CV is opened.

We have a Word CV template which can help you to get this right.

Size/length

Your personal statement needs to contain enough detail to provide an introduction to your skills and knowledge, but not so much detail that it bores readers.

To strike the right balance, anything between 8-15 lines of text is perfect – and sentences should be sharp and to-the-point.

As with the whole of your CV or resume , your personal statement should be written in a simple clean font at around size 10-12 to ensure that it can be read easily by all recruiters and employers.

Keep the text colour simple , ensuring that it contrasts the background (black on white is best) and break it into 2 or even 3 paragraphs for a pleasant reading experience.

It should also be written in a punchy persuasive tone, to help you sell yourself and increase your chances of landing interviews , I cover how to do this in detail further down the guide.

Quick tip: A poorly written CV will fail to impress recruiters and employers. Use our quick-and-easy CV Builder to create a winning CV in minutes with professional CV templates and pre-written content for every industry.

Once you have the style and format of your personal statement perfected, you need to fill it with compelling content that tells recruiters that your CV is worth reading.

Here’s what needs to go into your personal statement…

Before you start writing your personal statement, it’s crucial that you research your target roles to find out exactly what your new potential employers are looking for in a candidate.

Run a search for your target jobs on one of the major job websites , look through plenty of adverts and make a list of the candidate requirements that frequently appear.

This research will show you exactly what to include in your personal statement in order to impress the recruiters who will be reading it.

Education and qualifications are an important aspect of your personal statement, especially if you are a junior candidate.

You should highlight your highest and most relevant qualifications, whether that is a degree, A levels or GCSEs. You could potentially go into some more detail around modules, papers etc. if they are relevant to the roles you are applying for.

It’s important that you discuss the experience you have gained in your personal statement, to give readers an idea of the work you are comfortable undertaking.

This can of course be direct employed work experience, but it doesn’t have to be.

You can also include:

• School/college Uni work placements
• Voluntary work
• Personal projects
• Hobbies/interests

As with all aspects of your CV , the content should be tailored to match the requirements of your target roles.

Whilst discussing your experience, you should touch upon skills used, industries worked in, types of companies worked for, and people you have worked with.

Where possible, try to show the impact your actions have made. E.g . A customer service agent helps to make sales for their employer.

Any industry-specific knowledge you have that will be useful to your new potential employers should be made prominent within your personal statement.

For example

• Knowledge of financial regulations will be important for accountancy roles
• Knowledge of IT operating systems will be important for IT roles
• Knowledge of the national curriculum will be important for teachers

You should also include some information about the types of roles you are applying for, and why you are doing so. Try to show your interest and passion for the field you are hoping to enter, because employers want to hire people who have genuine motivation and drive in their work.

This is especially true if you don’t have much work experience, as you need something else to compensate for it.

CV personal statement mistakes

The things that you omit from your personal statement can be just as important as the things you include.

Try to keep the following out of your personal statement..

Irrelevant info

Any information that doesn’t fall into the requirements of your target roles can be cut out of your personal statement. For example, if you were a professional athlete 6 years ago, that’s great – but it won’t be relevant if you’re applying to advertising internships, so leave it out.

Generic clichés

If you are describing yourself as a “ dynamic team player with high levels of motivation and enthusiasm” you aren’t doing yourself any favours.

These cliché terms are vastly overused and don’t provide readers with any factual details about you – so keep them to a minimum.

Stick to solid facts like education, skills , experience, achievements and knowledge.

If you really want to ensure that your personal statement makes a big impact, you need to write in a persuasive manner.

So, how do you so this?

Well, you need to brag a little – but not too much

It’s about selling yourself and appearing confident, without overstepping the mark and appearing arrogant.

For example, instead of writing.

“Marketing graduate with an interest in entering the digital field”

Be creative and excite the reader by livening the sentence up like this,

“Marketing graduate with highest exam results in class and a passion for embarking on a long and successful career within digital”

The second sentence is a much more interesting, makes the candidate appear more confident, throws in some achievements, and shows off a wider range of writing skills.

Quick tip: A poorly written CV will fail to impress recruiters and employers. Use our quick-and-easy CV Builder to create a winning CV in minutes with professional templates and pre-written content for every industry.

Your own personal statement will be totally unique to yourself, but by using the above guidelines you will be able to create one which shows recruiters everything they need.

Remember to keep the length between 10-20 lines and only include the most relevant information for your target roles.

You can also check our school leaver CV example , our best CV templates , or our library of example CVs from all industries.

Good luck with the job hunt!

Pilot CV – Advertise Your Skills, With Example

What Information Should I Include on My Pilot CV?

Name and contact details, licenses and ratings, flight hours, work history, relevant education, personal information and achievements, how do i write a pilot resume 9 top tips, give a snapshot, not a story, photographs, spelling and grammar, highlight your good points, avoid walls of text, avoid cliches on your pilots cv, bullet points for the win, keep it relevant, one page and one page only, choose your references carefully, what skills should a pilot have, responsibility, good communication, teamwork and crew resource management training, technical knowledge, good punctuality, customer focused.

• What Should a Pilot CV Look Like? - Example CV

Often, the first step to getting a job as a pilot starts with submitting your pilot CV or resume to an employer. While it is a simple document, it carries vital importance. Having a good CV can make a massive difference between getting an interview and not. Today we will offer some expert guidance on writing a pilot CV and even include an example and some top tips to ensure your resume gets to the top of the pile.

No two pilot CVs are alike. While there is a certain amount of leeway with the information you include, there are a few items that you will definitely want to ensure feature on your resume. Here are the minimum items that your CV should include.

Many see including their name and contact details on a pilot cv as purely a convention.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Your pilot CV is essentially your ‘advertisement’ to an employer, and you want to make sure that your name stands out!

Be sure to include your name at the top of the page, preferably in larger writing, almost like a headline. If an employer can’t see (or remember) your name, it already starts you off on the back foot!

Contact details are vitally important too. Check (and then double-check) that they are correct and are easy to see and understand. You might be the ideal candidate, but if an employer can’t easily find a way to contact you, then you won’t get the call.

This is one of your best selling points, so you want this near the top. Before employers read through pilot CVs in detail, they will vet them to see if applicants have the minimum experience required to satisfy the job criteria.

It makes sense when you think about it…

Why waste time reading the resume of someone who doesn’t have the required rating or experience?

You will want to make sure that your professional qualifications are the first thing an employer sees. Ensure the licenses and ratings you hold are in an easy-to-read format and easily visible.

The mark of most aviation professionals is measured in-flight hours. If you have lots of hours, then, just like the ratings, this is something that you will want to showcase.

When mentioning hours on your pilot CV, the key is to make sure the information is understandable and organized. Interviewers won’t want to try and decipher what experience you have. Make it easy for them.

In a security-conscious industry like aviation, employers will want to see full work history without gaps. Showing your previous employers in chronological order will allow your chosen company to gain a real insight into who you are and what you’ve done at a glance.

References are vitally important. Anybody can manufacture a CV and walk into an interview. Employers will want proof that you are who you say you are.

As a general rule, most employers prefer at least two references to be given. It is the standard form to include at least one professional reference from a former company. If this is your first time applying for an aviation job, then be sure to include someone in a position of responsibility who can vouch for your credentials.

Education is important, and it shows that you can apply yourself to learning (which is a great skill to have in aviation).

Read the above title again.

Relevant education.

Few employers will be interested in your attendance at Sunday school when you were 6 years old. So, keep the information relevant and in chronological order, starting with the latest educational institution.

Be sure to include any extracurricular courses you may have taken. This is especially true if they are aviation-related.

Courses like what?

You’d be amazed at what you could learn in your own time at home.

There will be a fair amount of competition with most aviation jobs, and employers may have a pile of pilot CVs to work through.

You might stand out against the crowd by adding a little personal information. It will allow employers to gain a real insight into the kind of person you are.

There is no need to go overboard. Perhaps a couple of sentences about your interests outside of work?

If you have genuinely achieved something in the course of your life, and you feel it really would help your application, why not include it?

You’ll no doubt have read countless tips on CVs and resumes, and everyone has their own different ideas as to what to include. Your pilot CV is perhaps your single shot at catching an employer’s attention, so you will want it to be good. Here are some top tips to ensure your pilot CV shines: –

The time to tell a potential employer all about yourself is at the interview. You can consider your CV as an introduction, and there will be plenty of time to go into detail once you get a call.

Employers, especially in very competitive fields like aviation, simply don’t have time to be reading volumes about each candidate.

So, here is our advice…

Keep it simple!

Highlight the most important points only. If an employer is interested, they will ask you to elaborate in person.

It is entirely up to you whether you include a photograph. Adding a picture allows a potential employer to put a face to the name. However, people tend to make first impressions based on what they see , which could be a risk.

If you want to stay on the safe side, don’t feel you have to include a picture.

If you do want to include a picture, follow these guidelines: –

• Ensure that your picture is recent.
• Choose a professional picture, ideally one where you are wearing formal attire.
• You aren’t looking to win an award from National Geographic . Action shots are not required.
• Don’t go overboard on filters. Natural is best.

As a pilot, you are expected to be fastidious and meticulous. Spotting errors is certainly one thing you’ll be required to do in your professional life.

Suppose your pilot CV is littered with spelling mistakes and errors. W hy would an employer think you’d be any different in a professional capacity?

The answer?

Double and then triple -check your CV for errors and mistakes. Most employers take a very dim view of applications with obvious errors.

What would you say if you had three sentences to describe your best points?

Ideally, you want to showcase your best side. There may be a lot to talk about. However, we’d advise that you prioritize those skills that are strictly relevant to the job. You can see an example of some of these skills below. See which criteria you are skilled in, and give it your own personal twist.

By submitting your pilot CV, you are trying to impress your employer.

Nobody likes reading volumes about a person that they haven’t yet met.

How do you feel when you read something with a wall of text?

Bored, most likely.

Employers feel the same way. Tell them what they need to know, keep it super relevant, and try to avoid going into too much detail.

If there’s one thing that airline employers hate, it is cliches. Be original in who you are and allow your personality to shine.

Avoid meaningless ‘corporate speak’ or any other terms that interviewers have likely seen before. This includes things such as: –

• “I work well on my own or as part of a team” (this doesn’t actually tell an employer anything)
• “ I’m motivated” (who isn’t?)
• “I give 110%” (But what do you achieve?)
• “I’m results-driven” (Pilots should be safety-driven )
• “A blue-sky thinker” (what does this even mean?)

An easy way to get your point across is to use bullet points. Consider the following examples and see which you think is best: –

“Upon graduating flight school, I was granted the “flyer of the year” award. This award was a recognition of my leadership skills along with my continued ability to excel in areas such as airmanship and safety. I also graduated the course in the shortest time possible, proving that I can take in information and understand it quickly.”

“Skills and Attributes:

• Granted flyer of the year award
• Proven leadership skills
• Strong emphasis on airmanship and safety.”

The latter tells an employer everything they need to know without being hard to read or too verbose.

While you may be particularly proud of your voluntary work at an animal shelter or that you visit grandma every week for tea and biscuits, your employer is interested only in things that make you suitable for that particular job.

While both of the above are admirable, they don’t demonstrate how great a pilot you are.

The bottom line is…

Keep your pilot CV and the skills mentioned within, relevant for the position you are applying for.

If you’ve followed the above advice, this should be no problem.

While it isn’t a deal-breaker, a good pilot’s CV should ideally be one page only.

Employers are much more likely to read through your entire pilot resume if they know it is only one page.

As an additional plus, limiting yourself to one page ensures that you stay concise and to the point.

Your best friend may vouch for you and be very close to you. However, how are they likely to behave if called by your future employer?

This is something well worth thinking about.

You need to choose your referees carefully and not take chances. How distressing would it have been to have landed the job, only for it to be torpedoed by an unreliable reference?

While on the subject of references, if in doubt, keep it professional. No employer is going to see the funny side, or your best side if they are required to email [email protected] .

A pilot, such as yourself, should, and undoubtedly will have plenty of valuable skills. If you are stuck for ideas, or just need a little inspiration, here’s a great list of skills that airlines and aviation employers love to see on a pilot CV: –

We’ve included this first for a reason.

Airlines love nothing more than a pilot who is safety conscious. Above all else, if you are a safe operator, that goes a long way with employers. After all, if your pilot CV passes muster, you might find yourself at the control of something that costs millions of dollars and responsible for the 200 or so people in the back too!

As a pilot, you will eventually be the commander of the aircraft. This comes with a huge amount of responsibility.

The buck stops with the aircraft captain, and employers prefer people who accept and acknowledge this responsibility.

If you can think of situations or roles where this ethos has been apparent, include it on your pilot CV!

As a pilot, you will be in a position of authority. While delegating tasks is part of the role, airlines and aviation employers look for individuals who are leaders and make safe decisions for the greater good.

It doesn’t matter if you don’t currently have experience of this, try and think of situations that show that you could develop into a leader, and include them on your CV. This might be something as trivial as being captain of the high school football team or presenting to colleagues.

Most large airplanes require a multi-crew environment, and even smaller aircraft are required to communicate with air traffic control.

Regardless of the capacity in which you are applying, be sure to emphasize how good a communicator you are!

The days of airplane captains being ‘above god’ are thankfully gone. In its place, pilots are expected to work within a team .

Crew resource management is a valuable safety tool that has become popular over the last 20 years. The overall aim is to increase flight safety. The focus of CRM is utilizing others’ strengths and negating weaknesses within a team. If you haven’t heard of CRM before, then it is a concept that is well worth researching.

Technical knowledge regarding airplanes is a wonderful attribute. It will make you a better pilot, but it also shows employers that you have a passion for aviation.

The only way to gain expert technical knowledge is by studying. Even if you aren’t technically minded, it doesn’t hurt to occasionally read a little into your aircraft or those you may want to fly. With a little research, you’ll often be able to find free aviation courses that will allow you to broaden your skills .

As the old (slightly cliched) saying goes, “Time is Money”. In aviation today, this has never been more true.

Punctuality is seen as a real virtue by employers. A good concept of timekeeping is a crucial skill required by pilots.

If you seek an aviation career in the commercial sector, you become more than just a pilot. You are literally an ambassador for your chosen company.

As we said above, any problems onboard come to rest straight at the pilot’s feet. If you have ever been in a role that required you to show good customer focus and service, it should be mentioned on your pilot CV.

What Should a Pilot CV Look Like? – Example CV

With all of the above in mind, we have assembled a pilot CV template to give you a good idea of what it should look like.

You might even recognize the individual on who we based it.

A good pilot CV should be concise, easy to read, and free of errors. It should also highlight positive attributes, such as those mentioned above, that are super relevant to the role to which you are applying. Not at the stage where you are applying for jobs yet? Don’t worry. The journey to becoming a pilot starts with small steps. Why not read about other people we’ve helped start their journey, with here ?

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• • Spearheaded a team of 15 engineers in the development of a next-generation commercial drone, increasing payload capacity by 40%.
• • Managed the integration of advanced navigation systems using Pixhawk, resulting in a 25% improvement in flight accuracy.
• • Developed new testing protocols for FPV and line of sight piloting, enhancing the safety ratings of our products.
• • Negotiated with suppliers to reduce materials costs by 15%, effectively boosting the project's ROI by 10%.
• • Implemented rigorous software optimisation processes, which led to a 20% reduction in energy consumption during flight operations.
• • Mentored junior engineers and provided hands-on training in UAV design and Mavlink protocol application.
• • Designed and executed the launch of a fixed-wing surveillance drone, achieving a 30% increase in operational range.
• • Optimized software code for drone control systems, improving flight stability under adverse weather conditions.
• • Collaborated cross-functionally to align drone design with market requirements, contributing to a 15% market share increase.
• • Authored technical manuals for new drone models, enhancing the training effectiveness for drone pilots company-wide.
• • Led the cost-benefit analysis for new project proposals, directly influencing the strategic decision-making process.
• • Developed autonomous flight algorithms for multirotors, resulting in a 18% increase in flight efficiency.
• • Implemented enhancements to piloting software, boosting user experience and reliability during combat simulations.
• • Conducted rigorous code reviews and debugging sessions, ensuring software met stringent quality standards.
• • Played a key role within the team that won the 'Innovation in Automation' award for outstanding drone software solutions.

Pilot CV Examples & Guide for 2024

Your pilot CV must prominently feature your flight hours and certifications. Clearly outline the specific aircraft types you are qualified to operate. Demonstrate a strong record of safety and adherence to FAA regulations. Ensure your experience with advanced navigation technologies and systems is also evident.

All CV examples in this guide.

Traditional

Resume Guide

CV Format Tips

Summary or Objective?

Experience on Your CV

No Experience?

Top CV Skills

Education & Certifications

Key Takeaways

Crafting a CV that effectively showcases your aviation experience and technical skills is a daunting challenge for many pilots seeking competitive roles. By following our guide, you'll gain insights on how to highlight your unique qualifications and flight hours, ensuring your CV stands out to potential employers.

• Applying the simplest CV design, so that recruiters can easily understand your expertise, skills, and professional background;
• Ensuring you stand out with your header, summary or objective statement, and a designated skills section;
• Creating your CV experience section - no matter how much expertise you have;
• Using real life professional CV examples to enhance the structure and outline of your profile.

If you still have no muse to write your professional CV, find some more industry-leading examples.

• Bus Driver CV Example
• Flight Attendant CV Example
• Truck Driver CV Example
• Transport Manager CV Example
• Airline Pilot CV Example
• Driver CV Example

How to ensure your profile stands out with your pilot CV format

• list your experience in the reverse chronological order - starting with your latest roles;
• include a header with your professional contact information and - optionally - your photograph;
• organise vital and relevant CV sections - e.g. your experience, skills, summary/ objective, education - closer to the top;
• use no more than two pages to illustrate your professional expertise;
• format your information using plenty of white space and standard (2.54 cm) margins , with colours to accent key information.

Once you've completed your information, export your pilot CV in PDF, as this format is more likely to stay intact when read by the Applicant Tracker System or the ATS . A few words of advice about the ATS - or the software used to assess your profile:

• Generic fonts, e.g. Arial and Times New Roman, are ATS-compliant, yet many candidates stick with these safe choices. Ensure your CV stands out by using a more modern, and simple, fonts like Lato, Exo 2, Volkhov;
• All serif and sans-serif fonts are ATS-friendly. Avoid the likes of fancy decorative or script typography, as this may render your information to be illegible;
• Both single- and double-column formatted CVs could be assessed by the ATS ;
• Integrating simple infographics, icons, and charts across your CV won't hurt your chances during the ATS assessment.

Use bold or italics sparingly to draw attention to key points, such as job titles, company names, or significant achievements. Overusing these formatting options can dilute their impact.

The top sections on a pilot CV

• Flight Hours Detailing Experience to show the extensive flying experience and types of aircraft handled.
• Licenses and Certifications to present the mandatory qualifications for piloting.
• Aviation Education to highlight formal training and relevant educational background.
• Work History in Aviation to outline past roles and responsibilities as a pilot.
• Medical Certificate Status to reassure the recruiter of the pilot's health for duty.

What recruiters value on your CV:

• Include your flight hours and types of aircraft you are experienced with at the top of your CV, as these are key qualifications for a pilot's role.
• Detail your aviation certifications, such as Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL), Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), or instrument rating, as they are crucial credentials.
• List all pertinent training and recency, such as simulator sessions, emergency procedures, and any other type-specific training to demonstrate current competence.
• Highlight any experience with international regulations and airspace, as well as language proficiency, which is valuable for communication and navigation in different countries.
• Emphasise leadership and teamwork skills through examples of crew coordination, mentoring, or incident management to show you are well-suited for the responsibilities of a pilot.

Recommended reads:

• Reverse Chronological CV: Stuck in the Past or Future-Proof?
• How to Choose The Best CV Style: Examples & Tips for 2024

What information should you include in your pilot CV header?

The CV header is potentially the section that recruiters would refer to the most, as it should include your:

• Contact details - your professional (non-work) email address and phone number;
• Professional photograph - if you're applying hinting at the value you bring as a professional.

Many professionals often struggle with writing their pilot CV headline. That's why in the next section of this guide, we've curated examples of how you can optimise this space to pass any form of assessment.

Examples of good CV headlines for pilot:

• Captain | Wide-body Aircraft Specialist | ATPL Holder | Aviation Safety Advocate | 12+ Years' Experience
• Senior First Officer | Narrow-body Fleet Expert | Type Rated: A320 Family | Crew Leadership Skills | 8 Years' Flight Time
• Chief Pilot | Flight Training Design | Compliance & Regulations Expert | TRI/TRE | 15+ Years in Aviation
• Commercial Pilot | Regional Jet Experience | Advanced Navigation Techniques | Multi-Engine IFR Rated | 5+ Years Flying
• Helicopter Pilot | SAR Operations Lead | Offshore & HEMS Proficient | Night Vision Goggle Qualified | 10 Years' Service
• First Officer | Turboprop Specialist | Flight Operations Management | Cross-Cultural Communication | 6 Years' Airline Experience

Opting between a pilot CV summary or objective

Within the top one third of your pilot CV, you have the opportunity to briefly summarise your best achievements or present your professional goals and dreams. Those two functions are met by either the CV summary or the objective.

• The summary is three-to-five sentences long and should narrate your best successes, while answering key requirements for the role . Select up to three skills which you can feature in your summary. Always aim to present what the actual outcomes were of using your particular skill set. The summary is an excellent choice for more experienced professionals.
• The objective is more focused on showcasing your unique value as a candidate and defining your dreams and ambitions . Think about highlighting how this current opportunity would answer your career vision. Also, about how you could help your potential employers grow. The objective matches the needs of less experienced candidates, who need to prove their skill set and, in particular, their soft skills.

Still not sure about how to write your CV opening statement ? Use some best industry examples as inspiration:

CV summaries for a pilot job:

• With 10 years of dedicated experience as a commercial airline pilot, I have successfully logged over 5,000 hours of flight time, including international transatlantic flights. My technical proficiency extends to advanced navigation systems and Airbus A320 operation, having led over 200 flights with impeccable safety records and exceptional passenger satisfaction ratings.
• Seasoned former Royal Air Force pilot transitioning to commercial aviation with over 15 years of flying high-performance aircraft. Highlights include mastery of state-of-the-art flight simulation training, completion of critical reconnaissance missions, and adept crisis management skills honed during active service in multiple overseas deployments.
• Enthusiastic and skilled maritime navigator eager to bring 8 years of experience in nautical charting and oceanographic analysis to the aviation industry. Adept at complex navigation under varied conditions, seeks to leverage transferable skills in coordination, precision, and route planning into a commercial pilot career.
• Dynamic professional with a robust background in engineering and a lifelong passion for aviation, aiming to pivot my 12-year technical career into becoming a proficient pilot. With a methodical approach to problem-solving, I am eager to apply my analytical skills and mechanical knowledge to succeed in pilot training and operations.
• Eager to embark upon a new journey in the world of aviation, my objective is to demonstrate acute adaptability, learn rapidly, and contribute a fresh perspective to the prestigious field of aviation. Committed to undergo rigorous training and assimilate aviation safety standards to ensure a strong foundation for a successful piloting career.
• Aspiring to harness my keen interest in technology and flight within the aviation sector, I am poised to absorb the requisite knowledge and skills needed for a pilot's duties. My goal is to dedicate myself to the mastery of flight principles, customer service, and teamwork to emerge as a resourceful and reliable new pilot.

Narrating the details of your pilot CV experience section

Perhaps you've heard it time and time again, but, how you present your experience is what matters the most. Your CV experience section - that details your work history alongside your accomplishments - is the space to spotlight your unqiue expertise and talents . So, avoid solely listing your responsibilities, but instead:

• adverts' keywords and integrate those in your experience section;
• Use your CV to detail how you've been promoted in the past by including experience in the reverse chronological order.

Before you start writing your pilot CV experience section, dive into some industry-leading examples on how to structure your bullets.

Best practices for your CV's work experience section

• Detail your total flight hours, making sure to break down your experience by aircraft type and any specific roles, such as Pilot-in-Command or Second-in-Command.
• Highlight your experience with different aviation technologies and instruments, including any modern glass cockpit systems or aviation software you are proficient with.
• Include your certifications and ratings, specifying the level of your pilot's licence, and list any additional qualifications such as instrument or multi-engine ratings.
• Describe any emergency situations you have successfully managed, showcasing your ability to remain calm under pressure and execute protocols efficiently.
• Emphasize your experience in various operational environments, such as international flights, cargo operations, or unique geographic regions that demonstrate adaptability.
• Mention any leadership roles or training responsibilities you've had, including mentoring junior pilots or leading crew briefings, to show management potential.
• Outline your experience with safety audits or compliance checks, stressing your commitment to maintaining high safety standards and adherence to regulations.
• Reference any experience you have had with different aviation sectors, such as commercial, corporate, charter, or military, to provide a holistic view of your background.
• Summarize any notable achievements in your career, such as awards, recognitions, or successful projects that have contributed to operational improvements or cost savings.
• Conducted over 500 international flights with a focus on cross-continental routes, maintaining a stellar on-time departure record of 98%.
• Played a pivotal role in implementing an improved fuel management system, which reduced fuel consumption by 5% per annum, achieving significant cost savings.
• Mentored junior pilots, enhancing team skill levels and driving performance standards, leading to a 10% improvement in flight operation efficiency.
• Led the successful certification process for a new aircraft type within the fleet, ensuring compliance with the strict regulatory standards of the Civil Aviation Authority.
• Expertly handled over 300 emergency and abnormal situations in-flight without incident, maintaining the highest safety standards and passenger confidence.
• Developed and executed training modules for autopilot systems, increasing overall pilot proficiency and reducing manual intervention by 15%.
• Piloted over 800 domestic flights with an emphasis on maximizing operational efficiency, leading to a 10% increase in on-time arrivals.
• Spearheaded a customer service initiative aimed at enhancing passenger experience, culminating in a 25% boost in customer satisfaction ratings.
• Collaborated with maintenance teams to reduce aircraft turnaround time by 20%, effectively increasing daily flight capacity.
• Responsible for the safe transport of over 1.2 million passengers, solidifying the company's reputation for safety and reliability.
• Innovated navigational route planning, resulting in a 7% decrease in average flight times while maintaining adherence to air traffic control guidelines.
• Coordinated multi-disciplinary teams during several critical aircraft retrofit projects, ensuring on-time delivery within budget constraints.
• Played a key role in the company's expansion by successfully inaugurating 15 new international routes, securing a competitive market share.
• Reduced incident rate by 30% through focused leadership and by fostering a culture of continuous safety improvement among the flight crew.
• Leveraged advanced avionics technology to optimize flight paths, saving an estimated 50,000 gallons of jet fuel annually.
• Orchestrated the transition to paperless cockpit operations, streamlining information management and resulting in a 20% reduction in administrative workload for pilots.
• Championed a flight data analysis program that improved overall aircraft performance and crew response times during critical flight phases.
• Directed cross-functional teams through a series of technical upgrades across the fleet, ensuring seamless integration of new navigation systems.
• Implemented a stringent risk assessment protocol that led to a 70% reduction in flight delays due to technical issues, streamlining operations significantly.
• Cultivated a safety-first culture that surpassed industry standards, achieving a record-setting period of 3 years without an on-board incident.
• Optimized crew scheduling to enhance work-life balance, achieving a 15% improvement in crew satisfaction without compromising service levels.
• Initiated and managed a comprehensive environmental program aimed at reducing the airline's carbon footprint, which cut CO2 emissions by 12%.
• Oversaw in-flight testing for new avionic systems, contributing to the advancement of navigational accuracy and communication technology.
• Conducted VIP transport missions with zero security or safety breaches, bolstering the airline's status for high-profile service.

Lacking professional expertise: how to write your CV to highlight your best talents

Don't count on your lucky stars when you're applying for a role, where you happen to have less (or almost none) professional experience. Recruiters sometimes do hire inexperienced candidates if they're able to present their unique value from the get-go. So, instead of opting for the traditional, CV experience section:

• List any applicable expertise you happen to have - no matter if it's a part-time job , internship, or volunteer work. This would hint to recruiters that your profile is relevant;
• Focus your CV on your transferrable skills or talents you've obtained thanks to your whole life and work experience. In effect, you'll be spotlighting your value as a candidate;
• Separate more space for your applicable academic background and certificates to show you have the technical know-how;
• Ensure that within your objective, you've defined why you'll like the job and how you'll be the perfect match for it. Always ensure you've tailored your CV to individual applications.

Looking for more good examples for your first job ? We'll show you how other candidates, with less professional experience, have created their job-winning CVs.

• A Comprehensive Guide to Action Verbs in CVs for Job Seekers
• CV Work Experience Section: Organizing, Tailoring, Examples To Use

Describe how each job helped you grow or learn something new, showing a continuous development path in your career.

Mix and match hard and soft skills across your pilot CV

Your skill set play an equally valid role as your experience to your application. That is because recruiters are looking for both:

• hard skills or your aptitude in applying particular technologies
• soft skills or your ability to work in a team using your personal skills , e.g. leadership, time management, etc.

Are you wondering how you should include both hard and soft skills across your pilot CV? Use the:

• skills section to list between ten and twelve technologies that are part of the job requirement (and that you're capable to use);
• strengths and achievements section to detail how you've used particular hard and soft skills that led to great results for you at work;
• summary or objective to spotlight up to three skills that are crucial for the role and how they've helped you optimise your work processes.

One final note - when writing about the skills you have, make sure to match them exactly as they are written in the job ad. Take this precautionary measure to ensure your CV passes the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment.

Top skills for your pilot CV:

Aircraft handling

Aerodynamics

Meteorology

Flight planning

Air traffic control communication

Emergency procedures

Technical understanding of aircraft systems

Instrumentation proficiency

Regulatory compliance

Decision making

Situational awareness

Problem-solving

Communication

Stress management

Adaptability

Attention to detail

Self-discipline

If you have received professional endorsements or recommendations for certain skills, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, mention these to add credibility.

Your university degree and certificates: an integral part of your pilot CV

Let's take you back to your uni days and decide what information will be relevant for your pilot CV. Once more, when discussing your higher education , select only information that is pertinent to the job (e.g. degrees and projects in the same industry, etc.). Ultimately, you should:

• List only your higher education degrees, alongside start and graduation dates, and the university name;
• Include that you obtained a first degree for diplomas that are relevant to the role, and you believe will impress recruiters;
• Showcase relevant coursework, projects, or publications, if you happen to have less experience or will need to fill in gaps in your professional history.

Focus on describing skills in the context of the outcomes they’ve helped you achieve, linking them directly to tangible results or successes in your career.

• How to Showcase Your Educational Achievements on CV: Examples, Templates, & Guide for 2024
• CV Certifications - Tips, Examples & Template to Use in 2024

Key takeaways

Impressing recruiters with your experience, skill set, and values starts with your professional pilot CV. Write concisely and always aim to answer job requirements with what you've achieved; furthermore:

• Select a simple design that complements your experience and ensures your profile is presentable;
• Include an opening statement that either spotlights your key achievements (summary) or showcases your career ambitions (objective);
• Curate your experience bullets, so that each one commences with a strong, action verb and is followed up by your skill and accomplishment;
• List your hard and soft skills all across different sections of your CV to ensure your application meets the requirements;
• Dedicate space to your relevant higher education diplomas and your certificates to show recruiters you have the necessary industry background.

Looking to build your own Pilot CV?

• CV Examples

Frequently Asked Questions about Pilot CVs

What are the most important things to include in a pilot cv, should i include personal hobbies in my pilot cv, what are some common mistakes people make when creating a pilot cv.

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Top 16 Pilot Resume Objective Examples

Updated July 21, 2023 13 min read

A resume objective is a concise statement that outlines the professional goals and aspirations of an individual who is applying for a job. It is one of the first things employers will read when reviewing applications, and it should be tailored to the specific position you are seeking. When writing a resume objective for a pilot position, it is important to emphasize your experience in aviation, such as flight hours and certifications, as well as any other relevant skills or qualifications. Additionally, include any achievements that might set you apart from other applicants, such as awards or commendations. For example: “Experienced pilot with over 1,000 flight hours and FAA-certified commercial pilot license seeking to leverage extensive knowledge and skillset to join XYZ Airline’s team of pilots.”

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Top 16 Pilot Resume Objective Samples

• To obtain a position as a Pilot with a reputable airline, utilizing my extensive experience and training in aviation.
• To secure a challenging position as a Pilot that will allow me to utilize my skills and knowledge in the aviation industry.
• Seeking an opportunity to join an established airline as a Pilot and contribute to the growth of the business.
• To pursue a career as a professional Pilot by using my extensive experience, technical knowledge, and excellent communication skills.
• Seeking an opportunity to work as a Pilot with an organization that values commitment and dedication.
• To be part of an esteemed organization as a Pilot where I can use my expertise in aviation operations for mutual benefit.
• Looking for an opportunity to work as a Pilot with an organization that values safety, professionalism, and customer service excellence.
• Aspiring to be part of an esteemed airline company as a Pilot where I can use my expertise in flight operations for mutual benefit.
• Seeking employment with an established airline as a Pilot where I can apply my knowledge of aircraft systems and regulations.
• Aiming to join an organization that offers professional growth opportunities for Pilots while utilizing my expertise in aviation operations.
• To obtain employment with an established airline company as a professional Pilot where I can apply my extensive experience in flight operations.
• Searching for the role of Pilot at your esteemed organization so that I may utilize my skills and knowledge in the aviation industry.
• Looking for employment with your respected airline company as a professional pilot so that I may contribute towards its success.
• Applying for the position of pilot at your renowned company so that I may use my expertise in aircraft systems and regulations effectively.
• Desire to join your esteemed organization as pilot where I can make use of my knowledge in aviation operations for mutual benefit.
• Pursuing the role of pilot at your prestigious company so that I may employ my experience in flight operations for the betterment of both parties involved.

How to Write a Pilot Resume Objective

A pilot resume objective is a concise statement of your career goals and intentions. It should be crafted carefully in order to ensure that it reflects your individual experience, qualifications, and aspirations. Writing an effective pilot resume objective requires considering the employer’s needs and desires when crafting a statement that will grab their attention. Here are some tips for writing an effective pilot resume objective:

1. Be clear and concise: When crafting your pilot resume objective, make sure you’re as clear and specific as possible. Avoid fluffy language or generic statements like “seeking a challenging position in aviation.” Instead, focus on your particular skillset and what you can bring to the job. For example: “Experienced commercial pilot with 10 years of working in both international and domestic flight operations seeking to leverage my expertise in air traffic control systems for a position at ABC Airlines."

2. Highlight relevant experience: Tailor your resume objective to the job you’re applying for by highlighting any relevant experience or qualifications you possess that may be beneficial for the employer. For example: “Experienced commercial pilot with 10 years of working in both international and domestic flight operations; proficient in FAA regulations; certified helicopter instructor; knowledgeable of advanced avionics systems; seeking an opportunity to use my skills at ABC Airlines."

3. Use keywords: Research the job posting carefully and incorporate any applicable keywords into your resume objective, such as “FAA-certified” or “instrument-rated pilot." This will help employers quickly identify that you meet their requirements for the position.

4. Show enthusiasm: Let employers know how passionate you are about becoming a part of their team by mentioning why you would make an ideal fit for their organization—for example, “Dedicated commercial airline pilot eager to join ABC Airlines' team of professionals and contribute my extensive knowledge of aviation safety standards."

By following these tips, you can craft an effective pilot resume objective that will help capture employers' attention and demonstrate your commitment to joining their organization.

Related : What does a Pilot do?

Key Skills to Highlight in Your Pilot Resume Objective

In the competitive aviation industry, a well-crafted resume can make all the difference in landing your dream pilot job. The objective section of your resume is particularly important as it's often the first thing recruiters see. It should not only state your career goals but also highlight your key skills that align with the job requirements. This section will delve into the crucial skills you need to emphasize in your pilot resume objective to stand out from other candidates and capture potential employers' attention.

1. Instrumentation

A pilot needs to have a strong understanding of instrumentation as they are responsible for operating complex aircraft controls. This includes monitoring and interpreting various instruments such as altimeters, compasses, and navigation systems. Mastery in this skill ensures the safe and efficient operation of the aircraft, making it a crucial requirement for any pilot's resume objective. It demonstrates their ability to handle technical aspects of flying, make accurate decisions based on instrument readings, and successfully navigate under challenging conditions.

2. Navigation

A pilot's primary responsibility is to safely transport passengers or cargo from one location to another. This requires a strong understanding of navigation, including the ability to read and interpret maps, charts, weather forecasts, and aircraft instruments. Mastery of navigation is crucial for ensuring flights stay on course and arrive at their intended destinations on time. Therefore, highlighting this skill in a resume objective can demonstrate a pilot's competence and reliability in performing their duties.

3. Meteorology

Understanding meteorology is crucial for a pilot as it involves the study of weather patterns and atmospheric phenomena. This knowledge is essential for planning safe flight paths, anticipating potential weather disruptions, and making necessary adjustments during flights. In their resume objective, a pilot could highlight their expertise in meteorology to demonstrate their ability to ensure passenger safety and maintain flight schedules despite varying weather conditions.

4. Aerodynamics

Understanding aerodynamics is crucial for a pilot as it involves the study of how air moves around objects, particularly aircrafts. This knowledge is essential in controlling the aircraft safely and efficiently. It helps pilots to make informed decisions about speed, angle and direction, understand the impact of weather conditions on their aircraft, and respond effectively to any in-flight issues that may arise. Including aerodynamics as a skill in a resume objective demonstrates a strong technical foundation and commitment to safe flight operations.

5. Radio communication

A pilot needs to have strong radio communication skills because they are crucial for ensuring safety during flights. They need to effectively receive and relay information with air traffic control, co-pilots, and crew members. This skill is essential in handling emergency situations, understanding flight plans and weather updates, and coordinating takeoffs and landings. Including this skill in a resume objective shows potential employers that the candidate is capable of managing the critical communications necessary for successful and safe flights.

6. Flight planning

Flight planning is a critical skill for a pilot as it involves making key decisions about the route, altitude, and speed of the flight. This skill demonstrates the ability to strategically plan and execute flights, ensuring safety, efficiency, and adherence to regulations. Including this skill in a resume objective shows potential employers that the candidate is capable of effectively preparing for all aspects of a flight operation.

7. Crew resource management

Crew resource management is a crucial skill for a pilot as it involves effective communication, decision making, and teamwork. This skill is essential in coordinating with the co-pilot, air traffic control, and cabin crew to ensure the safety and efficiency of each flight. Including this skill in a resume objective demonstrates the ability to manage resources effectively and work collaboratively in high-pressure situations, which are vital qualities for a successful pilot.

8. Emergency procedures

A pilot must be proficient in emergency procedures to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew members on board. This skill is crucial for a resume objective as it demonstrates the candidate's ability to handle high-stress situations, make quick decisions under pressure, and prioritize safety. It also shows their preparedness for unexpected circumstances and their commitment to minimizing risks and potential harm.

9. Air traffic control coordination

A pilot needs to have the skill of air traffic control coordination as they must be able to communicate effectively with air traffic control to ensure safe and efficient flight operations. This includes understanding air traffic control instructions, responding appropriately, and making necessary adjustments during flight based on changing circumstances. This skill is crucial for maintaining safety in the skies and minimizing potential risks or accidents. Therefore, highlighting this skill in a resume objective would demonstrate a commitment to safety and effective communication, which are key qualities for a successful pilot.

10. Aircraft systems knowledge

A pilot needs to have a thorough understanding of aircraft systems to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the aircraft. This includes knowledge of navigation, control, fuel, electrical, hydraulic, and other systems. This skill is crucial for a resume objective because it showcases the pilot's technical expertise and ability to handle complex machinery, which is vital for performing their job effectively. It also demonstrates their commitment to safety and adherence to aviation standards and regulations.

In conclusion, the objective section of your pilot resume is a crucial platform to showcase your key skills. It should effectively communicate your qualifications, abilities, and aspirations in a concise manner. Remember that this section could be the first thing recruiters read, so it needs to capture their attention and make them want to continue reading. Tailoring your skills to the specific requirements of the job will demonstrate your suitability and commitment to the role. Ultimately, your resume objective should reflect you as a professional pilot: competent, confident, and ready for any challenge that comes your way.

Related : Pilot Skills: Definition and Examples

Common Mistakes When Writing a Pilot Resume Objective

Writing a pilot resume objective can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. With the right preparation and research, you can easily create an effective resume objective that will help you stand out from the competition. Unfortunately, many people make mistakes when crafting their resume objective that can hurt their chances of getting the job. To ensure your resume objective is as strong as possible, here are some common mistakes to avoid:

1. Being Too Vague or General – When writing your resume objective, avoid being too vague or generic. Instead of stating something like “seeking a position in aviation” or “looking for a job in the industry”, focus on what makes you unique and qualified for the position. Be specific about the type of role you are seeking and why you are uniquely suited for it.

2. Not Tailoring Your Objective to The Job – Make sure to tailor your resume objective specifically to the job you are applying for. Your skills and experience should match up with what the employer is looking for in order to make it clear why they should hire you over other candidates.

3. Focusing Too Much on What You Want – Although it is important to highlight how your qualifications fit with what the employer is looking for, don’t forget to also emphasize how you can benefit them by filling this role. Focus on how your skills and experience can contribute towards achieving their goals instead of simply listing what you want out of the job.

4. Using Too Many Adjectives – When writing your resume objective, use simple language that clearly conveys your message without being overly wordy or flowery with adjectives and descriptions. Stick with concise statements that get straight to the point about who you are and why employers should consider hiring you for their open position.

By avoiding these common mistakes when writing a pilot resume objective, you can ensure that yours will stand out from other applicants and give employers an accurate representation of who you are and why they should hire you over other candidates vying for the same position!

Related : Pilot Resume Examples

A right resume objective for a pilot should focus on your experience, capabilities, and qualifications to show why you are the best candidate, while a wrong resume objective should be overly general or too focused on what the job can do for you.

Editorial staff

Brenna Goyette

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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Commercial airline pilot personal statement example.

To fly an aeroplane full of people who have entrusted their souls upon your bare hands would be for me the most fulfilling and satisfying feeling I could ever hope to imagine. Ever since the age of four when I first flew on an aeroplane I have been captivated as to how these behemoths can glide at ease.

My aspiration to learn to pilot aircraft stems from a mounting enthralment of the air transport industry, as well as wanting to comprehend how an aircraft flies the way it does. As Richard Bach writes, “You will begin to touch heaven, Jonathan, in the moment you touch the perfect speed. And that isn't flying a thousand miles an hour, or a million, or flying at the speed of light. Because any number is a limit, and perfect speed, my son, is being there.” ('Jonathan Livingston Seagull', 1970). This, I believe, illustrates the exclusive feeling that the prospect to fly an aeroplane professionally will offer me. Currently studying Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) at college, I am naturally intoxicated by technological advancements. I feel that alongside the light-bulb, internet and space shuttle, aircraft are one of the more awe inspiring creations of man.

I have always been an energetic individual taking pride in my extra-curricular achievements. At Ashford High School I was the captain of the school's cricket team for 3 years as well as an active member of the football team. I also have a devoted interest in swimming, badminton, trampolining, aerobics and weight-training, all of which I am able to regularly participate in at my local gym. In the summer of 2004 I was selected by my high school to participate in a team-building course taught by the British Army for one week. I believe that by having carried out these activities, I have not only developed new skills, but have also gained the ability to work as a leader whilst being able to create an aura of trust and confidence in a cohesive unit.

I consider myself to have a strong personality, whilst also being able to be exceptionally accommodating and understanding. I was selected to be a Prefect at my high school and had been elected several times to give speeches at open evenings in front of prospective students and their parents. From these experiences I learnt to take command of situations and the ability to informatively speak to an audience. I have also mentored younger pupils at the school, helping them to acclimatise to new surroundings.

My mental strength and self-belief were tested when I was diagnosed with cancer in early 2005. Despite losing almost two years of my life due to the treatment and after-effects of chemotherapy, I learned a lot about myself through this time. I forever remained positive and believed in myself to overcome the disease and as a result am a better person. I freshly turned twenty and am taking pleasure in furthering my studies at college. Never before have I been more determined, focused or happier in life than I am right now.

I appreciate that a profession of flying commercial airliners is exceptionally intricate and challenging. I am however ready to put in all the time and effort that is crucial to carry out such a demanding and responsible duty with pride. I look forward to the day that I can begin my career and do what I have always wanted to...fly.

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This personal statement was written by cxptel for application in 2008.

Related Personal Statements

Mon, 19/11/2007 - 21:26

this is a very strong and powerful stetament,,,,,,well done,,,keeep going you are a very determineted person

Tue, 20/11/2007 - 23:01

Precisely he know want he want keep up you......you are a quality example for a people like us.....good fortune with you expectations

Thu, 07/07/2011 - 09:34

This statement was bangin'

did you get into the course?

Tue, 04/10/2011 - 13:11

did you get into the course? i would be very surprised if you didn't! let me know asap as i am applying for the same thing! thanks

brilliant statement.

Wed, 19/09/2012 - 15:59

brilliant statement. what course were you applying for? I've always wanted to fly but didnt think it was possible without the financial back up.

that's it... don't forget to

Mon, 14/07/2014 - 15:13

that's it... don't forget to put the cancer in. *entry key to uni*

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Airline Pilot CV Design & Creation Service

Tailored cv service for pilots.

CV Design for Airline Pilots

We design professional CV documents which have been proven to get pilots invited to interviews time and time again…

Professional CV Design Service for Airline & Cadet Pilots

We offer the highest standard of professional CV design for airline pilots. We produce high quality documents which have a proven track record of getting our clients invited to airline assessments around the globe. Our CVs are designed by pilots who have actively recruited airline pilots of all experience levels, from Cadets to experienced Captains. Whether you’re an experienced Captain or First Officer, or perhaps you’ve just finished flight training and are applying for your first job or applying for a cadet pilot training program, we can help ensure that your CV is of the highest quality.

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FlightDeckFriend.com has created hundreds of high quality airline pilot CVs for over 8 years. Unlike other websites offering a similar service, our documents are designed by members of our team who have experience in reviewing pilot CVs at airline recruitment level.

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Our professionally tailored CV design service is perfect for pilots of all experience levels. Depending on the rank or position you are applying for, we are able to ensure the right skills for the role are presented clearly and concisely. Our service is suitable for the following positions.

• Low Hour First Officers (pilots who have just completed flight training)
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What our Pilot CV design service offers…

• An individually tailored CV for commercial flight crew and cadet pilots
• Over 8 years’ experience of producing pilot CVs with a proven track record of getting our clients airline interviews
• Professionally structured CV
• Tailored to a specific airline if desired
• Clear and concise single page design (which is industry standard)
• All essential & critical details included
• Delivered in PDF and either Word or Pages formats (as per your request) to allow you to update it in the future
• A highly comprehensive questionnaire is provided to ensure the highest quality content is included
• Unlimited changes until you’re 100% satisfied
• Payment via your choice of PayPal or Credit/Debit Card when the documents are completed
• Consistent excellent feedback
• 7 day turnaround with express options available
• We utilise a range of layouts best suited for your personal profile, which have a proven track record of getting candidates invited to an assessment

Full terms and conditions can be found here .

Pilot CV Design Packages

Curriculum Vitae Revamp - £69.99

We’ll go through your CV and provide feedback to you with suggestions as to how you could improve it. We’ll proof read it and analyse if any important information is missing from a recruiters perspective. We’ll also look at if you’ve missed any opportunities to build on certain credentials you have.

What you’ll get:

• Bullet point feedback on your document
• Suggestions of what else to include or remove
• Potential areas of expansion to highlight your credentials
• Proof reading to pick up on spelling or grammatical errors

We will only charge you for the service if we think we can give your worthwhile feedback. We’ll review the document first before letting you know if you would benefit from it and requesting payment. We are honest and open and quite regularly review documents which we don’t amend – you can have faith in our service!

If you’re unsure, send your CV in and we’ll have a look at it for you.

If based on our feedback, you decide that you’d like to use our CV tailoring service, the ‘CV Revamp’ fee will be taken off the price of our tailored CV service.

Tailored Pilot CV / Resume - £129.99

We create you a clear and concise CV that includes all the critical information that an airline looks for, whilst presenting it in a clear and professional layout. We ensure your relevant strengths, personal attributes and experience are set out concisely. This service is based on a 5 working day turn around.

CV & Cover Letter Combo Package - £199.99 ***BEST SELLER***

This product is as described in our stand alone CV ‘Combo’ package but accompanied with a unique cover letter that matches your attributes with the airline’s mission statement, ethos and type of operation. We highlight what you can bring to the airline based on your previous employment or education experience – this doesn’t necessarily mean flying! Based on a 5 working day turnaround.

Express Service (36 HRS) CV & Cover Letter - £239.99

Need a CV & a Cover Letter in a hurry? We offer an express service ensuring your documents are completed within 36 hours of placing the order (subject to providing us with all the required information). Individual documents – CV only £159.99 and Cover Letter only £159.99. We can also process documents within 12 or 24 hours subject to an additional charge and dependant on availability – visit our express document page for more information.

“Investing in your CV is investing in your future…”

Let us know which package you’d like and we’ll get back in touch with you to discuss your requirements and provide you with our comprehensive questionnaire. If you require your documents within 36 hours, check out our Pilot CV Express Service.

Customer Testimonials

I want to say a very big thank you to you and your team for my tailored CV and Covering letter, I absolutely love it, I also want to thank you for the added effort of doing research and making my cover letter look very personal as well as the added information within the email, I will definitely be using you again and recommending your team to current and future job seekers.

Thanks for this, and for being so honest about it! Many people would have charged the £60 anyway, I appreciate it!

Excellent Service

A great job… I would have no problem referring others to you

I would just like to thank you for the service you provided. The CV and Covering letter were both excellent. I feel that more needs to be done in flight training establishments to help students understand and produce an effective CV, but without having this, your service has been second to none.

Thanks again for really fast and professional service! I am really impressed!

The CV you guys made was successful! I have an interview scheduled

I got an invitation the very next day of my application with your documents, to assessments. So it works.

I have used this website before to help produce a cover letter and found the service first class! I have since secured a job with an airline. I would first like to thank you for all you help!!

The CV and cover letter are perfect

I’ve read through everything and it looks brilliant! It definitely looks worth the money. Thank you for your help and for working so late on a Friday! I will definitely recommend you to my friends.

Thanks for the cover letter it looks great!

Why use our professional Pilot CV design & creation service?

The hardest part of the airline selection process is arguably getting an invite to the assessment in the first place.

Airlines receive hundreds, sometimes thousands of applications for what are usually a very limited number of flight crew positions. Ultimately a poor-quality CV can end up holding your career back for years. Don’t make the mistake of not investing the time and energy into your CV that it deserves.

Our experienced team will ensure all of your critical information is included in a clear, professionally structured and concise format to help ensure that your CV lands in the ‘yes’ pile.

This service is particularly effective for clients who may be fluent or have a very good command of the spoken English language but may not be as confident with it in its written form. Our entire team speak English as their first language and meticulously check the final documents for spelling, structure and grammatical accuracy.

Our Track Record

We have a proven track record of our professionally written CVs getting people interviews and assessments with major airlines. Over the last 8 years, our documents have helped our customers secure assessment days airlines across the world.

What to expect from our Pilot CV service…

All our services come with a promise of unlimited changes and adjustments until you are completely satisfied!

Please note, we only accept payment through PayPal . We will send you a PayPal invoice once the documents have been completed and are ready to be emailed to you. Once payment has been received, the documents will be emailed to you on the same day.

We aim to acknowledge orders and enquiries by email within 12 hours. The standard turnaround for an airline pilot CV (and Cover Letter) order is 5 working days, however, we do offer an express service if required.

CV Content and Layout

Both the content and layout of your CV is of critical importance. With recruiters potentially spending as little as 15 seconds initially screening a CV, you need to catch their eye by showing them that you are qualified and a good fit for the job.

The first thing the assessor wants to know is are you qualified for the job? This means you hold the correct flying licences, have the required hours and are able to live and work in the country from which the airline operates. If the recruiter can’t immediately see this information, your CV is likely not to be processed further. Once it has been established you are suitable qualified for the job, the recruiter will further analyse the CV assessing your skills set and experience through previous employment, education qualifications and extra-curricular activities.

English Language

In many airlines, your command of the English language is also assessed based on the quality of your CV and Cover Letter. As with the overall accuracy and design of the document, the use of language, spelling and grammar should be to a very high standard.

A pilot CV with spelling and grammatical errors will be dismissed very quickly. You are applying to operate an aircraft where attention to detail is critical – this must be reflected in your CV. Even if you are fluent at English, but it is not your mother tongue we would strongly recommend your CV is proof read by a professional.

The Document Creation Process

Once you have decided to go ahead with the Pilot CV Creation service, we will initially send you a fully refundable PayPal deposit request for £20. The remainder of the balance is only due once the documents have been completed and are ready to be sent to you.

Once the deposit has been received, we will send you a highly comprehensive questionnaire to ensure that we capture all the information needed to build your document to a high standard.

To place an order, or if you have any questions regarding this service please get in touch through [email protected]

Free Pilot CV Templates

If our professionally tailored pilot CV service is outside of your budget, we provide free example pilot CVs which you can copy. For a small fee, you can download these templates and edit them yourself. Here is an example of one of our free pilot CV templates.

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