WAI Conference 2012
The abbreviation for Women in Aviation International is WAI. Too many times I have seen the abbreviation WIA. Its a little error like this that will make your resume stand out for the wrong reasons. When I look at a résumé the simple errors show carelessness and disregard for the company. We all make mistakes including typos; try to prevent the errors that come from inexperience or lack of understanding.
One resume I reviewed lost creditability with a little research. The error was listed under volunteer experience. This candidate listed as a member of an organization I was well involved with. A few seconds on the organization’s website showed no records of this candidate or any prior involvement. Don’t forget that aviation is a small community.
Get the most out of the conference
Bring your resume and cover letter on resume paper and bring it on a USB flash drive. Also it would be a great idea to upload the resume on Google documents. When your resume needs a simple correction an electronic version will save time. Hotels have business centers allowing you to print new resumes. All you need is resume paper. Save your money and don’t bring resume folders. Every company I handed my folder too gave me the folder back.
Be prepared to answer questions, why do you want to work here? Visit a couple warm-up booths first. Don’t head straight for the desired booth or you may find yourself stumbling over your words.
Attire
Some companies will be conducting onsite interviews, so you should bring that navy interview suit; ugh. However during the day to day conference wear business to business casual attire. Save your jeans for dinner. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended. If you are serious about visiting every booth you will be doing a lot of walking.
Agenda
Wake up early, attend events and visit booths every day. Go to dinner and socialize. Keep your drinks under control. One or two drink maximum! Seriously! And finally go to bed at a reasonable hour.
Jump seat
WAI conference is popular so jump seats will be extremely limited every day of the conference. If you have never read an article on jump seat etiquette, now is the time. Expect to get bumped three times headed home on Sunday.
www.passrider.com
http://www.jumpseatinfo.org/JumpseatEtiquette/tabid/1280/Default.aspx
http://www.airlinepilotcentral.com/resources/job_search_resources/jumpseating%3A_got_etiquette?_20060707118.html
You are who you hang out with.
From an outsiders perspective you are who you hang out with, especially at a professional conference. I congratulate you for being a well-rounded well liked person. You can get along with all kinds of people. Even so, I challenge you to surround yourself with people you would hire to work at your company.
Women in Aviation International
