Helicopter pilots are in high demand, but getting your resume past the initial screening can be a hurdle. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are computer programs used by many companies to scan resumes for keywords and qualifications before they reach a human recruiter.
Here's how to write a pilot resume that shines and gets noticed, including how to navigate the ATS hurdle:
Beating the Applicant Tracking System (ATS)
Keywords are King: Research the specific job description and company thoroughly. Include relevant keywords throughout your resume, especially in your summary, skills section and work experience descriptions. Use a mix of general helicopter pilot keywords (e.g., "helicopter pilot," "VFR/IFR flight," "type ratings") and job-specific terms (e.g., "external load operations," "oil and gas industry," "mountain flying").
Optimize Your Formatting: ATS systems often struggle with fancy fonts and formatting. Use a clear and readable font like Arial or Times New Roman. Maintain a simple and consistent format throughout your resume.
Avoid PDF Unless Required: While PDFs are great for preserving formatting, some ATS have trouble parsing them. If the application system doesn't specify a format, stick to a .doc or .docx file.
How to write the best Helicopter Pilot Resume
Highlight Flight Experience: This is your bread and butter. Quantify your flight hours by type of helicopter, missions flown, and certifications earned.
Quantify Your Accomplishments: Don't just list duties. Use numbers and metrics to showcase your impact. "Increased operational efficiency by 15% through route optimization" is more impactful than "Flew search and rescue missions."
Action Verbs Make a Difference: Replace generic verbs with strong action verbs that showcase your skills. Instead of "responsible for," use verbs like "spearheaded," "instructed," or "maintained."
Proofread Like a Hawk: Typos and grammatical errors scream unprofessionalism. Proofread meticulously before submitting.
Helicopter Pilot Resume Template
This is a sample template, customize it to fit your experience!
Name [Your Name]
Contact Information
[Your Email] (Professional email address)
[Your Phone Number]
[Your LinkedIn Profile URL] (Optional)
Summary Skilled and experienced helicopter pilot with [Number] hours of flight time. Proven ability to safely operate a variety of helicopters in diverse conditions. Strong knowledge of aviation regulations and procedures.
Keywords (Optional)** List relevant keywords here to help with ATS searches. (e.g., FAA Commercial Pilot, VFR/IFR Flight, Type Ratings: [List your ratings])
Skills
FAA Certifications (List all relevant FAA licenses and ratings)
Excellent communication and teamwork skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Proficient in [List relevant software or tools] (e.g., GPS navigation systems)
Experience
Helicopter Pilot [Company Name] [City, State] [Dates Employed]
Operated a variety of helicopters, including [List types]
Flew missions in diverse conditions (VFR/IFR, day/night)
Maintained a perfect safety record
(Optional) Quantified accomplishments (e.g., "Increased efficiency by 10%...")
Additional Relevant Experience (Include other flight or aviation-related roles)
Education
[Degree] in [Major] [University Name] [City, State] [Dates Attended]
Awards and Honors (Optional)
List any relevant awards or recognitions
Flight hours (summary)
References Available upon request.
Remember: Tailor your resume to each specific job you apply for. Highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the position.
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