Ask Captain Lim - Please give me some advice on the cadet pilot interview.

Its rather late now that I've stumbled upon your web site and I wish I'd done so earlier. I've been asked to present myself for my first interview with SIA for the cadet pilot program. I do not know what to expect on the first interview. I have just left the Singapore Armed Forces about a month ago. I was an Armour Officer. I do not even have a resume prepared. (Do I need to prepare a good one?)

Please give me some advice.

Previously, before I even made officership, I have attended the SAF's pilot selection and have cleared all the stages until the fateful day when I was supposed to go for my medical check-up and the entire aero-medical team flew to Taiwan because of the air crash in 2001. And after I missed that chance, they rejected me. So I ended up a land pilot, tank officer... (Ironic isn't it?)

It has always been my dream to fly a commercial airliner. I believe that I will get through the psychomotor test as we were required to pass this test as tank operators. I'm 26 this year and have had perfect eyesight since young with very very mild night blindness. (Hopefully not affecting my performance and career in the future)

Since I'm at your web site now, I got to read and pick up as much information as I can because I really do not know much about aviation. I fear that my little knowledge may be an obstacle. I wished to be more prepared but I'm lost and don't know where to start.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Davin

Hi Davin,

Please read Tristan's experience of the selection process in the SIA cadet pilot program in a previous FAQ. You should know how to compile your personal resume from the guidelines in many Internet sites.

For the interview, here are some additional guidelines:

Come early and be well prepared with all the relevant documentation. Maintain a positive attitude and show your enthusiasm openly. Dress and groom yourself smartly with a neat haircut. Have a firm handshake with your interviewers. Keep good eye contact and talk confidently. Remember to listen carefully and answer to the point. You will be put under pressure at times or even ridiculed. You must keep your cool - the interviewers are trying to assess how well you can take pressure or how good you can take their critiques.

Here are some tips that you must avoid: Do not misrepresent - any untruth would soon be discovered and that would be the end of your career with the airlines. Answer the questions being asked and don't ramble or reveal unnecessary information. Be assertive when answering questions but never be corky.

I have stressed this many times before. You must have a good and positive attitude. Be your self during the interview. You must convince the airline that you are working very hard toward your goal of flying with the company.

I wish you all the luck!