We don’t want engineers, we want people who can engineer. We don’t want pilots, we want people who know how to fly.
It’s a subtle difference but the language matters.
When I was on the client side of the table, I knew that every respondent to my RFP could do the technical work. Everyone was a licensed professional. They knew the ACs. They had similar experience. How do you choose? It wasn’t because of the glossy submittal or the shiny interview. I was looking for something else. I was evaluating humanity. I wanted people who could work well with other people. People who could explain engineering to non-engineers. People who could empathize with the public. People who could see the larger picture. I wasn’t looking for an engineer, I was looking for people (first) who could engineer (second).
Same thing with pilots. Technical skill matters for sure! Everyone in the interview, though, has passed the bar for technical skill. So, how should the airline decide? I have a clue: it’s probably going to be based on the person. Not what you have done but who you are.
Stop impressing me with your CV. You wouldn’t be in the room if I didn’t think you could technically do the work. Make it about who you are, how you do things, and your philosophy. I will be listening.
