About this episode
Every pilot dreams of that moment when the wheels lift off, the earth falls away, and the sky becomes home. But when it comes to landing your dream aviation job, skill in the cockpit isn't enough — it takes strategy on the ground. In this episode, Nik breaks down the art of the pilot resume. After reviewing more than a thousand real pilot resumes, he shares the top mistakes he sees and the top 10 tips to help you stand out. From formatting to flight hours, leadership to community service, Nik walks you through what works, what doesn't, and how to make your one-page resume a ticket to the right seat. Whether you're just out of flight school, moving up from regional, or coming off a military career, this episode gives you the tools to build a professional, polished resume that recruiters will notice. What You'll Learn: Why a clean, one-page resume is a must for pilots How to format certifications, flight time, and professional experience The power of action verbs to highlight leadership and safety Common mistakes to avoid — from flashy designs to AI-generated resumes How achievements and community service can set you apart Top 10 Resume Tips Nik Covers: Keep it one page Personal info — full name, clean email, no call signs Skip the objective statement Certifications & ratings Flight time — bold the essentials (Total, PIC, Turbine) Professional experience — consistent formatting, clear dates Emphasize leadership, safety, CRM Use action verbs (developed, led, implemented) Trim down long military careers without losing impact Show community involvement & achievements CONNECT WITH US Are you ready to take your preparation to the next level? Don't wait until it's too late. Use the promo code "R4P2025" and save 10% on all our services. Check us out at www.spitfireelite.com! If you want to recommend someone to guest on the show, email Nik at podcast@spitfireelite.com, and if you need a professional pilot resume, go to www.spitfireelite.com/podcast/ for FREE templates! SPONSOR Are you a pilot just coming out of the military and looking for the perfect second home for your family? Look no further! Reach out to Marty and his team by visiting www.tridenthomeloans.com to get the best VA loans available anywhere in the US. Be ready for takeoff anytime with 3D-stretch, stain-repellent, and wrinkle-free aviation uniforms by Flight Uniforms. Just go to www.flightuniform.com and type the code SPITFIREPOD20 to get a special 20% discount on your first order. #Aviation #AviationCareers #aviationcrew #AviationJobs #AviationLeadership #AviationEducation #AviationOpportunities #AviationPodcast #AirlinePilot #AirlineJobs #AirlineInterviewPrep #inspiration #inspirational #flying #flyingtips #motivation #motivational #PilotDevelopment #PilotFinance #pilotcareer #pilottips #pilotcareertips #PilotExperience #pilotcaptain #PilotTraining #PilotSuccess #pilotpodcast #PilotPreparation #Pilotrecruitment #flightschool #aviationschool #pilotcareer #pilotlife #pilot