Pilot Cover Letter Writing Tips

Pilots · 6 min read · Sep 07, 2022
pilot cover letter

Introduction

Some say that a pilot’s resume is the most important document they will ever submit when seeking a job in the aviation industry. And while that may be true, don’t forget about your cover letter! A well-crafted airline pilot cover letter can help to set you apart from other applicants and show the hiring manager that you are genuinely interested in the position.

In this blog post, we will provide some tips for writing a professional cover letter for a pilot position and provide cover letter examples. So, whether you are just starting out or have been flying for years, be sure to read on!

What are cover letters?

Cover letters are often used in the job application process, along with resumes. A well-written cover letter can give you a competitive edge over other candidates by demonstrating your interest and enthusiasm for the job, as well as your qualifications.

A powerful cover letter is an important tool for any job seeker, so it’s important to take the time to craft a strong and effective letter. A powerful cover letter is the first step toward your new job!

A person typing a pilot cover letter on his laptop.

What is a pilot cover letter?

A pilot cover letter is a letter written by an airline pilot to apply for a job at an airline. The pilot cover letter should be well-written and specific to the airline pilot job that you are applying for. Your pilot cover letter should highlight your experience, qualifications, and skills as an airline pilot.

What will a professional cover letter do? It will let your targeted recruiter look at the attached resume which is a second step of securing a job. So, make sure to make it outstanding.

When writing your pilot cover letter, be sure to include your flight hours, how many different types of aircraft you are qualified to fly, your licensing information, instrument rating and any other relevant information that will demonstrate your experience and qualifications. In addition, your pilot cover letter should include a brief overview of your professional goals and how you plan to contribute to the airline.

Your pilot cover letter is an important part of your application, so take the time to make it shine. It should capture the attention of the targeted person. With a little effort, you can create a powerful letter that will help you get the job you want.

Why should you write a cover letter?

A cover letter is your first impression. It might be good or bad, depending upon how you have presented yourself in your letter. Your potential employer or hiring managers will see you through your cover letter.

It is even more important if you are just starting out as a pilot and are in the early stages of your flying career. It’s when your credentials and qualifications are not that impressive. All you can rely on is your cover letter. A well-written, neat, and well-composed cover letter will present you as a well-organized and smart candidate. It will surely give you the edge over every other candidate.

The key components of a cover letter

Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing your next cover letter.

First, make sure to do your research and tailor your letter to the specific organization and role you’re applying for.

Second, don’t simply repeat the information from your resume – instead, use the cover letter as an opportunity to highlight your most relevant achievements, skills, and extensive experience.

Finally, be sure to proofread your letter carefully before sending it off – a few typos or spelling mistakes could ruin your chances of landing an interview. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to writing a winning cover letter.

A person composing a pilot cover letter on their notebook.

How to write a commercial airline pilot cover letter

Your cover letter should consist of the following parts.

  • Header
  • Greetings
  • Introduction
  • Body
  • Conclusion

Let your cover letter tell your hiring managers that you are a valuable asset to their airline.

The goal of the visually appealing and professional header is to accurately present your contact details. It will help interested employers to contact you easily. The use of a header establishes an identity.

Greetings:

Reading their name on a piece of paper helps anyone to connect with that the information coming ahead. It will present you as a professional being, who took their time out to write a personalized letter to the recruiter. Start with the recruiter’s name, for example, Hello …, or Dear Mr or Ms “Surname”.

However, a first-name basis is not recommended unless you or the recruiter know each other personally. You can use the surname and go with “Dear”, “Greetings”, or simply “Hello”.

Introduction:

This part of your cover letter is actually a lifting one. Here you will introduce yourself and the job post you are seeking, for which aircraft you are applying. Include a line about the airline which you are applying to.

For example: “After knowing about the position for Wonder Airlines’ search for an experienced Airline Pilot, I was eager to submit my resume for this role.”

Cover letter body:

This section is extremely important. In this part, you will tell about yourself without actually telling about yourself. Does that make sense? Let’s see that.

You should tell about yourself with the underlying idea of how you will benefit their airline and why they should choose YOU among all the candidates. You have to prove how highly skilled and professional you are.

Your cover letter needs to be exceptional. If possible, talk to the interviewer through your cover letter and let him/her know why you are different and why they should flip the page to your resume.

Cover letter Example i.e. Introduction: “I have been a commercial airline pilot for the past five years and have experience flying a variety of aircraft. I am confident that I have extensive experience and related skills that would make me an excellent addition to your team. I take great pride in offering a comfortable and safe experience for my passengers. I’ve undertaken a variety of flight operations, from small cargo aircraft to intercontinental passenger jets.”

The main objective of the cover letter body is to inculcate the recruiter’s confidence by establishing a connection between your background, skills, and relevant extensive experience and the potential interests of the hiring airline.

Closing:

Your letter should not end abruptly instead make a proper ending. Make it stand out. CTA (Call To Action) is a must-end in your cover letter. End your cover letter by telling them you look forward to hearing back soon.

To close your entire letter, simply finish it with “Best regards”, or “Sincerely”. The main objective of the closing paragraph is to inculcate a positive ending that ideally results in hiring.

Tips for writing an exceptional pilot cover letter

  • Ideally, your cover letter should be one page long. 300-400 words.
  • The tone should be professional, and semi-formal. And use an active voice in your sentences.
  • Just remember your cover letter should be personalized right from the start till the end.
  • Use 2 as a line spacing
  • The overall look should be well-crafted, neat, and smooth.
  • Keep remembering that readability is everything. Don’t use complex vocabulary, don’t make it too wordy. Keep it simple.
  • Proofread it to avoid any spelling mistakes.

Pilot cover letter examples

The following pilot cover letter example will help you create your own outstanding text. You can get an idea about writing an effective letter through this commercial airline pilot cover letter template.

Dear Chief Pilot and Hiring Manager,

I read your posting for a Pilot position. Upon learning of Wonder Airlines’ search for an experienced Commercial Airline Pilot, I was immediately eager to submit my resume for your review.

I have a bachelor’s degree in aviation. I have been an airline pilot for the past five years and have experience flying a variety of aircraft. I am confident that I have extensive experience and related skills that would make me an excellent addition to your team. I take great pride in offering a comfortable and safe experience for my passengers. I’ve undertaken a variety of flight operations, from small cargo aircraft to intercontinental passenger jets.

I have flown a variety of different-sized aircraft, from large intercontinental passenger aircraft to smaller cargo. I have operated many commercial airlines and . And I am familiar with all monitoring procedures of all systems during a commercial flight and I know how to take the appropriate action in any emergency situation. I have been in charge of leading and participating in the accomplishments of my flight crew by verifying that each safety process was completed.

Please take a look at the attached copies of my logbooks and the note-worthy quantity of flight time that I have earned while on this rewarding career path. I am more than happy and prepared to serve your team at Wonder Airlines with my extraordinary services.

Attached are my resume, and letters of recommendation. Thank you for your consideration.

I shall be waiting for your valuable response.

Sincerely,
XYZ

This cover letter example might help you. Personalize it according to your needs.

Final thoughts

Cover letters can be tricky for airline pilots, but following a few simple tips will help you create a letter that stands out from the rest. By tailoring your letter to the specific company and position you’re applying for, being concise and clear, and using strong action verbs, you can give yourself the best chance to land a job interview. So what are you waiting for? Get started on your perfect cover letter today! If our article helped you out, let us know in the comments below. We love hearing from our readers!

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Jet pilot @NASA

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