1. Prepare Your Stuff

Of course, you need to have your certificates, type ratings, medical documentation, and logbook in order. You’ve probably already submitted the required documents, but bring everything to the interview just in case they want to double-check something. Also, make sure you have a rough idea of your own numbers. You don’t want to be caught saying “Well… I’m not sure” when asked how much IFR time you have.

Most likely, they won’t go through your documents in detail, but that’s not the point. What matters is that you show them you’re structured and organized. That’s a key trait in any professional cockpit.

2. Know the Operation

Spend some time reading about the company and the kind of flying they do. Learn what you can about their fleet, their bases, and their destinations. If you can talk to someone already working there, that’s golden. You don’t need to know every detail, but showing that you’ve made an effort speaks volumes.

If they give you any material ahead of the interview, take it seriously. Being a pilot means preparing for what you’re about to do, and that starts long before takeoff.

3. Show Your Personality

This is easier said than done. It’s normal to be nervous when your future is at stake. But once they know you’re qualified, the rest of the interview is about figuring out whether you’d be a good colleague. Can they imagine flying with you? Spending time together during cruise, on layovers, or over dinner?

Don’t be afraid to show a bit of humor. Not a full stand-up routine — just a light touch. No one wants to work with a clown, but they don’t want to sit next to someone dull as toast either.

Flying is a team sport. Being technically solid is expected. Being a decent human that people enjoy working with is what gets you hired.

4. Know Your Goals

You’ll often get the classic “Where do you see yourself in five or ten years?” question. It’s a good one to think about ahead of time, and it’s smart to tailor your answer a bit depending on the company.

Some operations are looking for steady, reliable pilots who are happy to stay in one seat for the long haul. If you talk too much about climbing the ladder, you might make them worry that you’ll leave in six months. On the other hand, smaller operators may be looking for people who want to get involved, take responsibility, and help grow the business. In that case, ambition might be exactly what they want to hear.

Be honest about your goals, but also try to connect them to what the company needs. That shows both self-awareness and team thinking.

5. The Psychology Side

Some interviews include a psychologist. Even if they don’t, psychology is always part of the picture. CRM is a big deal in aviation, and it’s something they’ll be evaluating whether it’s on the schedule or not.

It’s a tricky balance. A good pilot has to have integrity and the courage to speak up when something isn’t right. But you also need humility. Everyone makes mistakes. What matters is how you own them and how you communicate with your crew. That’s where social skills come into play.

Once, during a personality test, I was asked, “All human beings have equal value,” and I had to answer on a scale from fully disagree to totally agree. At first, it seemed obvious to pick totally agree. But I chose fully disagree. When the psychologist asked me why, I explained that while it’s a beautiful idea that all people have equal value at birth, our actions in life can change that. I said it wouldn’t make sense to value someone like Hitler the same way after what he did. The psychologist liked the answer. He told me that people who are willing to choose the ends of the scale, rather than always going for the safe middle, often show confidence and integrity.

6. Prepare for the Technical Part

Some interviews include a simulator check. If you're inexperienced, this can feel intimidating. That’s totally normal. But let me remind you what really matters here, and it’s not being perfect.

You’re not expected to know everything or to fly like a seasoned line captain. What the interviewers want to see is whether you do your best based on your experience, training, and background. They want to understand how you approach a situation, how you think, and how you behave in a cockpit.

What matters is that you try your best for the best outcome. You communicate clearly. You involve and include the other crew member. You work as a team. If something goes wrong, and it probably will, you stay calm, keep your energy positive, and keep trying. Giving up or losing focus is worse than making a mistake.

Just like with the interview itself, if you’re given material beforehand, study it. If they provide company SOPs or procedural notes, take that seriously. Show that you’ve prepared and do your best to follow their procedures. That’s part of the job, and they want to see that you take it seriously.

No one expects a flawless flight. What they will notice is how you carry yourself when things get messy. That’s the test.

Final tip in this section: Don’t try to play a role. Don’t act like someone you think they want. Be yourself and trust that you have what it takes. That kind of honesty and self-awareness is hard to fake, and it usually stands out in a good way.

Final Thoughts

Pilot interviews can be intense, but they’re also an opportunity to show who you really are — not just as a pilot, but as a colleague and a professional. Be honest, be prepared, and bring the mindset you’d bring to any flight. The rest will take care of itself.