Trying to make a decision

I was with Delta for almost 14 years at the Dallas/Fort Worth hangar working in the 757 overhaul bays. But they closed DFW in 2004 and now I'm in a real dead end job. I didn't transfer to Atlanta in 04 because we wanted to stay close to our grandkids, who were little at the time. It was and still is a good decision, though I miss working for Delta.

One of the problems you'll run into is the current generation of managers who run the aviation maintenance business. Most don't know which end of the airplane flies through the air first. But they're the ones in charge making all the decisions, including hiring decisions.

Even though I'm still working in aviation, albeit at a very low paying job, I was recently told that it's been too long since I've done any structural sheetmetal repair and that's why I would not be considered for the job I was applying for (I work in engine parts inspection). That's what happens when you put college boys in charge with no real world experience. Most of the people nowadays who manage hangars and other aviation repair facilities HAVE NEVER TURNED A WRENCH!! The guy doing the interview was convinced that I had become completely incompetent in just a few short years. The truth is, I wouldn't want to work for someone like that anyway, someone whose mind is made up and not willing to listen. That wouldn't be a good person to work for.

(with all due apologies to the college grads here who DO know what it's like to get your hands dirty, no slight intended, but too many today don't know what it's like to get their hands dirty,)

But if you can get an interview, ask them tough questions. Don't hold back. You're interviewing them just as much as they're interviewing you. Ask them if they're hiring such a large number of people with the intent of letting most of them go later on down the road. Ask them about their attrition rate. Be respectful, but let them know you're not looking for a temp job.

I second the need for prayer. As a Christian, I still have to ask hard questions when I go to interviews. I'm 52 and can't afford surprises.