Sofema Aviation Services considers the best practices for sourcing candidates as part of the Recruitment Process for Aviation Administrative & Technical Staff.
Introduction – Considering the Sourcing Methods
Sourcing candidates for aviation training administration and technical support requires a strategic blend of traditional and modern methods.
While traditional methods like job boards and recruitment agencies remain valuable, modern approaches involving social media, professional networks, and virtual events are increasingly important.
Each method has its own set of best practices and challenges, and a balanced, well-rounded recruitment strategy that leverages multiple channels is essential to attract the best talent in the aviation industry.
- Job Boards:
o Several job boards are available including
Best Practices:
o Clearly outline the required certifications, technical skills, and experience specific to aviation training administration and technical support.
o Use aviation-specific keywords and certifications (e.g., FAA, EASA, Part 147) to attract qualified candidates.
o Regularly update job postings to reflect the current needs and remove them once positions are filled.
Challenges:
o While these boards attract industry-specific talent, the pool may be smaller compared to general job boards.
o High volume of applications can still be an issue, requiring thorough screening processes.
- Recruitment Agencies:
o Description: Specialized aviation recruitment agencies like Aviation Recruiting and TARCG assist in finding suitable candidates for aviation roles.
Best Practices:
o Clearly communicate the unique requirements of aviation training and technical support roles to the agency.
o Provide feedback on candidates to refine the search and improve future results.
Challenges:
o Clearly communicate the unique requirements of aviation training and technical support roles to the agency.
o These agencies can be expensive due to their specialized focus.
o The quality of candidates can depend on the agency’s understanding of specific aviation training and support needs.
- Employee Referrals:
o Employees refer potential candidates from their professional networks within the aviation industry.
Best Practices:
o Offer attractive incentives for successful referrals and clear guidelines on the skills and certifications required.
o Regularly remind employees of the referral program and highlight the types of roles being recruited for.
o Referrals might lead to a lack of diversity if employees refer individuals with similar backgrounds and experiences.
o Relying too much on referrals can narrow the candidate pool and overlook
external talent.
- Modern Methods
o Social Media – Platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter (X) are used to post job openings and engage with potential candidates within the aviation sector.
Best Practices:
o Share content related to aviation training, certifications, industry news, and technological advancements.
o Use social media advertising to target individuals with specific aviation skills and interests.
o Join and participate in aviation-focused groups and forums to build a presence and connect with potential candidates.
Challenges:
o Maintaining an active and engaging social media presence requires continuous effort.
o Ensuring consistent messaging and branding across multiple platforms can be complex.
- Professional Networks – Networks like LinkedIn and professional aviation associations (e.g., NBAA, AOPA) are used to connect with potential candidates.
Best Practices:
o Attending industry conferences, webinars, and association meetings to build relationships and establish the company as a leader in aviation training.
o Use LinkedIn’s search and messaging features to reach out to candidates with specific aviation experience and certifications.
o Regularly share relevant content, such as industry insights, training updates, and technological advancements in aviation.
Challenges:
o Many companies are vying for the same pool of qualified aviation professionals.
o Ensuring that the professional networks and groups are directly relevant to the specific roles being filled
- Virtual Career Fairs and Webinars – Hosting virtual events to connect with potential candidates and showcase opportunities in aviation training administration and technical support.
Best Practices:
o Incorporate Q&A sessions, live demonstrations, and interactive discussions to engage participants.
o Promptly follow up with attendees to maintain interest and provide additional information.
Challenges:
o Ensuring a smooth technical experience for all participants can be challenging.
o Promoting the event effectively to ensure high attendance and participation, especially for specialized roles.
Next Steps
Sofema Online Soft Skills Aviation Leadership and Management Skills Development training courses are designed to specifically focus on the needs and challenges of an effective Aviation Leader and the techniques to improve and develop Management Skills.
Please see www.sofemaonline.com for details of Aviation Leadership Training Courses or email team@sassofia.com
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AOPA, Aviation Leadership and Management Skills Development training, Aviation Leadership Training Courses, Aviation Training, Aviation Training Administration, LinkedIn, Management Skills, NBAA, SAS blogs, Technical Staff, Webinars
