From An Aviation Recruiters Perspective

Written by Siobhan Miller

My name is Siobhan Miller and I am an Associate Account Manager at Oaklands Global

Aviation Recruitment and Executive Search. In simple terms, I connect exceptional aviation and aerospace professionals with world class organisations across the globe.

In reality, my role is far more dynamic than that. Recruitment is fast paced, people focused and constantly evolving. No two days are the same. One minute I am speaking with a candidate about their long term career goals, the next I am advising a client on market trends or helping shape a strategic hiring plan.

It definitely keeps you on your toes. One of my favourite parts of the job is getting out into the industry itself. I have been lucky enough to visit clients and attend exhibitions, which has been incredibly insightful. There is something so valuable about putting a face to a name and strengthening relationships in person. Aviation may be global, but it is also a surprisingly small world. Building and maintaining a strong network is everything.

How did you get into aviation recruitment, and what attracted you to this side of the

industry?

My journey was not entirely traditional. From a young age, I loved aviation. After sixth form, I found myself at that familiar crossroads: university or travel. I chose to defer university and joined British Airways as Cabin Crew. Getting paid to travel the world felt too good to pass up. The original plan was to fly for a year and then head back to my studies. That year turned into over two because I absolutely loved it. The lifestyle, the people, the energy of the industry. It is hard to explain unless you have experienced it

yourself, but aviation has a buzz that is difficult to replicate elsewhere.

Then Covid changed everything. Like so many people in the industry, I suddenly needed a plan B. I moved into a role within the NHS during that time, which was an eye-opening

experience in many ways. However, I always knew I wanted to find my way back into aviation. As I grew older, I was not completely sure returning to flying was right for me. Priorities shift and responsibilities grow. What I did know was that I wanted to stay connected to the industry I felt passionate about.

Aviation recruitment turned out to be the perfect fit. It allows me to use my firsthand industry experience while supporting both clients and candidates through major career decisions. Over three years later, I am still here and genuinely cannot imagine being in a more rewarding corner of the aviation world.

From a recruiter’s perspective, what makes a great application stand out?

This might surprise you, but it is rarely the flashiest CV that stands out.

The strongest applications are clear, relevant and intentional. The first thing I notice is alignment. Great candidates understand the role they are applying for and tailor their CV accordingly. That does not mean rewriting your entire career history every time, but it does mean highlighting the experience, skills and certifications that are directly relevant to that position. In aviation, detail matters.

Clarity is another huge differentiator. A strong CV tells a story I can follow in under a minute. Clear job titles, dates, aircraft types, systems, regulatory environments and certifications help me quickly understand your background. When I do not have to guess or search for key information, you are already ahead.

And yes, genuine passion does come through. Whether it is steady career progression,

continued training or a short professional summary explaining why aviation matters to you, candidates who truly care about the industry leave a lasting impression.

What are the most common mistakes you see on CVs or applications?

Most rejections do not happen because someone is not good enough. They happen because the application does not fully reflect how capable that person actually is.

One of the biggest mistakes I see is a generic CV. The same document sent to every role, every company and every location. Aviation roles are often highly specific. A generic CV can make even a strong candidate appear misaligned on paper. Small adjustments to emphasise relevant experience can make a significant difference.

Another common issue is missing or unclear information. I regularly see CVs without dates,aircraft types, licence details or explanations for employment gaps. None of these are automatic deal breakers, but when key details are missing, it slows the process and can raise unnecessary questions. Formatting is also important. Over designed CVs with graphics, text boxes or tiny fonts might look creative, but they can be difficult to read and do not always work well with applicant tracking systems. Simple, clean and professional will always win. And please, always follow the instructions on the job advert. If specific documents or certifications are requested, include them. Overlooking small details can unfortunately result in an automatic rejection, even if you are otherwise a strong fit.

What advice would you give to someone who keeps getting rejections and feels

discouraged?

First, your feelings are completely valid. Job searching can be emotionally draining. You are investing time, effort and hope into every single application. However, a rejection is not a judgment of your worth or potential. In aviation recruitment, there are many factors behind the scenes that candidates never see. Timing, internal changes, budget approvals and competition all play a role.

If you feel stuck, shift your focus from quantity to quality. Instead of applying for dozens of roles with the same CV, pause and reassess. Refine your CV. Make sure it clearly reflects where you want to go next, not just where you have been. Seek feedback where possible. Even small tweaks can lead to better outcomes.

It is also okay to take a short break. Burnout during a job search is real. Stepping back for a week to reset your mindset does not mean giving up. It means protecting your confidence and energy.

What is one final piece of advice you would give to anyone applying for roles in aviation right now?

Treat every application as a professional introduction, not a formality.

Aviation is a small world. Recruiters talk. Hiring managers remember names. The impression you make today could open a door later, even if this particular opportunity does not work out.

Be honest about your experience. Be clear about what you bring to the table and what you are still working towards. You do not need to be perfect. You need to be professional,

proactive and self aware.

And above all, do not lose sight of why you chose aviation in the first place. It is demanding, competitive and sometimes unpredictable, but it is also filled with opportunity for those who stay committed and keep learning.

From someone who reads applications every single day, I promise you this. We are not looking for reasons to say no. We are looking for reasons to say yes. Help us see yours.