Aviation management professionals coordinate operations for airports, airlines or other aviation-related businesses. Career paths include aviation operations manager, director of operations, chief operations officer, project manager and business consultant. A degree in aviation management also prepares candidates for jobs in air traffic control, airport planning and airport security.
Professionals with elevated qualifications, such as the online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Aviation Management program from Henderson State University (HSU), are eligible for the top jobs in this field. However, in addition to possessing the skills and education provided by this program, job candidates must know how to “sell” their qualifications and experiences when applying for roles in aviation management.
Building an Aviation Manager Resume
As in any career field, employers seeking aviation managers look closely at candidates’ resumes. Those with an impressive resume have a better chance of securing interviews and convincing hiring managers that they are ideal for the role.
According to Indeed, there are three resume formats: chronological, functional and combination. Candidates with relevant work experience may choose to feature a chronological format showcasing their career path in the industry. Candidates new to the aviation management field may choose a functional format to highlight management skills they acquired in other industries. Combination resumes are well suited to professionals with experience and skills to highlight.
Regardless of the chosen format, the layout must be clean and organized. Include relevant information on the first page. Keep the length concise, ideally one to two pages. Use whitespace and save the resume as a PDF to preserve formatting and ensure clarity across different devices.
Creating a Strong Objective Statement
The first thing at the top of any resume needs to be contact information. The next thing a potential employer will read is the opening or objective statement. Verbs are action words, and a good objective statement begins with a verb, such as the following example: “To secure a position as an aircraft manager where I can use my years of experience managing day-to-day operations in other industries to effectively manage airport operations.” This opening statement should include a summary of your career that aligns with the job.
Include Experience, Certifications and Achievements
Aviation experience is a strong asset that should feature first, following the opening statement. Highlighting job experience and relevant skills in other industries is also valuable. Remember that a resume is not a one-size-fits-all document and should suit each position specifically. Highlight experience and skills that match the job description, like program coordination, risk mitigation, project management and financial management.
Work experience is typically presented in reverse chronological order, beginning with current or most recent job experience. Include job titles, employment dates and employer information. In bullet points, list the most relevant responsibilities for each position included.
Any career achievements or notable accomplishments in any field, including awards, scholarships, certifications or successful projects, will illustrate a track record of success. Include your educational accomplishments, particularly those related to aviation management.
Employers look for candidates who demonstrate leadership outside of work, so if you have volunteer work or extracurricular activities, include those at the end.
Skills Needed for Aviation Management
Many management skills apply to a wide variety of career fields. Skills that employers look for include leadership, communication, analytical, problem-solving, customer service, adaptability, collaboration, team management, flexibility and project management. Additional skills that make resumes stand out include language proficiency, professional development accomplishments, stress management and time management.
Before Submitting a Resume
Proofread, proofread and proofread. Don’t rely on a spellchecker for proofreading. There’s only one opportunity to make a first impression, so don’t waste it by appearing careless. Have someone with an eye for editing read the resume as well. Make sure it includes keywords that hiring managers will be expecting. Submit the resume only once there are no errors and it seems custom-made for the potential job. Also, following up with the employer on your submission after a few weeks allows you to show initiative, emphasize your interest and refocus attention on your resume.
An Advanced Degree Elevates Aviation Management Qualifications
Professionals who want to become leaders with high-demand qualifications can earn an MBA with a concentration in Aviation Management online from HSU. This program will help you develop effective leadership and analytical skills to achieve organizational objectives.
Learn more about Henderson State University’s online MBA with a concentration in Aviation Management program.
