How to Write the Perfect Airline or Flight School CV & Cover Letter — with a Little Help from Aviation Insider
In the highly competitive world of aviation, your CV and cover letter are more than just formalities. Whether you’re aiming for a cadet programme, a commercial pilot role, or a cabin crew position, these documents are your first impression. And in many cases, your only chance to get your foot in the door.
At Aviation Insider, we specialise in helping aspiring aviation professionals present themselves in the best possible light. From CV and cover letter writing to interview and group exercise preparation, we offer expert tools and support to help you stand out from the crowd.
Here’s how to write a job-winning CV and cover letter tailored to the aviation industry, and how we can help make it even better.
Step 1: Start With Your Goal
Before you begin writing, define the purpose of your CV. Are you applying for a cadet scheme, switching airlines, or seeking your first job out of flight school? Your target role will determine the structure, tone, and emphasis of your CV.
There’s no universal template that works for every role. That’s why we offer custom-built CVs, designed specifically for the airline or flight school you’re targeting.⸻
Step 2: Choose the Right CV Format
There are three main CV formats used across the aviation industry:
1. Reverse-Chronological CV
This is the most widely accepted format and is often preferred by recruiters. It lists your most recent experience first and works well for applicants with steady work or training history. Use this format if you have solid experience in aviation or are applying for roles that prioritise previous employment.
2. Functional (Skills-Based) CV
This format focuses more on your skill set than your employment timeline. It’s suitable for career changers, recent graduates, or those with gaps in their work history. Be aware that this format is less common in aviation and can sometimes be viewed unfavourably by recruiters, so it must be crafted with care.
3. Hybrid CV
Combining the best of both worlds, the hybrid format balances work history and skills. It’s ideal for applicants with some relevant experience but perhaps a few gaps in their timeline, or those transitioning into aviation from a different industry.
If you’re unsure which format suits you best, Aviation Insider offers a CV review and formatting service to help you make the right choice.
Step 3: Make It ATS-Friendly
Most airlines and flight schools now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter applications. That means your CV needs to pass a software check before a human even sees it.
To beat the ATS, make sure your CV:
- Includes keywords and phrases from the job description
- Is cleanly formatted with clear headings and logical structure
- Avoids graphics, tables, or unusual fonts
- Is saved as a PDF or DOCX file
- Uses professional language without unnecessary buzzwords
We can run your CV through our own ATS simulation tools and provide feedback to ensure you’re not rejected by the system before you even get started.
Step 4: Tailor Your Cover Letter
Your cover letter is your opportunity to speak directly to the recruiter. Avoid repeating your CV word-for-word. Instead, focus on:
- Why you want the specific role or to work with that airline
- How your background and skills match the job requirements
- What value you can bring to the company
- Any specific motivation for pursuing a career in aviation
A strong cover letter should be one page or less, clearly written, and focused on your passion for the industry. It should reflect the tone of the airline – formal for flag carriers, more relaxed for low-cost or lifestyle airlines.
Not sure how to approach it? Our cover letter writing service provides customised letters for individual airline applications, ensuring your message is clear, professional, and impactful.
Step 5: Quantify Your Achievements
Aviation is a performance-driven industry. When listing previous roles or training, include measurable outcomes:
- Flight hours logged
- Simulator types flown
- Customer satisfaction metrics (for cabin crew)
- Exam scores or licensing achievements
- Project outcomes (if applying for operational roles)
By showing results rather than listing tasks, you highlight your value as a candidate.
Step 6: Be Professional, But Personal
Recruiters want to see evidence of professionalism, but they also want to get a sense of who you are. A short personal statement can do wonders when written well – just a few sentences that summarise your qualifications, experience, and goals.
For example:
Commercial pilot with a strong safety record and over 300 hours on the A320 family. Trained to EASA standards and highly motivated to join a forward-thinking airline where I can grow my flying career while contributing to operational excellence.
Step 7: Prepare for What Comes Next
Once your CV and cover letter are ready, the next step is preparation for the interview and group exercises – both of which are common in the aviation selection process.
At Aviation Insider, we provide:
- One-to-one interview coaching tailored to the airline or flight school
- Group exercise preparation with typical scenarios and assessment criteria
- Airline-specific prep packs with real-life example questions and insider advice
We’ve helped thousands of candidates succeed at assessments with airlines such as easyJet, British Airways, Ryanair, Wizz Air, TUI, and many more.
Your CV and cover letter are more than just admin – they’re the gateway to your dream job. Taking the time to build a high-quality, tailored application will massively increase your chances of getting noticed.
If you’re not sure where to start, let us help. Aviation Insider offers:
- CV building and review services
- Cover letter creation
- Mock interviews and group assessment training
- Custom airline prep packs
Whether you’re just starting your career or aiming for your next role, we’ll make sure your application reflects the best version of you.
Ready to take off? Explore our preparation services or get in touch today.
