Kathleen Said:

I'm applying for the Scottish Prison Service. Help me please.?

We Answered:

Personally I'd explain to them this:


"Here, I have some excellent references from previous employment. I dont feel that my most recent job is representative of my abilities - it was simply somethign to pay the bills while looking for a career change. As such I havent organised a reference from my line manager at Morrisons, although I can egt one if this is necessary."

And hope they dont call your bluff.

Bernard Said:

do you have to be really smart to get into an airline job?

We Answered:

First of all, congratulations. You're over a BIG hump.

Now, on your question. I've spent many years in aviation, but am a mechanic, not a pilot. Frankly, I would say that the intelligence level of pilots , GA and airline both, that I've interacted with varies greatly - some are Mensa candidates and some ... aren't. However, they all seem to have several common traits - an ability to read and "semi-memorize" procedure quickly, interpret standing procedures to accomplish their job, which might be unique and not completely covered by their guidance, and (for most of them) a good operational knowledge of WHY procedures/systems work the way they do. This doesn't necessarily mean that they have a real clue HOW the system works, but the understand clearly that "If I do X, I'll get Y", and "we do Z to keep the tail from hitting on rotation". That sort of thing.

I would also ask this - have you ever been to a FlightSafety or other type rating course? A lot of guys I know call it "drinking through a firehose". So from what I know, being "really smart" isn't so much a factor as how FAST and THOROUGHLY you learn what's important.

Also, most pilots I know that hired on with the majors had prepped for the interview process by one of several ways. Either they knew someone who got hired and asked him/her, or they used books/websites.

And don't forget, there are plenty of guys who never flew for the major airlines and have had/are having wonderful careers in aviation.

Sally Said:

Alternative Psychology Careers?

We Answered:

First off, congratulations on your achievements! Be proud of what you succeeded at accomplishing -as it truly is remarkable and worthy of acknowledging for your own "sense-of-self."

Next, in two weeks when you receive your Masters, run as fast and as far as possible from your present work in that particular school!! If you even hesitate, you'll get sucked into doing exactly what you are very clear that you don not want to do.

Now, the good news -the world needs people like you!! And because of your academic success -and delightful articulation of your thoughts and feelings- you will not have any difficulty in settling in to do what you prefer ... in fact, the only way that will not occur is if you "edit yourself" out of the opportunities.

As you know (mentioned in your post), the world does not revolve around theoretical academicians, and there are wonderful opportunities for individuals with your competencies within business, government, and yes, educational institutions (not like the one you presently are linked with).

In my view, the nexus of your situation is that you do not want to fall into the trap of the "traditional" academic dance (i.e., read and analyze a convoy of other theorists ... write a paper that is 80% sourced material, 10% your thoughts, and 10% a blend of the two ... struggle to first find relevant grants and then beat the h*** out of yourself to actually write the grant ... and then get restrained by the severely constricted parameters of the grant ... and, of course, all the while, be sure your name shows up in a few journals here and there). As I said, run fast and far!!

All-in-all, you must reframe your lens to ignore the foreground of traditional education -as well as anyone and anyplace that puts a premium on that perspective. As such, for your PhD -or maybe- PsyD, seriously screen those schools that come across as traditional ... you'll be bored-to-tears, frustrated and angry and, most likely, become another statistic within the ranks of the ABDs ... and educational institutions sit around scratching their heads -and other parts of their anatomy- wondering why sooooooooo many doctoral students do not complete the program!!

Part II to follow ....

Dianne Said:

Can I apply for Job Seekers Allowance whilst applying for Armed Forces?

We Answered:

If you're going to sign on you'll still be expected to look for work until then i.e. a temporary job, or in case this one falls through.

In reality they will probably just leave you alone if they know you have something lined up. It's not exactly difficult to fill in their stupid booklet with vague crap every 2 weeks anyway.

Yvonne Said:

Can apply for both the Navy and The RAF at the same time?

We Answered:

Its your right as is theirs to say NO to you.

Nora Said:

What career would suit me?

We Answered:

Dog jackeroffer

Morris Said:

Im 18 year's old and I struggle with basic maths?

We Answered:

Taking that course is a really good idea. Being motivated will also make a big difference for you. You may want to hire a private tutor to help you. A teacher who teaches the same kind of math you are struggling with would be the best choice.