J. Kent Staffing, a Denver based, independent provider of professional staffing services since 1979 has worked in a broad range of industries that keep our Denver economy moving. Denver is an exciting, vibrant city, and since the 1982 recession, its increased business diversification has presented unusual and interesting job opportunities. One of those unique opportunities presents itself in the transportation industry, in a niche business known as, the “private aviation sector.”
In an October 28, 2012 Reuter’s article, Scott Malone reported that Honeywell International Inc. forecasts demand for corporate jets has begun to recover from a post-recession low and is likely to rise over the next decade, with $250 billion worth of new aircraft delivered by 2022. Wow!
Business jet, private jet, or bizjet, is a term describing a jet aircraft, usually of smaller size, designed for transporting groups of up to 19 individuals. Business jets may be adapted for other roles, such as the evacuation of casualties or express parcel deliveries, and some are used by public bodies, government officials, or the armed forces. The more formal terms of corporate jet, executive jet, VIP transportor, business jets tend to be used by the firms that build, sell, buy, and charter these aircraft. According to Wikipedia, this describes the private aviation sector.
J. Kent’s client, an international aviation provider of private jet services has also begun to see an increased use of their charter jets by individuals and business alike, as confidence in the economy rises again. This is good news to the firm’s employees, their pilots who fly a fleet of 18 jets, and the operations and maintenance crew that support the private aviation firm’s exemplary safety record.
With business picking up in all of their service lines—private charter, aircraft management, concierge service, and aircraft sales—the 33-year old company was ready to add to staff. Due to an increase in customers, the firm’s Flight Coordinator was not able to handle the demands of their high net-worth customer, or top executives expecting the best in customer care and service. A decision was made to add an Assistant Flight Coordinator and test the waters using a Temp-to-Hire Staffing Option.
Above everything else our client was looking for someone with impeccable customer service skills—someone with great people skills that has the ability to meet and exceed the expectations of their unique customer base. Executive management decided that they would train for the position and that a recent-college graduate seeking their first corporate experience would be an excellent candidate for the newly created position. The Assistant Flight Coordinator would work closely with, and be trained by, the company’s primary Flight Director and be responsible for:
Danielle, a native of California, graduated in 2011 from the University of Colorado with a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Psychology. After graduation in May 2011, jobs were scarce, the competition fierce, and the unemployment rate was still well over 8 percent. As with many recent-college graduates challenged by the 2008 Great Recession, survival meant weaving together several jobs, if one was so lucky. During this time, Danielle gained experience in the restaurant and retail industries, where her customer service skills were frequently tested. Looking back, this was probably a good training ground for the Assistant Flight Coordinator position.
In August, 2012, Danielle contacted J. Kent Staffing and subsequently successfully completed the J. Kent Process for applicants. Shortly thereafter, J. Kent’s Staffing Manager identified Danielle as an excellent candidate for the Assistant Flight Coordinator, Temp-to-Hire position. She was one of three final candidates interviewed and received a job offer.
Although all three candidates had similar background and experience, Danielle’s customer service skills and exceptional communication style made her a standout. However, the probing and intelligent questions she asked during the interview is what landed her a great Denver job. Good job and good for you, Danielle!