Day in the Life

A Day in the Life: Aviation Recruiter

Guest Blog by Phoebe Gavin, Aviation Recruiter at The Best Connection Staines

‘As an Aviation Recruitment Consultant, there’s nothing like a strong cup of coffee to kick-start the day! My mornings usually begin with a review of emails, calendar updates, and setting out a clear to-do list to help prioritise key tasks. These can range from onsite meetings and security interviews to planning sourcing strategies and coordinating with clients to ensure staffing plans are in place and aligned with operational needs. 

No two days are ever the same, but my core responsibilities include: 

• Sourcing and screening candidates for aviation roles 

• Conducting interviews and assessing candidate suitability 

• Catching up with clients, whether face-to-face or over the phone 

• Making sales calls and building new business relationships 

• Consulting with clients to understand role requirements and ensure efficient staffing 

• Supporting temporary staff with queries and sharing industry insights to boost their employability 

Having been established for over 30 years, The Best Connection has built strong, trusted relationships within the aviation industry. Word of mouth plays a huge part in our success, it’s incredibly rewarding when current or past temporary workers recommend us to friends and family. Alongside that, we have access to a wide range of job boards, allowing us to reach a broad and diverse pool of candidates and secure the very best talent. 

When it comes to client relationships, I believe the key is simply being yourself. I make a conscious effort to stay connected with my current clients, focusing on increasing our business share by spec-ing in strong, available candidates. I also ensure I’m regularly engaging with new business prospects — whether through phone calls, emails, or a message on LinkedIn — so that I stay top of mind when they’re in need of agency staffing support. Many clients also enjoy a good chat, and being personable helps me better understand their specific needs. Trust, transparency, and a tailored approach are at the heart of what I offer. When I’m authentic and consistent, I build long-term, trusted partnerships, something I find truly fulfilling.  

Aviation recruitment is unique. The sector demands a high level of attention due to longer processes and in-depth vetting requirements. Open, regular communication is vital to keep candidates engaged throughout. We’ve worked closely with important stakeholders within the business to provide clarity and support at every stage, helping candidates feel confident and prepared as they step into their new roles. 

Maintaining strong communication with my candidates is something I take pride in. Aviation roles often involve a lot of documentation and back-and-forth, so those who are responsive, clear, and organised really stand out. Enthusiasm also makes a big difference as the aviation sector is full of opportunity, and it’s fantastic when candidates recognise and embrace that. 

What motivates me most in my role is receiving positive feedback from both clients and candidates. It’s a real reminder of the impact we have. The role also brings constant variety and fresh challenges, from complex vetting processes to designing tailored workforce solutions, so there’s always an opportunity to think creatively and grow professionally. 

In terms of key skills: 

• Recruitment: Resilience. Every day presents new challenges, and having a positive mindset helps you adapt, overcome setbacks, and celebrate the wins, big or small. 

• Aviation: Attention to detail. There’s no room for error when it comes to compliance, qualifications, and candidate suitability. Precision is everything. 

To anyone considering a career in recruitment — go for it! I genuinely love what I do. It’s dynamic, rewarding, and packed with potential. Recruitment is a vast, ever-evolving industry, offering endless opportunities to learn, grow, and make a real difference.’