Continental Class Date

[SlapShot]

It is my understanding that when you are invited for an interview with CAL, they have a specific class date in mind for you to attend. Has anyone tried to postpone their class date? If so, how long?

 

[Jonny Sacko]

How long till Southwest calls, do you figure?

 

[jetexas]

Hurry up and get your questions and answers in, as this thread will undoubtadly turn into a sling fest between Pocono Pilot and various others!

 

[cpierse]

It is my understanding that when you are invited for an interview with CAL, they have a specific class date in mind for you to attend. Has anyone tried to postpone their class date? If so, how long?

As I was finishing up my interview at Cal, the Hiring Director took me aside and basically said that he would know within a day or two if I was hired; hypothetically, he said, would I be able to start class in two weeks?

The date they gave me was a little difficult, because I was getting married the weekend before my projected start date. So - against everything I'd ever been taught about how to respond - I did a little tap dance and said that I'd like to delay by a week.

I still got hired and it worked out alright, but in retrospect I probably should have just said "Yes, sir - three bags full..." until I got the offer and then told the Director's secretary that I needed to delay. That would be my recommendation.

 

[jke406]

As I was finishing up my interview at Cal, the Hiring Director took me aside and basically said that he would know within a day or two if I was hired; hypothetically, he said, would I be able to start class in two weeks?

The date they gave me was a little difficult, because I was getting married the weekend before my projected start date. So - against everything I'd ever been taught about how to respond - I did a little tap dance and said that I'd like to delay by a week.

I still got hired and it worked out alright, but in retrospect I probably should have just said "Yes, sir - three bags full..." until I got the offer and then told the Director's secretary that I needed to delay. That would be my recommendation.

any company that can't or won't give you an extra week to get married is worthless. good on them for working with you, and good on you for keeping your priorites straight

 

[tmac3333]

Yes...I know of someone who delayed for several months without any issues. In other words, he did the interview in February or so and got pushed back to a class date TBD, turned out August due to military commitments even though they originally wanted him to start ASAP. Hope that helps.

 

[Plug]

From what I have heard they already have a class and employee number assigned to you when they invite you to the interview, it yours to screw up. That being said, whatever class date they offer can be adjusted for a good reason, going to SWA is not a good reason.

 

[whatitdoing?]

Guys, CAL will give you pretty much what you need. My friend's father died and they said, "No problem, how's tomorrow?"

 

[whatitdoing?]

Wait a sec....where's Pocono? 1, 2, 3, 4............

 

[Crucianpilot]

Just use the ignore function, viola , no more posts. It works great.

 

[CAL to T-1A]

Back in '01 I delayed my class date at CAL by two weeks (despite all the reasons I had heard) so I could go on Spring Break with the wife and kids. Those who took the earlier class date came back from furlough on fifth year pay, we came back on first year pay. It was a very expensive spring break!!!

 

[Tonedrvr]

This past spring after my interview I was offered a start date 4 weeks away. I couldn't start due to a military commitment and they slipped it back another month without any problems. As long as you have a good reason to delay training they won't have a problem with it.

 

[Captain X]

Back in '01 I delayed my class date at CAL by two weeks (despite all the reasons I had heard) so I could go on Spring Break with the wife and kids. Those who took the earlier class date came back from furlough on fifth year pay, we came back on first year pay. It was a very expensive spring break!!!

The glass half-full type looks at this and says:
"Hey, at least you got to spend some quality time with the wife and kids."

The glass half-empty type says:
"If you hadn't delayed your class date, the wife would have gone anyway and ended up hooking up with some strange single man on spring break while you were in class. Divorcing your ass and then taking 50% of that 5th year pay!"

Either way, you end up in the same boat!

 

[zonker]

Does anyone know what equipment/bases they have been offering lately?

 

[Dr.Hwang]

When I showed up for my interview, they gave me the exact date they were planning for my start. They told me what equipment I would most likely expect, and base. There have been four classes in training since I started; all have gotten the 737 in EWR...except for eight guys who were given the 756 EWR. I was told 6-800 new hires planned from September '07 to May '08. That was their hiring goals for the future...until May '08. Not planning for after May '08 until later.
.

 

[Jetjockey]

On the other side of that coin. If you are available sooner, or on a short notice, I'd mention that. It's possible to have your class date moved up.

 

[whymeworry?]

As I was finishing up my interview at Cal, the Hiring Director took me aside and basically said that he would know within a day or two if I was hired; hypothetically, he said, would I be able to start class in two weeks?

The date they gave me was a little difficult, because I was getting married the weekend before my projected start date. So - against everything I'd ever been taught about how to respond - I did a little tap dance and said that I'd like to delay by a week.

I still got hired and it worked out alright, but in retrospect I probably should have just said "Yes, sir - three bags full..." until I got the offer and then told the Director's secretary that I needed to delay. That would be my recommendation.

You gave up a week of seniority for a wedding?

 

[pkober]

Just use the ignore function, viola , no more posts. It works great.

Thanks for the tip.:beer:

 

[XLR8]

On the other side of that coin. If you are available sooner, or on a short notice, I'd mention that. It's possible to have your class date moved up.

This happened to me, at my interview I was told I could expect a Nov 28th class date. I was hired and that's the date I was assigned. Then about 3 days laters they emailed and asked if i wanted a Nov 19th class date. The way I figured, one extra week could be the difference between getting furloughed or not (or coming back to 5th year pay or 1st year pay). They also positive space you home on the weekends which I'm sure a lot of people know but for me, that meant for sure having thanksgiving off which was nice.

At my previous job, had I been in the previous class, I wouldn't have been furloughed so I didn't want to flirt with that again. After 9 months being here I think I have about 400 guys below me, so far it's been good.

 

[Plug]

Latest rumor from the schoolhouse is that there will be slots available on all three fleets for EWR in upcoming classes.

 

[pianoman]

Latest rumor from the schoolhouse is that there will be slots available on all three fleets for EWR in upcoming classes.

I highly doubt the 777 will be open for new-hires, or they might have a LARGE greivance on their hands. There were several people senior to me who weren't able to bid into the seat this last time around. I think the most junior guy to get in was around 737 EWR CA territory.

757/767, definite possibility.

 

[Paul R. Smith]

Anybody get a call today for 10/9?

See you there!!!:beer:

 

[Jonny Sacko]

Congrats!!

 

[whatitdoing?]

Congrats....you'll enjoy it. It's a hard first year, but if you have a postive attitude, it goes by fast. It took me awhile to see that.......