Airbus Experience @jetBlue vs TotalTime

[Kjet]

Just wondering how I might stack up with other JB applicants. My total time is close to 14000. Lots of turbo prop time PIC : (Saab), and 1500hrs of jet PIC time in ERJ's with a stable 15 year career with a regional airline.

Compare this to the 6000 hour pilot with Airbus experience. Who would be more likely to be called? Do they use a computer with a point system for different experiences?
Do they still call those applicates with best experience first?

Thanks

 

[reepicheep]

Kjet, I have similar times to your except it's mostly large airline jet, with an A320 type and 75 hours in type and climbing. I applied in May so we may get an answer to your question.

 

[mach none]

Just looking at the situation from the outside. You both would get the call. The higher time guy probably first. That would depend on the number of recommendation that each person has.

Then it comes down to attitude as you all know.

Just my worthless two cents worth.

 

[reepicheep]

According to what I've heard, recommendations have no bearing on getting an interview at JB; has this changed?

 

[side stick-n]

reepicheep and Kjet,

you are both qualified and your time is in line with those being called for interview. We do use the computer to pull applications for possible interview. Our flight department then looks those apps over and makes the final desicion on who to invite. I don't believe recommendations make much of a difference. I don't know the details of the entire process, but based on the July class of new hires, I would expect you both to get an invite. Make sure you update your app as appropriate and remember, the essay portion of the application is very important.

Good Luck.

BTW, the "good ole boy network" doesn't work here so everyone has an equal opportunity.

 

[Caddaddy]

What essay portion? Is it the one box on the app? How much do you have to write?

 

[side stick-n]

Unless it has change dramatically, there should be a box instructing you to "tell us about your most shining moment". I haven't looked at the "new" app, so if it is not there, please accept my appologies.

 

[side stick-n]

Oooooops

Sorry folks,

Forget about the essay portion. I just looked and see that it isn't present anymore. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[Caddaddy]

I went back and looked also and just found a box where I had to write why I wanted to work at JB. I have a July 16 interview but I've been on the road and havn't opened by preinterview package at home yet. I was called July 2 and I sent in my app on June 3. I wrote a shinning moment essay anyway last night. It kept me busy on the flight to SEA. Any suggestions on interview attire? I havn't done this in 15 years.

 

[side stick-n]

Though it might not work for you, there was a guy that had his baggage lost by an airline other than JB and showed up at the interview in jeans and a T-shirt. Guess what? He got hired. It's a true story as I personally met the gentleman. I went through over a year ago and from what I hear, the dress is the same for all the other interviews. Professional and businesslike. Not flashy and gaudy. I say that because I heard that we recently had a interviewee that wore a leisure suit. You know, one from back in the 70's. He's still looking for a job. If you have any questions, feel free to send me a PM.

Take care and good luck.

 

[Iceman]

Interview

I interviewed with Jetblue June 26 (Wednesday) and got the call the following Monday that I was moving into phase II. Did the prefight on the dark blue suit, white shirt and red tie. Worked for me. Saw various colors (kinda surprised, not the standard as per the interview gouge). Saw the brown suit w/blue shirt and yellow tie, saw a variety of jetblue copycat ties. Stick with the dark blue suit (shows authority, look at the AF, USCG and many airlines) and the red type of tie with the white shirt (Look at the President, red shows sincerity). If I'm not mistaken you have to hand in your "shining moment" and it must be 200 words or less. Next, recommendations don't count until you are in phase II. I got the call from a jetblue rep in Salt Lake City who told me she was conducting my background check and will now call those "Letter of Reference" folks and she will also ask them if they know anyone else that might know me. Here is where the Recommendations come into play. If you know anyone that is at Jetblue (even if you haven't flown with them) get them to fire and e-mail "recommendation" to recruiting. Good luck to you July 16th interviewee's , remember they know you can fly, they now want to get to know you and how you would handle particular situations that can arise.

 

[trueblue]

Do NOT stress the clothes dudes. They don't care what color your suit and shoes are. Be sensible about it, but doesn't matter the tie, black/gray vs blue suit, brown vs black shoes, etc. Spend your preparation and energy in getting to know your past and communicating general stories in S.A.R. format instead of concentrating on what to wear. Best of luck. You're going to love JB!

 

[Caddaddy]

This interview stuff is a bit nerve racking to some of us who havn't interviewed in 15 years. Just getting into the right frame of mind is hard to do. To get the great jobs is still just as hard as I remember from the '80s. Just alot more paper work involved.

 

[jointops]

Kjet and Caddaddy,

I second what stide stick-n and true blue have posted on this thread. The tie doesn't have to be red. As a matter of fact, they like to see the guys coming up with ties that look vaguely like our tail paint schemes (4 total now). I've seen what some of my buddies wore and thought they must have hunted for hours to find some of those ties. Yes, they were hired without the red tie.

I just flew last night with a guy who does the interviewing for us. He said they have filled classes through Oct of this year. As a result, he was told by Dean that they wouldn't interview in Aug.

Now as far as the Airbus experience goes: My class was 16, 6 of whom had Airbus experience, 7 were right out of the military. The class behind me only had 2 Airbus qualified pilots (out of 20 I believe). So obviously, that's not the determining factor. I spoke with Dean last week and he told me they didn't send some guys to Phase II and they did have the Airbus time.

Don't get so caught up in preparing for a jetBlue interview as you would with another company. It's a different experience entirely. They're not looking for someone who has the answers down but can't communicate well and be personable. Case and point the guys who were passed over for Phase II. Dean said specifically, they had the SAR format for the answers, but their personalities indicated they were not what we consider a "company fit". They are still hovering around the 30% marker for those who interview to those who actually get hired.

 

[Kjet]

Thanks for all the great responses. Just a couple more questions.

Is training still in MIA, now many weeks, any word on another training center or the purchase of a sim?

Any further word on new crew bases Longbeach, IAD?
Thanks

 

[Eagleflip]

Kjet--

Yep, training is still at the Airbus Center in MIA and takes about 7 weeks. The first 8 days are company indoc (much of it done with a new-hire inflight [flight atttendant] class). Some instruction is given "wet," by Airbus instructors vice JetBlue instructors. All of the training is done well, regardless of who performs it.

No news on the purchase of a sim, and I believe all training for the forseeable future will continue at the Airbus Center.

While there have been discussions on a potential crew base at FLL and Long Beach, no decision has been reached. It is a costly move to establish a new base and the company wants to ensure it is done the right way, thus the delay.

I, however, am starting a rumor that Newport News International will be the next crew base. Pass it on...