APB for anyone with feedback on 15 Feb SWA DB

[mach zero]

Just so I can wrap this up and move onward and upward:
I had 6 LORs; 4 from rock solid SWA pilots and friends.
I had 13 online recs from friends and squadron mates; again rock solid
4 of 6 references were called; all reported a positive, upbeat reaction from the caller


Could 13 online rec's be too many? I haven't heard of that many before.

 

[chase]

It is always difficult to read these threads and not feel real empathy for the folks who have received letters of disappointments. I spoken to some of you and I know this is a difficult time. Between now & when you can apply again (if you so choose)what will you do with your flying career?

1. Fly safely, build your PIC time
2. Move up in your company or laterially to get more PIC and/or IP time, Check airman experience, training department
3. Make innovative changes/suggestions within your company that enhance training, safety, efficiency, productivity
4. Develop relationships through meeting, attending, participating in professional organizations/meetings to network with other folks to learn about what job enhancing opportunities are out there.
5. Whenever possible learn more about, associate with, talk with folks from Southwest to learn more about Southwest, its culture & experiences
6. When you have the choice of jumpseating on a carrier, choose Southwest whenever possible...you never know who you will sit next to & get to know!! I know it sounds strange & it may add a lot to your commute but think about...commuting on your own carrier does what when it comes to helping you get to know Southwest....commuting on Southwest may do nothing but it could offer you some experiences with your future employer that flying on another carrier most likely won't do...just a thought!!!
7. You are who you are....maybe SWA isn't the best place for you...that's OK, doesn't mean you're not a good pilot, individual...the chemistry wasn't right on the day you went or something else about your background wasn't a good fit this time around.
8. If you have a significant dent in your aviaiton career, be honest about what it does to your chances. Most dents have occurred in others here at SWA, no doubt about it....the competition for positions now is as severe as it has ever been... (don't know how many have types...I'll let other guess).
9. Keep irons in the fire with other carriers....A HUGE MUST....mommy likes to have food on the table (at least mine does)!....you may find those companies are very much to your liking also....AirTran, JB & others are fine companies & match up well with culture...you'll have to be the judge but don't just settle for red-heads if you think you might like blonds (my wife is blond)

Enought rambling...hang in there to all...don't get discourage....if we never hired folks who were turned down at SWA we'd be short hundreds of pilots here...not to mention they hired slugs like me....fortunately they have raised their standards since those days!!!

Press on with your career, however, a huge caveat...don't let this "career aspiration goal thing" ruin the important things in life; family, friends & faith.....gaining a career to lose those others ain't worth it....I fly with a few CAs that have done that & they'd agree that path is not one they'd wish on anyone!!! A huge thanks for offering yourself up into the "meat-grinder"...hopefully you were treated like we treat all of our customers, respectfully, had a good time at the interview & were made to feel comfortable in order for you to do your best....cheers,

 

[walden]

MachZero,
8 of the online recs came from guys I currently fly with (Traditional Reservists who are SWA/FOs). The other 5 came from guys I flew with in this, or other squadrons. As to the question of "too many", I doubt it. I don't think you can have enough quality recs. That's the catch....quality. Quantity, in my humble opinion, can water down the good recs. I just happen to be in a position where I know/fly with a lot of SWA guys...one of the many reasons that I zeroed in on SWA as the place I'd like to be.

 

[mach zero]

MachZero,
8 of the online recs came from guys I currently fly with (Traditional Reservists who are SWA/FOs). The other 5 came from guys I flew with in this, or other squadrons. As to the question of "too many", I doubt it. I don't think you can have enough quality recs. That's the catch....quality. Quantity, in my humble opinion, can water down the good recs. I just happen to be in a position where I know/fly with a lot of SWA guys...one of the many reasons that I zeroed in on SWA as the place I'd like to be.

I don't know squat about what goes on behind the DB doors...after all I'm just a junior F/O. I'm just saying that a large # of recommendations on one applicant's behalf might raise a warning flag even if they are all glowing. Chase knows more about these issues so I would welcome a comment from him.

Walden, you seem like a nice guy with a great attitude. I'm sorry it didn't work out this time around.

 

[walden]

Thanks Mach. I'll be the first to tell you that the weight on my chin feels like it weighs about 4 metric tons. Time to take the advice I give to my 4 boys all the time: stay positive, keep plugging until the whistle blows. Oh yeah, and don't argue with the refs if you think it's a bad call!
I suppose you could be right about raising a flag, but logically I can't see it. Mysterious.

 

[benelli]

Walden:
Sorry to hear about the letter. One of the things I would recomend next time is to limit the number of letters...go for quality over quantity. Although all may have given you glowing remarks, the more letters you have, the higher the chances are that one won't. SWA asks for approx. 3 letters from people you have flown with. Next time, give them 3-4...not 15+-. Make sure thoughs 3-4 people are guys or girls you have not only flown with but are GREAT friends with. In the interview, you sell yourself. The letters just confirm who you are. Too many letters may be perceived as an attempt to overcome something. You sound like a great guy! In a year, when your sitting in front of SWA, sell yourself by letting them know who you are..and let thoughs 3-4 people confirm it!! Best of luck

 

[p3hawk]

Walden, as a member of the "I got the letter " club, keep a stout heart. I felt good after my interview. Also thought the LOI went satisfactory. I felt that I had made some new friends in the PD as well.

Yes, Im disappointed as well but I have a friend who finally made it on his 3rd try, so I'll get my encouragement from him. He started class this week.

Good Luck too you, and next year I'll see ya in the interview group.
p3hawk