ATA Application Advice

[thebluto]

I just got my application from ATA. The directions tell you to type or print your entries neatly. I already started printing them in ink, and I have fairly neat handwriting, but my wife said that was cheesy and I should have taken it to get typed.

My answer to that was, "Who has a typewriter anymore?"

Am I wrong? Has anyone been turned down for an interview because they didn't get the app typed?

Any other thoughts?

 

[Iflewjetz]

I hand wrote mine, but I havent been called yet. I heard someone who handwrote it was interviewed and they commented how impressed they were with it being handwritten because you write alot of reports. I dont know if that is true or not. I will let you know if I get called, but I dont think it matters either way. Good luck to you.

 

[145drvr]

apps

I filled out the application by hand and used MS Word (computer) to do the essay questions - I didn't retype the question just put corresponding number and then my answer - took 2 full pages for all essay questions. I start class next Monday.good luck.

 

[Lindy]

Typewriter anyone??

Check with your local library -- they usually have a typewriter available hidden in some room.

And, a few Kinko's also have typewriter's available, but you need to call and ask (as they are also going by the way of the dinosaur).

Good Luck!!

 

[DH106]

The Bluto,

I typed mine... dismantled the staples, took it to Kinko's, and typed it. I did the essay questions via word processor. Just got notice that I passed the interview with ATA, and I'm hoping for a class date soon.

If you already started hand-writing it, I'd continue that route if I were in your shoes. But, I'd still put the essay questions into a word processor.

 

[thebluto]

THANKS FOR THE ADVICE

Thanks for all the help. I didn't think about the word processing for the essay questions. Great idea. I think I'll go that route and stay handwritten for the rest.

I noticed no one was military who answered, and I also noticed you all had way more hours than myself. I hope my military-ness and fewer hours doesn't put me at a huge disadvantage.

(And, no I'm not one of those who tries to flame-bait on the civ vs mil issue. I met a lot of great guys and gals in my type rating class who came up through the civilian ranks. My conclusion was: My hat's off to you all. It seems like a very hard road to the goal of Major Airline Pilot, given the economics and volatility involved.)

I have a couple more questions:

1. Does having a 737 type rating pose any problem for someone interviewing at ATA? I know there are obvious advantages, since it is quite possible to fly that equipment. But, would it look like I favor SWA, since the type isn't required at ATA for an interview?

2. I know common sense is always the watch word, but does anyone have any advice as far as answering the application essay questions (besides word processing format)? Some of those questions make me scratch my head a little.

 

[DH106]

1. I've interviewed many places, and there is a great deal of inferiority regarding Southwest. Not so with ATA. ATA does not fear Southwest, like many other companies. Look... you have a 737 type. You worked hard, so be proud of it. When you go in for the interview, express why ATA is so much more important to you than working for Southwest.

2. Don't give "corporate," "HR," or "expected" responses. Tell them what you really think about the issues they're asking about. Be yourself --- give answers from the heart. There are 7,000 folks out of work right now, so if you were hiring pilots, what would you think of someone who gives "standard" answers? They want to know what YOU think and what makes YOU tick.

 

[Redeye]

This is just my opinion, but I think they know that if you meet their minimums that you can do the job. What they want to know is, are you the kind of person they would want to go on a four day trip with? Are you the kind of person who will represent their company well? Do you want this job or just a job?

I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer but ATA did hire me...

 

[griffith30@mchs]

My class at ATA was a large one with 4 going to the L1011,2 going to the 757 and 8 going to the 727,plus flight engineers.I think we had a pretty even mix of corporate,commuter and ex-military.All the 727 guys had zero jet time.I was lucky to be selected for the L1011 because I had jet time.I'm surprised I wasn't on the 757 list but as it turns out I really enjoyed the L10.Anyway,I also hand-wrote my application.I've heard that they weigh the answers to the essay questions heavily.A very relaxed,'SouthWest' style interview.If you get to the interview you should be 'in'.Good luck and see you on the line.

 

[BigEasy]

For the app I did not type the answers for the essay questions. I answered them as briefly and honestly as possible with the space provided. Afterwards I thought a mistake was made by not typing them. The call for the interview was made and now I start class on March 3rd. Take it for what it is worth.

As far as answering the questions go, just be honest and that should be fine.

 

[ForgedBlade]

Just another $.02 on this one. I received an app in mid-October and hand-wrote (actually printed neatly) all of it. No b.s., just honest answers. Do yourself a favor anf copy the app before you send it in - I imagine it will help to review your essay questions just in case!

I'm fortunate to be interviewing next week and hope it will go well! Sounds like a great place to work!