Funny SW did just call for interview, now what?

[jwes]

Just got off the phone for an interview for mid April, should I do the prep? or just wing it. I know this is a break or make career move and I don't want to blow this. I'm a pretty personal guy, but with all the stress I'm all thumbs.

 

[DrewBlows]

Do you prep before getting into a sim for a checkride or do you "just wing it"? Come on this is a no brainer. Get as much prep as you can, so that you can feel comfortable.

 

[TR4A]

Do you prep before getting into a sim for a checkride or do you "just wing it"? Come on this is a no brainer. Get as much prep as you can, so that you can feel comfortable.

I just talked to a chief pilot last week about this issue. Interviewers are seeing some well prepped pilots. When this happens they do a change up on the interview.

 

[skiandsurf]

Just got off the phone for an interview for mid April, should I do the prep? or just wing it. I know this is a break or make career move and I don't want to blow this. I'm a pretty personal guy, but with all the stress I'm all thumbs.

They called on a Saturday? Are you sure this is not a prank from a friend. As far as the interview goes, remember this, they are not looking at you as a pilot, they know you can fly. What they are looking for is a story teller. "Tell me a time when you had an emergency?". "Tell me a time that you had a problem with a co-worker?". Its all how you tell the story. The best practice is start reading books to your kids, then start making up stories. As you gain confidence, go to bars and start talking to total strangers and telling them made up stories about anything. The subject matter is not important. You are learning to be a story teller for 1 hour of your life. This skill will determine if you go to newhire class, or back to recurrent class.
Good luck.

 

[English]

I have a friend that was called early this morning as well. It wasn't a prank.

 

[Uppercrust]

I just talked to a chief pilot last week about this issue. Interviewers are seeing some well prepped pilots. When this happens they do a change up on the interview.[/quote]

What do you want.... an unprepared person?? Sounds like the interviewers are the ones with the issues!:laugh:

 

[sclark161]

Just got off the phone for an interview for mid April, should I do the prep? or just wing it. I know this is a break or make career move and I don't want to blow this. I'm a pretty personal guy, but with all the stress I'm all thumbs.

They just called me too. At about 1830 on a saturday and I'm going through the same thing. Interview prep or not. Interview on the 19th. When's yours?

 

[Resume Writer]

Prep in any form (paid or unpaid) is critical. Someone said they will "change up the questions." Even if this is true, if you are properly prepped, you should be able to tell a story to fit the situation.

Whether you prep with a professional or with a spouse / family member, just remember you are telling stories about your experiences. Look at your answers critically - as if you were the person on the other side of the desk. Do not tell stories to shock or that have horrible endings unless you can get something positive out of them.

Also, look at the values of SWA and see how your stories fit those values. SWA has a copyrighted system that is based on 12 Core Competencies. Some of those include leadership, teamwork and customer service. Some of the questions they ask have several core competencies mixed into the same question. When looking at questions on the gouge, try to figure out what they are REALLY asking in those questions.

Behavioral interviewing, which is exactly what the "tell me about a time questions" are, is based upon the premise that past performance indicates future performance. They want to know if you can think on your feet, use good judgment and be someone that other pilots would enjoy flying with on a three-day trip.

One more thing - do not prep the night before. I have had a few clients take this approach, and it has not been beneficial for them. You will not have time to formulate solid answers. I would say to start at least 5-6 days before your interview.

Good luck to all of you!

 

[OffHot]

I just talked to a chief pilot last week about this issue. Interviewers are seeing some well prepped pilots. When this happens they do a change up on the interview.[/quote]

What do you want.... an unprepared person?? Sounds like the interviewers are the ones with the issues!:laugh:

No, we want people prepared, but we don't want them coached. There is a big difference. People who have been coached stick out like a sore thumb and may or may not represent what it is we are looking for. They may indeed be a perfect fit, but they come across very "canned", and yes it is very obvious. It's no seceret how our interview goes or that we have the paper sim ride. So the bottom line is prepare, if you want to pay for help that is your business, but I would guess the majority of individuals I know that have been hired didn't (we don't have the exact numbers). Either way good luck.

 

[Resume Writer]

No, we want people prepared, but we don't want them coached. There is a big difference. People who have been coached stick out like a sore thumb and may or may not represent what it is we are looking for. They may indeed be a perfect fit, but they come across very "canned", and yes it is very obvious. It's no seceret how our interview goes or that we have the paper sim ride. So the bottom line is prepare, if you want to pay for help that is your business, but I would guess the majority of individuals I know that have been hired didn't (we don't have the exact numbers). Either way good luck.

OffHot - if what you say is true, that a majority of the people that get prepped are not hired, then I have to wonder who they are prepping with. I have a great success rate, as does AlbieF15 and Judy Tarver.

I also have to wonder who is prepping them to have canned answers. This statement about canned answers always makes me scratch my head and wonder what these people are saying that sounds canned. I do not teach people to have "perfect" answers; I teach them to tell their story in a logical, succinct manner.

Do you conduct interviews with SWA? If so, can you give an example of a canned answer for me? Sorry, I am just confused by this statement!

 

[Uppercrust]

No, we want people prepared, but we don't want them coached. There is a big difference. People who have been coached stick out like a sore thumb and may or may not represent what it is we are looking for. They may indeed be a perfect fit, but they come across very "canned", and yes it is very obvious. It's no seceret how our interview goes or that we have the paper sim ride. So the bottom line is prepare, if you want to pay for help that is your business, but I would guess the majority of individuals I know that have been hired didn't (we don't have the exact numbers). Either way good luck.

I don't know what I am talking about and I admit it. I just think you should be prepared for an interview at whatever airline. This thread just stuck out. Good luck there too!!

 

[navigator72]

I was just reading an article the other day regarding Southwest. the article stated that the interview starts the day you make contact with them. Everything from simple phone calls to flying to the interview on SWA.

Goodluck

 

[TR4A]

No, we want people prepared, but we don't want them coached. There is a big difference.

I went to the interview not prepped. I was just my self and took a few minutes to come up with my stories. That was 13 years ago.

 

[PurpleChimp]

A few points:

1. I have known dozens of guys who did interview prep with Albie and every single one said they would highly recommend it and it helped them significantly with the entire interview process.

2. If you compare the overall interview success rate at SWA with those of Albie's clients on the SWA interview, you will see a gigantic difference in the hiring rates.

3. Can you think of anything else in life where having a professional prepare you made you worse off than trying to John Wayne it on your own?

It doesn't matter with whom you seek your interview prep. Just find one of the various professional interview prep groups out there and do it!

 

[CaptainMark]

Just wing it....they hire anyone...they hired SWA/FO didn't they?

 

[SWA/FO]

The SWA interview is based on personality - the FED EX interview is not.

 

[AimPoint]

My two pennies…..When I left the Military I did an interview prep that taught me the “rules” of interviewing and that was very beneficial. I have had the fortune or miss-fortune of interviewing for several “Major” jobs several times…all were successful just not long lasting positions. I think you learn the do’s and Don’ts by professionally prepping then go in and be who you are. There are some specific traits that each airline is looking for and you need to know them so you can show that you fit The bottom line…..you have at least the minimums to work there, experience is not the question…the question is what kind of person am I going to spend the next week with? Southwest wants real people who care about the Airline and the people they work with. Will you go the extra mile for the TEAM.

Southwest….I think they want to maintain their culture. (Understand the culture at least read the book “Nuts”) If you believe in the culture and fit the mold then you will be selected. Let them see that you want the family to be successful….if you just want a job there they will sniff that out and you will not be successful. If you are a highly prepped Robot and not yourself then you will not continue.

Bottom line…..Prepare to make yourself comfortable so you can be yourself and put your best foot forward. Whatever that means!

Best of luck…it will be nothing like you have ever done….pleasant experience…..it will make you smile.

 

[PurpleChimp]

The SWA interview is based on personality - the FED EX interview is not.

So, you either slipped through the cracks OR Southwest is looking for ostentatious, egotistical, jacka$$es.........Just curious which of these two applies to you?

 

[sclark161]

A few points:

1. I have known dozens of guys who did interview prep with Albie and every single one said they would highly recommend it and it helped them significantly with the entire interview process.

Who's Albie and what's his website. Thanks.

 

[Redman]

Albie is Aaron Hagan of Emerald Coast Interview Consulting. Good stuff and nice guy.