Getting to know You? SWA

[CWI]

SWA hiring 1 in 5..............

I don't know about you, but 20% hiring rate! That doesn't sound like very good odds?

I spoke with a fellow KA pilot who is looking to get on with SWA and we were discussing the odds of getting hired, ie 1 in 5.

He has a SWA friend that told him if they, SWA, feel they didn't get to know you during your 45 minutes of interview time you were going to get the Letter!

Considering most have 1000's of hours of PIC, type ratings and college education it's hard to believe that they only hire 1 in 5. So maybe there is some truth to the above.

For whats it worth....................

CWI

 

[roughneck]

We have been hiring nonstop for nearly two years. We only hire people we feel will fit in well with our culture. After two years of nonstop interviewing, it shouldn't be a suprise that the numbers of people interviewed versus hired are lower than before.

 

[Birdstrike]

...it's hard to believe that they only hire 1 in 5....

Read the SWA DB thread. It seems more like 1 in 15 if that thread's any indicator.

 

[FlyBoeingJets]

Read the SWA DB thread. It seems more like 1 in 15 if that thread's any indicator.

1 in 15? No way. A week or month with 1 in 5? possible but seems too few.

I have heard about 1 in 3 or occasionally 1 out of 2.


How about all the folks who gave $50 to FedEx, $200 for FE written and a day off of work to grip and grin with an ACP? I'm betting no more than 1 in 10 get the call to interview out of that process. Maybe much worse. Then they still tube at least 35% of those interviewed.

 

[FNG_that's me]

1 in 15? No way. A week or month with 1 in 5? possible but seems too few.

I have heard about 1 in 3 or occasionally 1 out of 2.


How about all the folks who gave $50 to FedEx, $200 for FE written and a day off of work to grip and grin with an ACP? I'm betting no more than 1 in 10 get the call to interview out of that process. Maybe much worse. Then they still tube at least 35% of those interviewed.

Whether you do this or pay for your type rating, nobody's forcing you to.

At a time when the industry is at(or near) its worst, it's reasonable to expect those still hiring to be picky. At least you know what you need to do to get the interview(737 for SWA, sponsor for FX), that's a lot more info than guys who were trying to get hired 10-15 years ago had.

FedEx does the 'weeding out' before the interview then hires most of those.(the 65% includes sim failures, so the real number for actual interviewees is probably closer to 80...just a guess). SWA has always done the weeding out at the interview, i.e. fewer than 50%success. I don't know which is better...neither if you never get the call or don't pass the interview.

So you know what you have to do to get the interview...the rest is up to you to put on your best face when you do get the call. That's about as good as it will ever get with a job interview IMHO.

Now Go Gett'em!!!

FNG

 

[FlyAuburn]

We have been hiring nonstop for nearly two years. We only hire people we feel will fit in well with our culture. After two years of nonstop interviewing, it shouldn't be a suprise that the numbers of people interviewed versus hired are lower than before.

I know of people that would fit in perfect with SWA's culture and still got turned down. There's more to it than that. Who know's what it is.
Just my 2 cents...

 

[HoursHore]

1 in 15? No way. A week or month with 1 in 5? possible but seems too few.

I have heard about 1 in 3 or occasionally 1 out of 2.


How about all the folks who gave $50 to FedEx, $200 for FE written and a day off of work to grip and grin with an ACP? I'm betting no more than 1 in 10 get the call to interview out of that process. Maybe much worse. Then they still tube at least 35% of those interviewed.

Those figures are wrong. My interview group went 12/12 and so did the day before. 80% is the historical rate. Most who get to the Grip and Grin get an interview, except those who require an SCP referral. (those with special circumstances,, furlogh, active on another airlines list, accidents, etc.)

 

[Benhuntn]

If your buddy decides not to go....it makes the odds for the others 1 in 4. Tell him to stay home. Since he lives by odds he should stay indoors too!

 

[CWI]

Benhuntn

Tell him to stay home. Since he lives by odds he should stay indoors too!

Looking at your Profile this comment doesn't surprise me.

 

[FlyBoeingJets]

Those figures are wrong. My interview group went 12/12 and so did the day before. 80% is the historical rate. Most who get to the Grip and Grin get an interview, except those who require an SCP referral. (those with special circumstances,, furlogh, active on another airlines list, accidents, etc.)

You are the one who is wrong. Just because your unscientific "what happened to my class" results are good doesn't make it so for everyone. There is no way everyone who gets a grip and grin is getting an interview. Maybe so in the past, but not now.


Do a little research and you'll discover what is happening now.

 

[HoursHore]

You are the one who is wrong. Just because your unscientific "what happened to my class" results are good doesn't make it so for everyone. There is no way everyone who gets a grip and grin is getting an interview. Maybe so in the past, but not now.


Do a little research and you'll discover what is happening now.

My numbers come from an ACP during a "grip and Grin"

Where do yours come from? Your Postierior?

 

[FlyBoeingJets]

My numbers come from an ACP during a "grip and Grin"

Where do yours come from? Your Postierior?

You'll fit in nicely at FedEx.

 

[HoursHore]

Thanks, Best Job I ever had.

Nothing like 25 Block hours for 70 hour of pay.

 

[sandman2122]

.............

 

[sandman2122]

No, wait a minute!

Oh yeah, I noticed what Flyboeingjets said that made me laugh:

How about all the folks who gave $50 to FedEx, $200 for FE written and a day off of work to grip and grin with an ACP? I'm betting no more than 1 in 10 get the call to interview out of that process. Maybe much worse. Then they still tube at least 35% of those interviewed

Well, the two guys I've taken in for a "grip and grin" got interviews (one was furloughed and hired, the other furloughed guy's interview is this month). And my buddies who did the same thing got their friends interviews....So, in just my personal, unscientific experience the "grip and grin" works when trying to get an interview......That beats paying $5,000 for a type rating with a 1 in 5 chance of getting your foot in the door.....

Just doing whatever it takes to help my friends out.

 

[FlyBoeingJets]

I'm glad furloughed dudes are getting back on their feet. It was wrong not to hire them before.

The ACP's have tons of resumes on file and it is impossible that everyone would get an interview. After all, what is the purpose of the CP/ACP pre-interview board?? I'm thinking it is to pick and choose candidates for interview but it could be to plan golf outings with all the free time you guys have.

But hiring trends change over time. The low interview rate may have been temporary.

 

[Juvat]

I know of people that would fit in perfect with SWA's culture and still got turned down. There's more to it than that. Who know's what it is.
Just my 2 cents...

Interesting...and how long have you been at SWA?

 

[FlyAuburn]

Interesting...and how long have you been at SWA?

So you ask because of my profile? For your info., I have worked at SWA. I know the culture. Hell, I'll go out on the limb and say that I know more people in Flight Ops than you do. But, that's besides the point. The fact is that it's not just the culture factor like you say. Great people have been turned down at SWA - just admit it. It's like that everywhere.
Don't judge a book by its cover.

 

[Chuck Yogourt]

Don't know about great people being turned down by your airline but I do know quiet a few eggheads that "Fit YOUR CULTURE". who have gotten hired.

 

[lifeguard]

Some people interview well and don't necessarily "fit in" better than others after they are hired. I think SWA should raise their mins for hiring and quit wasting peoples time and MONEY.

 

[boeingdriver213]

Anyone who is not happy with the hire rate at the airlines needs to look at other professions. It's not any better there, maybe worse. When times are good hiring folks have the opportunity to hire more. These are not good times......

 

[Juvat]

So you ask because of my profile? For your info., I have worked at SWA. I know the culture. Hell, I'll go out on the limb and say that I know more people in Flight Ops than you do. But, that's besides the point. The fact is that it's not just the culture factor like you say. Great people have been turned down at SWA - just admit it. It's like that everywhere.
Don't judge a book by its cover.

Noted. If that limb you're on snaps and causes you to fall, and you break both of your legs, don't come running to me

...and how long were you at SWA?

 

[FlyAuburn]

Noted. If that limb you're on snaps and causes you to fall, and you break both of your legs, don't come running to me

...and how long were you at SWA?

why do you even care? Is it just me, but you seem a bit arrogant? What do I know? I can't give you that info. Sorry.

 

[ivauir]

I know of people that would fit in perfect with SWA's culture and still got turned down. There's more to it than that. Who know's what it is.
Just my 2 cents...

We got your 2 pennies, but do youi have any theories? FWIW I know folks I wished they'd hired, but I am continually impressed with the folks they are hiring.

My pet theory is that during lean times such as these folks who would normally not consider SWA decide to give it a try. These folks are highly qualified, but for what ever reason are not a great fit. In fact they'd rather be somewhere else, but those folks aren't hiring, so they interview here. The interview process tries to elliminate these folks, but unfortunatly misses out on some folks who would fit quite well.

In the end this is a great place to work, and the people we are hiring aren't any better than the ones that we aren't. We are very protective of our culture and I suspect those involved in the hiring process want to make sure we don't get over run by a bunch of highly qualified folks who just don't fit in. Te decisions they make today have a direct impact on what it is going to be like to go to work at SWA in 20 years. If you think you should get hired because of your experience or what is on your resume then I can guarantee you'll be dissappointed. I wish I knoew a simolar formula for success, but at the very least have your eyes wide open before you pay for the type.

Back to the thread topic, if you recognize that they need to like you for you to get hired, then you know you've got to let the interviewers get to know you. They can't like what they don't know. Of course that is no guarantee they'll like you, but pat answers, not making eye contact, treating non pilots with disdain, and oogling the pretty ladies are easy ways to blow your chance.


Best of luck to you all.

 

[NYCPilot]

I'm curious, what exactly is this esoteric culture one must fit in to, that exists at SWA.

In fact what are the various cultures that exist at any airline.

btw, I'm very far from being competitive at any major or national. Just wondering what the atmosphere is at your or any other carrier.

 

[ivauir]

I'm curious, what exactly is this esoteric culture one must fit in to, that exists at SWA.

In fact what are the various cultures that exist at any airline.

btw, I'm very far from being competitive at any major or national. Just wondering what the atmosphere is at your or any other carrier.

I think you've figured out just how hard this can be to get a hold of. Imho if you are trying to "fit into" a culture you are not a good fit. The culture is something you are part of, it is not some static unchanging thing.

I think of it more in terms of "would you enjoy working in that environment?" Not all SWA pilots help clean the cabin, not everyone tells jokes or smiles at the passengers. I know lots of folks who put their heads down and charge toward the next gate, hoping that no one will ask them a question. Culture does't mean that we all act the same or are the same. But it does mean that lots of pilots do these things and more. Are you going to feel that it is degrading the profession when the Captain you flew with last week is working on the ramp this week? Are you going to roll your eyes and sigh when the FA sings or tells jokes? Working here is pretty laid back. Not every body would like that: I hardly ever get called "sir", a lot of times I do things that aren't my job (clean the cabin, lift bags, push wheel chairs etc) and no one says "thanks." But no one minds that I travel with a guitar, let kids in the cockpit, don't wear a hat, or wear oakleys. Sometimes I buy FAs lunch, sometimes the Captain buys me a starbucks. I don't like everybody I work with, just almost everybody. I am sure that I could have been happy at any airline, but I really feel like SWA is "home", I don't fit in so much as I feel like family. I hope this helps paint a picture.

 

[Juvat]

why do you even care? Is it just me, but you seem a bit arrogant? What do I know? I can't give you that info. Sorry.

Me arrogant? Naw! I'm only the 4th best pilot in the WORLD, and I'll be the first to admit it.

Dude, it's okay, you can tell us how many weeks you drove the SWA lav cart. There's no shame in that. Why are you so defensive? We just want to learn your real opinions about airline culture, not the two cents you gave previously that has little relevance to the original topic of discussion here.

 

[mach zero]

So you ask because of my profile? For your info., I have worked at SWA. I know the culture. Hell, I'll go out on the limb and say that I know more people in Flight Ops than you do. But, that's besides the point. The fact is that it's not just the culture factor like you say. Great people have been turned down at SWA - just admit it. It's like that everywhere.
Don't judge a book by its cover.

Are you one of the former participants in the intern program?