Great Story

[capt_zman]

Talk about a great story, this happened to me last week.

I had flown down to Dallas Love to hand deliver my application package and to get a frontline view of the Southwest environment. I arrived around 12:00 and decided to go to lunch and be back around 1:30 or so. I got back from lunch and walked into the lobby and tried to call the recruiter that I have been working with. She wasn't available and I was directed to the People Dept in the main lobby. I went into the Dept and gave one of the attendants my app package, spoke with her a little bit and decided to call it a day.

As I walked out of the building and into the parking lot, I had 4 hours to kill before my flight, so I decided to sit in the car and watch the planes come and go (for those who have never been to Southwest headquarters, the building and parking lot are right on the runway).

While sitting in the car, I noticed a gentleman pull up next to me with a flat right rear tire. He was having some trouble getting the spare out from underneath the truck, so I got out and helped him with the tire (it had also started to rain). Remember, I had no idea who this person was. While changing the tire, he asked me how my day was going and I explained how I had flown from Massachusetts to hand deliver the app and to experience the Southwest culture. He asked, "Are you a pilot", and I said "Yes". He then said, "Let me introduce myself, my name is Ken Gile, head of Flight Operations for Southwest". I almost dropped on the spot, absolutely couldn't believe it. I desperately tried to keep my composure, but I think my excitement was obvious as my voice seemed to go through the first stages of puberty.

We finished changing the tire and talking about Southwest, and I gave him my business card and off we went. As I backed over the curb trying to leave the parking lot, I sat in amazement over how such a chain of events could be possible. Think about it, a hick from Massachusetts who flies to Dallas, goes to lunch, sits in his car for 30 minutes in a parking lot of probably 1000 cars, and randomly helps a guy with his tire in the rain who turns out to be the person who ultimately signs the "Success" letter.

Everyone asked me if I had bought a lottery ticket that day, and I said "No, this was better than winning the lottery."

Zman

 

[ultrapilot]

Capt_Zman

You should edit your title to read "Great SWA Story". Some people have lucky experiences that will always be a memory and a great story. You sound like that type of person. You also sound like just the right type person for SWA. The type that does a selfless act of kindness with no thought of reward just to make things better for someone else. Good luck to you in your quest to work for SWA.

 

[xhercdriver]

Hehe I'd say there's a fair chance your application packet has a little note paper clipped to it now

It also wouldn't surprise me to see various pilots "loitering" in the Southwest HQ parking lot from now on looking for someone to assist

 

[DougCorp-9]

Can't beat being in the right place at the right time. Congrats.

 

[mattjenna]

Did you get the call?

 

[FL000]

Timebuilder graduated to the level of a professional pilot and he should act accordingly, not like he's just seen a chocolate river in the Wonka factory.

And just a little advice about those aspiring pilots living vicariously through Timebuilder, they may seem happy for you, but they're not, they'd slash your throat in a second if they could get into that right seat. I know, I see it everyday.

Remember that quote. It will be important in a second...

"Let me introduce myself, my name is Ken Gile, head of Flight Operations for Southwest". I almost dropped on the spot, absolutely couldn't believe it. I desperately tried to keep my composure, but I think my excitement was obvious as my voice seemed to go through the first stages of puberty.

Capt. Z, try as I might, I just can't see the difference between Timebuilder's enthusiasm and yours. Please explain why you are entitled to gloat but he is not...

For the record, I'm happy for both of you. That is indeed a great story.

 

[capt_zman]

Hardly a gloat, just a good story to let every hopeful know that the trip to Dallas can be worth the expense.

 

[Ted Striker]

Nice work!!

I am on my way tonight to Love to litter the parking lot with nails, then I think I'll "drop by" at about 9am Monday morning!!

Awesome story, goes to show you that the personal visit is worthwhile.

Also goes to show you that the good guys do win every now and then!

 

[CCDiscoB]

Stirring the pot

I usually don't like to pick on grammar and spelling on these posts, since many are typed in haste, but this time I have to.

Zman - "hick" and Massachusetts can not be used in the same sentence. (unless you are from west I-91) In fact, you can't use the term hick when referring to anybody from the Northeast. Sorry, it’s a rule. It’s a little known fact, but it’s written in the Mason-Dixon land survey of 1767.

 

[Ted Striker]

Lighten up Francis.

 

[FlyingSig]

Re: Stirring the pot

"hick" and Massachusetts can not be used in the same sentence. (unless you are from west I-91) In fact, you can't use the term hick when referring to anybody from the Northeast.

apparently you've never been to Salisbury Beach

(or for the NE comment, Keene NH among other "gahhhden" spots)

 

[CCDiscoB]

Very True. The way we get around the rule is to call them "Wombats."

 

[KC-10 Driver]

Zman,

Awesome story -- I hope your good deed goes rewarded. What goes around...

It reminds me in contrast to another true story.

I know someone who successfully interviewed at the other Dallas-based major airline, only to lose the job that very same day by getting in an argument with a gate agent on the way home from the interview.

A person's true personality comes out sooner or later. You just happened to be in the right place at the right time for yours to be seen by the right person.

When the time comes, maybe Mr Gile will even choose to interview you himself...

 

[grinder]

I must be having a case of dejavu, but wasn't this same exact story up a long time ago? So did he get hired?

 

[FlyinBrian]

I'm pretty sure I've heard this story before last week also...

 

[HPaul3]

Zman,

I know someone who successfully interviewed at the other Dallas-based major airline, only to lose the job that very same day by getting in an argument with a gate agent on the way home from the interview.

OK everybody, is there anyone out there that does not understand that you are on an interview every second from the time you first submit your resume or application (grammar, truthfullness, accuracy, references, spelling) to the moment you finish your IOE at your dream job? This include the medical screening, if necessary. I know of a person who lost an offer at American because he made some off-color comment to one of their medical personnel during the examination. This also includes the gate agent, the ticket agent, FAs, and probably the guy next to you on the plane when you fly to and from the interview. For that matter, it probably includes the guy behind the desk at the hotel where you're staying the night before the interview, and the housekeeper. This is just common sense. Of course you'll be on your best behavior during the interview...everyone expects that. But the company has probably more of an interest in seeing how you deal with people on a day-to-day basis, since you're going to be the one "on the front line" with the customer. This is why they ask those fun situation/action/response questions during the interview, and why they watch your every move for the whole process. Common sense. Good luck! And if your momma didn't learn you good about manners and all that stuff, you might want to go to charm school

A person's true personality comes out sooner or later. You just happened to be in the right place at the right time for yours to be seen by the right person.

Ain't it the truth!

When the time comes, maybe Mr Gile will even choose to interview you himself...

Bet on it! Prepare yourself for this to happen, so you don't freak out when he walks through the door.

Cheers!

 

[Tri-holer]

I would just like to add that the need to be on your toes is there until you complete the probation period, usually one year. Getting done with IOE just means the training is done, now you have to show that you can relate on a day-to-day basis with those you will share the cockpit with. If you manage to annoy someone enough to have them lodge a complaint with the chief pilot then you could find yourself on the street with no recourse.

Best course of action is to do everything possible to keep your nose clean until you are done with probation.

 

[Huck]

I knew a guy at the commuters who was still on his probationary year. He took a shine to the latina maid who made up his room every day while on TDY. He decided that the best way to express his feelings was to wait until she entered the room, then come out of the bathroom naked and masturbating. He was fired, but gave us all a great story....

 

[RichardFitzwell]

Let's get something straight...

I knew a guy at the commuters who was still on his probationary year. He took a shine to the latina maid who made up his room every day while on TDY. He decided that the best way to express his feelings was to wait until she entered the room, then come out of the bathroom naked and masturbating. He was fired, but gave us all a great story....

I wasn't fired...I was, "asked to express my feelings and emotions at a different carrier." Big difference.

BTW - She was HOT! Oh well - it all rubbed out in the end.

 

[SWA GUY]

CCDISCOB,

If you were a true Southerner youda never used the term, "Mason-Dixon Line". Everyone down here in the South knows we call it the "Smith&Wesson Line"



HC