Internal SWA References vs. other references

[301SW]

Hi,

Is it a potential strike against an applicant if they do not know a Chief Pilot or another pilot at SWA to write a LOR on their behalf? Would letters from pilots at other airlines 'hold as much water' as those from folks at SWA?

Thanks for your help.

 

[ivauir]

Hi,

Is it a potential strike against an applicant if they do not know a Chief Pilot or another pilot at SWA to write a LOR on their behalf? Would letters from pilots at other airlines 'hold as much water' as those from folks at SWA?

Thanks for your help.

You certainly don't need a chief pilot, and I think you are fine without an internal connection. I wouldn't call it a strike anyway. On the other hand, it is great to have an internal, especially if it is strong. I made sure that the three folks I gave them were truly supervisors and could talk about very different portions of my career. I used people that I genuinly respect and who have great interpersonal/communications skills. One was internal and I even though knew enough guys to go entirely with internals I choose not to. My theory was that a supervisor is better than a "buddy". Remeber, if your interview goes well they WILL call these guys: don't pick just anybody. Also, anybody you do know at SWA can fill out a form on the computer - you can have as many of these as you know folks at SWA, they do NOT have to be LOR writters.

Also, keep in mind that none of this helps you get the interview. That is a numbers game.
Best of luck.

 

[canyonblue737]

many folks here at SWA did not have an internal recommendation. for me i believe having quality internal recommendations allows you to slip up a bit in the interview and make it, while having no internal recommendations may mean you have to hit the interview out of the park. nothing is impossible and if you don't know someone in SWA... big deal, apply, interview and put your best foot forward, SWA would love to have you.